Safety & Information

For Information on IFA Guide to Shooting, click here.

Shooting is one of the safest sports principally because shooters deliberately and consciously follow accepted procedures for the safe handling of firearms. If used carelessly, or in an unsafe fashion, firearms can inflict serious or lethal injury. Safety must always be the first concern when handling or using any form of firearm – whether in the field, on the range, at home or whilst travelling. The cause of all accidents involving firearms can be traced to ignorance and/or carelessness. Ignorance is displayed when a person handles a firearm without knowing the safety rules or how the firearm operates. Equally dangerous is the person who, although knowing the correct firearm operation and safety rules, becomes careless in properly applying that knowledge. In both of these cases, accidents can easily happen. When people practice responsible ownership and use of firearms accidents do not happen.

Information to all persons entering the facility
ALL Persons entering the property of the M.N.S.C.I. must immediately register in the Control office.

All Firearms entering the facility must be in cases or slips with breech clear and bolt out or breech flag inserted. In the case of Semi auto or lever action firearms. Magazines must be removed (this includes tube magazines) and breech flags clearly inserted.

Firearms may only be removed from their cases or slips when on the firing line or safe areas. Aiming or snapping of any firearm is not allowed on any part of the facility other than on the firing line and only then when the Range is live.

Shooting on the Range
All persons wishing to shoot on the Range must produce a valid firearms cert and a valid Insurance. You may be asked to produce proof of identification.

Information Signs and Notices
Information notices are on display in different areas of the range. The majority of them are safety related please do not ignore any of them.

Dress Code
Military and Combat style uniforms are not allowed on any part of the M.N.S.C.I. facility. However, exceptions will be made for historic rifle military shoots and enactment days when uniforms of the period must match the firearm that is in use. Clothing with any offensive or obscene logos, sayings or emblems are not allowed on the facility. Current army uniforms are strictly forbidden unless they are representing the Defence Forces or such like.

Some Gun Handling Rules
• Always keep the muzzle of the firearm pointed in a safe direction. A “safe” direction is defined as downrange towards the target.
• Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire. This means that the shooter’s finger will be outside the trigger guard of the firearm until the shooter is on target ready to shoot, or until the range command, "Commence Firing!" or "Range Is Live!" has been given.
• Keep the action open and the firearm unloaded until ready to use.
• There will be no handling of firearms on the firing line during a cease-fire. There will be no handling of firearms on the range while people are downrange during a cease-fire.
• Be aware of your target and what is beyond. Do not mount targets on vertical posts or cross rails No portable targets may by used except the ones provided on the range.
• Hearing protection is required at all times while the range is live. On the Pistol Range eye protection is defined as lenses covering your eyes. Safety glasses are appropriate. Half glass (reading glasses) are not appropriate eye protection. Eye protection will be worn so it covers your eyes. Hearing protection will be in the or covering the ears.
• Be sure your firearm and ammunition are compatible. Use only the type of ammunition for the firearm you are currently shooting. When switching to a different calibre firearm store the ammunition that was previously being used.

IFA Countryside Safe Shot Firearms Training

A course giving participants an introduction into shooting and providing them with their certified requirements to gain a firearm license. All participants will become IFA Countryside members and will have limited access to MNSCI facilities.

Introduction to Firearms
All candidates will be given an introduction to the major types of firearms used for hunting game in Ireland today. The purpose of all major firearm parts will be explained and demonstrated.

Firearm Handling
All candidates will be shown best practice for how to handle a firearm. This will include when storing a firearm, transporting it and carrying it whilst hunting.

Firearm Shooting
This practical part of the course will show participants how to shoot accurately and safely using the facilities at the Midlands National Shooting Centre of Ireland. An experienced instructor will guide the candidate through the process and give tips on how to improve the shot.

Assessment
At the end of the day, candidates will be required to demonstrate that they are familiar with best practice when storing, transporting and shooting a firearm and that they can handle a firearm correctly and shoot accurately and safely.

Certification
Successful candidates will be presented with a certificate of competence which will allow them to apply for a firearm license and 1 years IFA Contryside membership.

Location
The course will be held using top quality facilities at the Midlands National Shooting Centre of Ireland, Derrymore, Blueball, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. The contact number is 057 9355979. You can also pick up a brochure from any IFA office or contact IFA Countryside direct on LoCall 1890 924 982.