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FN-FAL Rifle (Fabrique Nationale Herstal Belgium)

The FAL is the most successful of all assault rifles developed since World War II.  With minor modifications it is in use by more than 65 countries around the world.  The FAL is a selective fire weapon that fires from a closed bolt.  Two variations of the rifle are in use – one with a fixed stock and one with a folding stock.

Caliber:  7.62 mm

System:  Gas operated

Feeding device:  20 round detachable box magazine

Weight:  4.5 kg.

Muzzle velocity:  730 meters per second

Effective range:  500 meters

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Browning M1919A6 .30 Caliber Machine Gun

The original design of the M1919A6 dates from 1910, but the design was not adopted by the Army until 1917.  Early versions were water cooled, but these have been obsolete for years.  Although, some are still found in use in third world nations. 

The excellent air cooled version was replaced by the M-60 machine gun in the 1960’s.  It is, however, still used as secondary armament in armored vehicles or for infantry use with a wide variety of tripod mounts. 

Caliber:  30 in.

System:  recoil operated

Feed device:  250 round fabric belt, or disintergrating link belt

Weight:  14 kg.

Muzzle velocity:  850 meters per second

Effective range:  900 meters

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Colt M1911 .45 Pistol

The Colt M1911 semi-automatic pistol is the forerunner of most modern military weapons.  The original Browning has been copied more than any other pistol.  The weapon has seen service in every war in which the U.S. has participated since WWI.  Modifications and improvements were made to the gun in the 1920’s and the designation was changed to M1911A1.  The .45 ACP pistol is the premier military pistol in the world.  It is highly accurate and hits with a punch reminiscent of a slow moving freight train. 

Caliber:  .45 ACP

System:  recoil

Feed device:  7 round detachable box magazine

Weight:  1.1 kg.

Muzzle velocity:  250 meters per second

Effective range:  50 yards

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Browning High Power 35 Pistol

This was the last pistol designed by John Browning.  Though in design and function it is very similar to the Colt .45 1911A1 (Browning designed) there are major differences.  The High Power was used extensively during WWII by the British and Canadian governments, and is still the main sidearm in those countries.  Models are frequently found with tagential sights and detachable shoulder stocks.  The effectiveness and availability of the 9 mm cartridge has made this a highly desirable sidearm in most countries outside the United States. 

Caliber:  9 mm parabellum

System:  recoil

Feed device:  13 round detachable box magazine

Weight:  0.8 kg

Muzzle velocity:  450 meters per second

Effective range:  70 meters

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CZ-50 Pistol

The model 1950 is no longer in service with the Chechoslovakian army.  It has an internal flaw that compromises the safety mechanism.  It can be set to fire and actually be in the safe position, and it can be set to safe and it could fire.  Because of this, large numbers of these weapons have been given to the “emerging” and third world nations.  The CZ-50 is frequently encountered in both Africa and South America.

Caliber:  7.65 mm (pistol)

System:  blowback, semi-automatic

Feed device:  8 round removable box magazine

Weight:  1.5 lbs.

Muzzle velocity:  919 fps

Effective range:  50 meters

Basically, amateur shooters should be familiar with the following commands which are usually directed by Range Officers:

1. “Load and make ready” – the shooter by this command, should insert the magazine and put the gun in the holster.
2. “Are you ready?” – the shooter should answer to this question, if not, the Range Officer will proceed to the next command.
3. “Standby” – two to three seconds later, the shooter will hear a beep sound, then the shooter should shoot the target immediately.
4. “If you are finished, unload and show clear”
5. “Pull trigger” – pulling the trigger should not be upward nor downward but towards the target.

The following are important signage’s and other safety instructions to tag along:

1. Cold Range – no one is allowed to carry their firearms with inserted magazine or with cocked hammer inside the range.
2. Safety Area – is the only place where the shooter can touch, disassemble/assemble, clean and dry fire the firearm.
3. Cease Fire – firing must cease immediately. Anybody can give this order if he/she witness unsafe handling of firearm.
4. Dropped handgun – the shooter should not pick-up unless told to do so by the Range Officer.
5. Empty shells – the shooter should wait for the signals before picking up empty shells or unspent bullet.
6. Eye protector and ear protector – wearing is a must when a competitor.
7. Moving between firing position – when a shooter are required to move to the next firing line the handgun must be in a safe position. The finger should be out of the trigger guard and handgun shall point downrange at all times.
8. Jammed hand gun – competitor should raise his hand and shout “JAMMED”, to alert the Range Officer.

Safety Procedures inside the Firing Range

1. Make sure that your firearm is unloaded when you enter a firing range. Check for load in a safe area.
2. Handle your firearm only in the firing line or safety area with the approval of the Range Officer. Obey your Range Officer.
3. Load firearm only upon advice of the Range Officer.
4. Never hold your firearm if there are people in front of you or with people downrange.
5. In a firing line with no barriers, the person to your right is always given priority unless stated otherwise.
6. Always announce that you are “FIRING” before you start shooting to allow other people to prepare for your firing.
7. Always wear eye and ear protectors when firing and while inside firing ranges.
8. Follow the 180 degree safety rule. When allowed to handle your firearm, always point the muzzle of your firearm downrange.
9. Make sure that no magazine is inserted inside your pistol and keep your hammer down unless you are allowed to shoot.
10. After clearing your firearm of ammunition, cock the hammer and pull the trigger with the muzzle pointing downrange to fully ensure that the firearm is cleared of any ammunition.
11. Holster (if allowed) or bag firearm if firing. If you are to place the firearm on a table, open the cylinder of the unloaded revolver or pull back and lock the slide of the pistol.
12. Follow at all times the Rules of Gun Safety.

Rules of Gun Safety

Consider Every Gun as Loaded

Every gun has the potential for danger. Accidents happen because they thought the gun was empty. If you always assume that a gun is loaded, you avoid accidents.

Never Let the Muzzle of a Gun Point at Anything You Do Not Intend to Shoot

If a gun is fired accidentally, the chances of harm is avoided if it is pointed in a safe direction. Do not let the muzzle or the hole where the bullet exits point at people, at surface which can be penetrated and where there may be people behind.

Keep Your Firearm Finger Off The Trigger Until You Are Ready to Fire

A gun will not fire unless the trigger is deliberately pressed. Do not touch the trigger until you have set your gun sights on a target and you are ready to shoot.

Be Sure Of Your Target and What Is Around It

When you have made a decision to shoot make sure you know where the bullet will end up. If you miss, the bullet can hit an innocent bystander or go through a wall and hit someone behind.