4 Rules of Gun Safety

The 4 Rules of Gun Safety

The 4 rules of gun safety are to be observed by everyone at all times when around, or handling, firearms. All of these rules are equally important, and they work in conjunction with one another.

1. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
   1. Always be aware of where you’re pointing your firearm.
   2. Never point the muzzle at something you’re  not willing to destroy.
   3. NEVER point your firearm at yourself, or at another person.
   4. Keeping your firearm pointed in a safe direction will help prevent injuries, or damage, in the event of an accidental discharge of the gun.
2. Keep your finger off of the trigger unless you’re actually pulling the trigger.
   1. Keep your finger off of the trigger, and out of the trigger guard, unless you’re actively pulling the trigger.
   2. If your finger is on the trigger, and you stumble, you fall, or you’re startled, you could reflexively pull the trigger by accident.
3. Treat every firearm as though it’s loaded.
   1. Always treat every gun as though it’s loaded, even if you know it’s not.
   2. Every time you handle a firearm, verify for yourself that it’s unloaded.
   3. If you’re unable to verify whether a firearm is loaded, or unloaded, leave it alone, and seek someone more knowledgeable.
   4. If a firearm is handed to you, or if you hand a firearm to someone else, open the slide, or the cylinder, and verify that it’s unloaded.
4. Know your target, as well as what’s around, and behind your target.
   1. Identify your target BEFORE you shoot!
   2. Do not shoot at noises, or shadows.
   3. Be aware of what’s behind your target. If your bullet misses its target, or passes through the target completely, it could strike someone else.

OTHER SAFETY RULES

A few other rules to be aware of:

• Wear eye protection, and ear protection, when appropriate.
• Never use drugs, or alcohol, before, or during, shooting firearms.
• Know how to safely operate your firearm.
• Be sure the firearm is in operational condition.
• Make sure to only use the correct ammunition for your firearm.
• Never rely on the firearm’s safety!