SAFETY
Whether shooting sporting clays, hunting, or handling, cleaning, transporting, or storing firearms, it’s vital to adhere to safety procedures. Here’s a refresher all shooters—regardless of experience—should review.
1. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is pointed so that even if it were to go off, it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle, or front end of the barrel, is pointed at all times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
2. Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot. When holding a gun, rest your finger on the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.
3. Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if the gun has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s), which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from someone who does.
Sporting Clays Magazine
January 2005 issue, Page 8
GLOSSARY
Break for 8
Sub-Gauge Team Competition
Competing in teams of four, shooters try their luck at various stations.
Flurry Team Competition
Members of teams of four line up to shoot simultaneously at an array of targets, released in a “flurry” to mimic the natural patterns of waterfowl and wildlife.
Sporting Clays Team Competition
Outfitted with shotguns, teams of four shooters compete at various stations throughout the course.
Luncheon
The midday meal is provided by Brennan's of Houston and is impeccably served outdoors and features sumptuous fair for shooters.
V. Scott Kneese Challenge
In honor of former committee member and chairman, V. Scott Kneese, this is a modified 10 target make-or-break competition for individuals.
Sporting Clays & Firearms
Broken Gun
In a hinge type gun, where the barrels are dropped open and clear of the action, exposing the chambers to view.
Gauge
The term used to describe the interior diameter of the bore. The smaller the gauge number, the larger the bore size. Modern shotguns are available in 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28 gauge. An exception is the .410 bore shotgun, which is actually a 67 gauge.
Hinge
A type of action in which a hinge mechanism separates the barrel from the standing breech block, providing access to the chamber.
