Beretta PICO 380 Instruction Manual - Page 8

4. NEVER SHOOT AT WATER OR AT A HARD SURFACE. Shooting at the surface of water or at a rock or other hard surface increases the chance of ricochets or fragmentation of the bullet or shot, which can result in the projectile striking an unintended or peripheral target. 5. KNOW THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THE FIREARM YOU ARE USING, BUT REMEMBER: SAFETY DEVICES ARE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR SAFE HANDLING PROCEDURES. Never rely solely on a safety device to prevent an accident. It is imperative that you know and use the safety features of the particular firearm you are handling, but accidents can best be prevented by following the safe handling procedures described in these safety rules and elsewhere in the product manual. To further familiarize yourself with the proper use of this or other firearms, take a Firearms Safety Course taught by an expert in firearms use and safety procedures. 6. PROPERLY MAINTAIN YOUR FIREARM. Store and carry your firearm so that dirt or lint does not accumulate in the working parts. Clean and oil your firearm, following the instructions provided in this manual, after each use to prevent corrosion, damage to the barrel or accumulation of fouling which can prevent use of the gun in an emergency. Always check the bore and chamber(s) prior to loading to ensure that they are clean and free from obstructions. Firing with an obstruction in the barrel or chamber can rupture the barrel and injure you or others nearby. In the event you hear an unusual noise when shooting, stop firing immediately, engage the manual safety and unload the firearm. Make sure the chamber and barrel are free from any obstruction, like a bullet stuck inside the barrel due to defective or improper ammunition. 8