1. Be muzzle conscious. The muzzle of your firearm should never point at another person, even if it is unloaded, unless you intend to use the firearm against that person.
  2. Always make sure that your firearm is properly secured in the holster.
  3. Never climb fences or walls with a loaded firearm in your hand.
  4. Always keep the firearm unloaded while it is in storage or not in use.
  5. Do not handle the firearm unnecessarily. The firearm is not a toy, playing with it will only lead to accidents.
  6. Never attempt to modify your firearm in any way. Any repairs or modifications to the firearm may only be carried out by a qualified gunsmith.
  7. Be sure before you shoot. Remember that once you have squeezed the trigger, you cannot recall that speeding bullet.
  8. Alcohol and gunpowder do not mix. Never handle firearms while you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  9. Always know the condition of your firearm. That is to say, you must know if the safety catch is on or off and if there is a round in the chamber or not.
  10. Always remember to keep your firearm locked up in a safe when you are not carrying it.
  11. Never fire into the air. A bullet fired into the air will come down with enough speed to kill or injure the person that it hits.
  12. Use only the correct ammunition in your firearm. In South Africa you may only be in possession of ammunition that is of the same caliber as the firearm you are licensed to carry.
  13. If you have not used your firearm in a long time, make sure the barrel is free of obstruction or excessive oil before using it. Firing a shot with oil in the barrel will damage the firearm.
  14. Always use eye protection and ear protection on a shooting range. When shooting on an indoor range remember to use earmuffs and not only ear plugs. An ear plug does not protect the delicate bone behind the ear. Shooting without proper earmuffs on an indoor shooting range can cause permanent damage to your hearing.
  15. Keep your firearm clean. Your firearm should be cleaned each time after it has been fired.
  16. Keep firearms out of the reach of children at all times. Children should be taught to never touch firearms without adult supervision.
  17. Whenever possible, issue a verbal warning before you shoot.
  18. When unloading a semi-automatic pistol always remember the round in the chamber.
  19. Make sure that the firearm you are carrying is always in good working order as your life may depend on it.