NZGAC Hunter Education. Enabling better education and safer hunting practices.
NZ Hunter Education Course:
Module 3:FIREARMS
(Part 6) Recommendations .
When and where you may use firearms.
Before you do any shooting, whether with a firearm or airgun, you need to know when and where it can be safely and lawfully used.
You should take steps to ensure that your shooting does not endanger property or frighten, annoy or put neighbours at risk. Telling your neighbours about what you are doing is always a good first step.
The permission of the land owner is required before shooting anywhere.
A permit is necessary before hunting on any land managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), which includes conservation and national parks.
.22 Rimfire rifles
A .22 rimfire rifle has been the traditional first rifle of many New Zealanders. It is regarded as a safe and inexpensive firearm for a young person. This rifle can be just as deadly as any other firearm and must be handled with respect and care.
There are only two places in which a .22 rimfire rifle can be used. One is at a rifle range, either indoor or outdoor. The only other place is on private property, with the owner’s permission. The .22 rimfire rifle is not generally permitted on any land managed by DOC, which includes conservation and national parks.
Recommendations for purchasing a firearm.
1. Purchasing a firearm is a bit like purchasing a vehicle.
2. People have different tastes and uses for both firearms and vehicles and that will be reflected in what they buy.
3. Cost is another factor.
So what is a good choice?
For a younger hunter purchasing their first rifle, a bolt action is always a good choice. They are much safer than a semi-automatic as you can carry them on half cock with the bolt half up and the safety on as well.
When you fire a bolt action rifle, you have to reload a cartridge into the chamber manually whereas a semi-automatic reloads immediately. If you then forget to put the safety on with a semi-automatic you have a potentially dangerous situation
As well, fire power is never a substitute for good shot placement.
Also, the trigger on a bolt action is generally better and they tend to be more reliable. If you want to reload for a centre fire rifle you will need to use a bolt action.
The most popular shotguns today are semi-automatics, because you are now allowed five shots in a magazine, but the over & under and side by side guns are generally safer. Pump actions are available, but are not as popular.
Before you leave a gun shop with your new firearm make certain you know how to load and unload it and how the safety features such as the safety work. This is your responsibility - ask!