There are universal safety rules to know and live by when handling any firearm.
Disclaimer: Yes, these rules are universal, but the phrasing or number of rules can vary depending on where you first learned them. For example, the military has 4 rules, and I teach 5 rules.
Regardless, learn it, live it, love it!
So here are my 5 rules to follow when it comes to handling a firearm:
Rule #1 – Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
Have respect for the gun, and even if someone says, “Don’t worry, it’s unloaded,” still check it yourself.
Rule #2 – Point your firearm in a safe direction.
This is dependent on where you are! If the gun were to fire, where would the bullet go? On a shooting range, the safe direction is at your target, downrange at all times.
Rule #3 – Keep your trigger finger straight along the frame until you’re on target and ready to fire.
This is for your own personal safety! As long as your finger is along the frame, the gun will not fire. For new shooters, it takes some getting used to but take the extra time to confirm your safety.
Rule #4 – Know your target and what surrounds it.
What is your target, what’s around and behind it, and what is stopping your bullet? If you’re outdoors, are you shooting into a mountain berm? Are there other people around you? What direction are they shooting? Keep all of this in mind!
Rule #5 – Keep control of your firearm.
Control your firearm when you’re shooting by having a good grip and stance, when you’re transporting it to the range or carrying it in public, and when the gun is at home by locking it up in a safe.
Follow these rules, and you’ll be a firearm safety wiz!
