Always assume the gun you are handling is loaded and ready to fire. Never presume a weapon is not loaded. Even when you are told a gun is unloaded, it’s always best to check for yourself.

The most basic safety rule. Accidents happen fast. A gun that’s never pointed at a person will never result in an accident. A safe direction is the direction where a bullet cannot hit anyone. Always be aware where the muzzle of you gun is pointing.

When handling a gun, keep your finger outside the trigger guard. Or place it along the side of the gun. Don’t touch the trigger until you are actually ready to fire.

Everything a gun points at is in danger. Never point a gun at a target you don’t intend to shoot.

Be sure the barrel is clear of any obstruction. Even a small amounts mud, sand, debris, excess lubricating oil in the bore can cause dangerously increased pressures. This can cause serious injury to the shooter and bystanders. Clean the barrel and check for obstructions before you shoot.

At times a cartridge may not fire when the trigger is pulled. If this happens to you do not attempt to look down the barrel. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Carefully unload the weapon and safely dispose of the cartridge.

The “safety” on any gun can fail or mistakenly be turned off. Never assume a gun will not fire because the “safety” is on. Gun safety is proper attitude and behavior, not a mechanical feature on a weapon.

Firearms should be loaded only when you are ready to use them. When not in use, guns and ammunition should be secured in a safe place. You are responsible to prevent unauthorized and untrained people from accessing your firearms.

Using incorrect ammunition can ruin a gun and cause serious injury to the shooter. Be absolutely sure that the caliber ammunition you are using matches the specifications for the gun.

Shooters should wear protective shooting glasses and some form of hearing protectors. Exposure to loud noise can damage hearing. Cartridge ejection, clay target chips, or firearm malfunctions can damage your vision.