The Four Primary Rules of Firearm Safety
Attention! The information on this page may save your life or the lives of your friends and family.
1. Watch that muzzle!
Never point your firearm at anything that you don’t intend to shoot.
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Video Transcript
First Primary Rule of Firearm Safety Transcript
Never point your gun at anything you do not intend to shoot. This is particularly important when loading and unloading your firearm. This might sound super common sense. But always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
2. Treat every firearm as if it was loaded.
It might be loaded, even if you think it isn’t. In addition to treating your firearm as if it were loaded, CHECK to see if it is every time that you touch it so that you know the exact status of your firearm.
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Video Transcript
Second Primary Rule of Firearm Safety Transcript
Treat every firearm as if it was loaded. If a firearm can fire, assume that it will fire. Even if you’re absolutely sure that that firearm is empty, and even if someone tells you it’s empty or clear, always check yourself.
3. Be sure of the target and what is in front of it and beyond it.
Make sure you have an adequate backstop—don’t shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
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Video Transcript
Third Primary Rule of Firearm Safety Transcript
Always be sure of your target and what’s beyond. Do not shoot unless you know exactly what your shot is going to strike.
4. Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
This is the best way to prevent an accidental discharge.
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Video Transcript
Fourth Primary Rule of Firearm Safety Transcript
Always keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you’re ready to shoot. This will prevent any possibility of an accidental discharge.