1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded

Always treat a firearm as though it is loaded, regardless of what other people tell you about the gun. They could be wrong! Never assume that a firearm is unloaded.

2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction

Do not point a firearm at something that you do not intend to shoot. The muzzle must always be pointed in a safe direction. It must never cover or sweep ANYTHING you don’t intend to shoot. A safe direction is determined by the setting in your specific surroundings.

3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot

When holding a firearm, rest your finger alongside the frame and outside the trigger guard. Resist the impulse to touch the trigger until you are prepared to engage your target. If you pull the trigger on a loaded firearm, it will go BANG!

4. Be sure of your target and its surrounding area

Once the trigger of a loaded gun is pulled, the bullet cannot be recalled. The shooter is responsible of the final resting place of that bullet. Be aware of the foreground, background, sides, and the elevation of your target.