Prepared for Action? | Explanation of Firearm Readiness States
Firearms safety is of paramount importance for hunters, and the New Zealand Police, along with associated law enforcement training authorities, have developed a clear and concise system known as the States of Readiness. This system, which is also used by military and law enforcement agencies internationally, aims to keep users and others safe in the field.
The States of Readiness are a proven teaching method that forms the basis for current safety instruction in the mandatory course carried out by the MSC for NZ Police firearms training. Here's a breakdown of the different states:
- Unload State: The most obvious state of a firearm is the unload state, where there should be no ammunition in the magazine or chamber, with the firearm on safe. It is recommended to place the bolt and ammunition in the top pocket of your pack and the rifle, in the unload state, in a locked case in your vehicle.
- Action State: When you are ready to fire, you may chamber a round, this is the action state, and the firearm should still be on safe. Upon seeing deer, for example, the rifle is laid on the pack and chambered a round, moving it to the action state.
- Load State: Once any ammunition is introduced to the firearm, it is in a load state, with the ammunition confined to the magazine only and not in the chamber yet. After a few kilometres of climbing, the rifle is loaded and is in the load state.
- Instant State: Only when you have identified your target beyond all doubt and have made the conscious decision to fire, you remove the safety and are in the instant state. Before firing, the safety is checked and moved to the off position, putting the rifle in the instant state.
- Safety Precautions: Safety precautions, such as ensuring the firearm is empty, are a key part of this training that should be carried out every time you pick up a firearm. Regularly repeating these States of Readiness can reduce the risk of a firearms incident.
After firing, the rifle is unloaded to ensure the magazine and chamber are empty and the safety catch is on safe, returning it to the unload state. Upon returning to the vehicle, the rifle bolt and ammunition are locked away and the rifle is locked in a case after performing safety precautions. Crossing the boundary fence, the unload state rifle is placed under the fence with the muzzle facing away from the user.
When accessing a public hunting area, the rifle is removed from its case and remains in the unload state. Helpfully, this clear language is more concise and easier to use than the old and often misunderstood versions. The Seven Basic Rules of Firearms Safety and the States of Readiness Poster are available for learning and preparation.
For more information and preparation for your next hunt, visit the Big Game Hunting page. The MSC that developed the safety regulations for hunters based on the "States of Readiness," required for NZ Police firearms training in New Zealand, was developed by the New Zealand Police or an associated New Zealand law enforcement training authority; however, specific attribution to an individual or organization named MSC is not found in the available search results.
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