# Safe Storage and Handling

Part of the Rifle Shooting Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/rifle-shooting/guide/index.md)

*2. Option B — Air Rifle*

> **2bb.** Identify and demonstrate the rules for safely storing and handling an air rifle.

Air rifles are sometimes treated casually because they are "not real guns." This is a dangerous attitude. An air rifle fires a projectile at significant velocity and can cause serious injury, including eye injury from a ricochet or direct hit. The same four safety rules from Req 1b apply fully.

## Safe Storage Rules

**1. Store the rifle uncocked and unloaded.**
A spring-piston air rifle that is stored cocked over a long period can weaken the spring (not all designs are affected, but it is good practice to de-cock before storage). Never store a rifle loaded with a pellet in the breech or a BB in the chamber.

**2. Lock it up.**
Like a cartridge firearm, an air rifle should be stored in a locked cabinet or case to prevent unauthorized access by children.

**3. Remove CO₂ cartridges before long-term storage.**
A leaking CO₂ cartridge can damage seals or corrode internal parts. Remove and dispose of partially spent cartridges before storage.

**4. Store BBs and pellets separately.**
Keep ammunition in a separate container away from the rifle.

## Safe Handling Rules

**Apply all four safety rules:**
- Treat every air rifle as if it is ready to fire.
- Never point it at anything you do not intend to shoot.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
- Know your target and what is beyond it.

**Additional air rifle specifics:**
- Break-barrel models: when cocking, keep the barrel pointed in a safe direction and keep fingers and hands clear of the pivot joint (the hinge mechanism can close quickly and pinch fingers if released).
- Never cock a break-barrel rifle and then set it down unattended—it is ready to fire.
- Do not fire CO₂-powered guns in temperatures below about 40°F (4°C) without checking the manufacturer's guidance—cold reduces CO₂ pressure and the gun may not cycle properly.

## Demonstrating for Your Counselor

Your counselor will observe you handling the air rifle on the range. Demonstrate muzzle discipline, trigger discipline, verifying the chamber/breech, opening the action to show clear during a cease-fire, and the correct method of cocking (for spring-piston designs) with hands and fingers in safe positions.

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- Previous: [Three Main Parts of an Air Rifle](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/rifle-shooting/guide/req2ba/index.md)
- Next: [Two Types of Air Rifle Ammunition](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/rifle-shooting/guide/req2bc/index.md)