SAFE OWNERSHIP
THE NEED FOR INSTRUCTION
• Possessionofthisoranyrearmindicatesyour
acceptance of responsibility to comply with the
law and prevent consequences of danger, which
can result from improper handling.
• DAN WESSON FIREARMS strongly recom-
mends that every person receive complete and
thorough instruction on the safe and proper
use of firearms from a competent instructor
before handling this or any other firearm.
• Those unfamiliar with firearms should not
remove this DAN WESSON FIREARMS product
from its packaging until successfully completing
a full course of instruction by a competent
instructor on the safe use and handling of
firearms with an emphasis on semi-automatic
type handgun safety.
• Informationonqualiedinstructorsinyourarea
may be obtained by consulting your local law
enforcement authorities, a firearms retailer or
through local gun clubs.
• Additional sources on rearms safety and
instruction can be obtained by writing to national
organizations, such as the United States Practi-
cal Shooting Association (USPSA -903-A Metcalf
Street, Sedro Woolley, WA 98284, or the National
Rifle Association (NRA -11250 Waples Mill
Road, Washington, DC 22030, (703) 267-1430).
www.nra.org and www.nrahq.org/education/
guide.asp
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
• Protectyourhearing - Firearms produce high
noise levels when discharged. Protect your hear-
ing from potentially harmful exposure with an
adequate sound attenuation product, such as
earplugs and/or earmuffs. Unprotected exposure
to loud noises can cause a loss of hearing known
to have a cumulative effect and can cause per-
manent hearing loss.
•Protectyoureyes - Firearms as well as environ-
mental conditions can affect your eyes if not
properly protected. Always protect your eyes
with impact-resistant glasses. Use corrective
lenses if necessary to clearly see your firearm
and your target. Tinted lenses should only be
used under proper lighting conditions. Eye pro-
tection should provide adequate protection
against airborne debris, hot gases, powder blow-
back, ejected shell cartridges, dust, wind, sun
glare, low limbs or any other condition that could
endanger yourself or others nearby.
• Protectyourbody - Wear adequate clothing to
help protect your body from injury. Your body
should be protected from firearm discharge and
ejected shell cartridges, which are hot and could
cause burns. Be certain to wear comfortable,
well-fit clothing appropriate to the season. Do not
wear clothing that causes discomfort or could
impair the safe handling of a firearm.
• Be responsible - Firearm safety depends on
you. A responsible owner respects the right
and privilege of gun ownership. A responsible
firearms owner learns and obeys all firearm safe-
ty practices, and always considers every firearm
to be loaded. Stay aware of the fact that you have
a responsibility for your own safety and the safe-
ty of others around the firearm.
THE BASIC RULES OF FIREARM
SAFETY
1. Do not rely on your firearm’s safety mecha-
nism. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded, and
ready to fire, at all times.
2. Never point your firearm at anything you do
not intend to shoot. Always keep the muzzle
pointed away from other people, and in a safe
direction.
3. Always check the barrel for obstructions.
Use only ammunition of the proper type for the
firearm you are using.
4. Do not shoot unless you are absolutely sure of
your target and what exists beyond it.
5. Never shoot at a hard surface or the surface of
the water. Make sure you have a safe backstop.
6. Never drink alcoholic beverages or take drugs
before or during shooting.
7. Never leave your firearm unattended until you
have unloaded it and secured it from unautho-
rized handling and use.
8. Never carry a loaded firearm when you climb a
tree, cross a fence, jump over an obstacle, or
go across area where you are likely to trip, slip,
stumble or fall.
9. Carry only empty firearms when traveling
between destinations.
10. Store firearms and ammunition separately,
2 Dan Wesson Firearms 1911 Series Users Manual