The Four Essential Rules of Gun Safety

Gun safety relies on a few simple but essential rules. These four universal rules apply to every gun, every time, ensuring safe handling and preventing accidents.

1. Treat Every Firearm as if It’s Loaded: Even if you think a gun is unloaded, always treat it as though it’s loaded. This habit prevents dangerous complacency.

   
   

2. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot: Maintain control by keeping your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re set to fire.

   
   

3. Never Point the Muzzle at Anything You’re Not Willing to Destroy: Only point your firearm in a safe direction. This prevents accidental injury if a firearm were to discharge.

   
   

4. Know Your Target and What’s Beyond It: Bullets can travel far beyond the target, so be aware of what’s behind it. Always consider where your shot may land if it passes through or misses.

Following these four rules every time you handle a firearm helps protect everyone around you. Respect for these rules is the foundation of responsible gun ownership.