Scotish Clay Target Association

The objective of the SCTA is to promote and encourage the sport of clay target shooting in Scotland , to do so safely and in accordance with the rules and by-laws of the association. Safety is the most important factor in all sports and participants should always be aware of how their personal conduct will affect those around them. The SCTA has therefore compiled this “ safety summary ” for the benefit of all persons handling shotguns.

• Basic legal information;

• Your Shotgun

• Safe Storage

• General Safety

• Cartridges

• Eyesight Protection

• Hearing Protection

Basic legal information;

1. You must comply with all of the conditions recorded on your Shotgun Certificate.

2. You must inform your issuing police authority if you change your address.

3. You must inform your local issuing police authority within 7 days if you dispose of a shotgun.

4. You must inform your local Police Fire Arms Authority if you intend to lend your shotgun for more than a period of 72 hours

5. You must notify your issuing police authority of any dealer’s details where your shotgun is to be stored or the name, address and Certificate number of the “Certificate Holder” who is storing the shotgun on your behalf.

6. You must ensure that the security of your shotgun prevents any unauthorised person gaining access to it, especially at shooting grounds, as failure to do so may result in the revocation of your Shotgun Certificate.

7. All members of the SCTA should conduct themselves in a safe and proper manner. Ignoring the safety guidelines may result in the offender being refused membership of the association.

8. It is recommended that members carry their Shotgun Certificates whenever in possession of their gun. If you are requested to prove ownership of a shotgun in your possession then the production of your licence will suffice.

9. It is illegal to have a loaded shotgun in a public place.

10. It is illegal to sell a shotgun that is knowingly out of proof

11. It is illegal [subject to certain conditions] to possess a shotgun without a shotgun Certificate.

12. It is illegal to possess a shotgun that can hold more than two cartridges, unless it is a firearm and on the appropriate “Firearms Licence”

Your shotgun

1. Never use a shotgun that has any fault, dented barrels, obviously out of proof or has any suspected malfunctions.

2. Clean you shotgun properly before storing in a safe place.

3. Make sure your gun is well serviced by a professional gunsmith

4. Always ensure that any shotgun you handle is in a safe condition.

5. Only carry cartridges appropriate to the gun you are using.

6. Remembering that the shotgun is still able to fire while the safety catch is on.

7. The use of a sling is not permitted when shooting at an SCTA shoot.

8. Take extra care when using “Automatic” shotguns. Always make sure that the breech is open at all times except when shooting.

Safe Storage

1. Always store your shotgun and cartridges in separate places.

2. Always keep a separate note of all the serial numbers of you shotguns.

3. Your shotgun should be stored in a purpose built cabinet.

4. Never allow anyone else in your household to have access to your shotgun. It is your responsibility to make sure it is securely stored and access is restricted to the gun owners only.

General Safety

1. Treat every gun as if it were loaded.

2. Avoid alcohol and “horseplay” when in possession of a shotgun.

3. Never point or fire your gun at anything other that the target. To do so will lead to expulsion from the competition and a safety report to the SCTA management.

4. Always make sure that when handed a gun it is open and empty.

5. You must never leave your gun in an unlocked, unattended vehicle.

6. Always place the gun out of sight if within a vehicle.

7. When travelling always secure your shotgun in a case or protective gun cover. Never travel with a loaded gun.

8. Always carry your shotgun open and empty.

9. Only carry with you cartridges that are suitable for the shotgun you are using at that particular time. Never carry a mixture of sizes of cartridges. (e.g. do not mix 12 and 20 bore)

10. Never close your gun until you are on the firing mark, and then only when it is your turn to shoot.

11. Always carry your gun in a safe manner so that it does not point at anyone or bump into them. It is best carried open, empty and over your arm.

12. If fitted with a safety catch make sure it is on “safe” until you are ready to shoot.

13. Keep your gun pointing up the range at all times until you have opened and emptied your gun. Then you may turn and walk off the firing point.

14. Always unload your shotgun before moving to the next stance. In the case of DTL. ABT and other disciplines where you move from peg 5 to 1 make sure your gun is empty.

15. After each shot it is advisable to look through the barrels to ensure that there is no obstruction left from the previous shot.

16. Do not place any cartridges in you shotgun until you are ready to shoot, and instructed to do so by the referee.

17. Do not leave your gun unattended at any time.

18. Do not lean you shotgun against anything where it is insecure and may fall

19. Be aware of all the safety aspects printed in the Rule Book.

20. As a member of the SCTA you are insured whilst participating in organised clay shooting and certain other events. See policy details on SCTA website. Remember that not everyone is insured with reputable organisations.

21. Insuring your gun under a separate cover is recommended. See SCTA website for further details.

Cartridges

1. Store your cartridge in a secure and dry place

2. Only carry cartridges appropriate to shotgun in your possession.

3. Re-loads and Home Loads are not permissible at SCTA events

Eye Protection

Rule 1-68 The appropriate wearing of adequate and effective visible eye protection by shooters, trappers, officials and spectators at or around any shooting position at all Registered events is mandatory. It is also recommended that this protection be to a minimum standard of BS-EN 166F.

It is extremely important that all persons handling a shotgun understand the correct use of “Eye Protection”

Eye Protection should be made available for use for ALL PERSONS near the shooting area including Referees, Trappers, Mark ers Spectators etc.

Clubs are strongly recommended to ensure that all area where eye protection is necessary make sure that the appropriate signs are clearly evident.

Hearing Protection

The use of adequate “Hearing Protection” while competing at all SCTA events is mandatory for participants, referees & spectators close to the shooting area. Trappers must wear the appropriate equipment. (Notes in Section 5) of SCTA Club Safety Officers Manual.

Clubs are strongly recommended to ensure that in all areas where hearing protection is necessary to make sure that the appropriate signs are clearly evident.

We recommend that all members attend a “Safety Course” organised by the SCTA . To do so please contact the appropriate Safety Officer or anyone in the SCTA management will be able to assist. All contacts are available in the “Bulletin” or on the SCTA web site www.scta.co.uk

Remember YOU are responsible for the safe handling of your shotgun at all times.

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