4 Universal Firearms Safety Rules and Their Importance

By Scott Gara

Competitive shooters are constantly drilling themselves on safety. (Photo: Jacki Billings/Guns.com)
When it comes to firearms safety there are four universal safety rules crucial to follow. These rules ensure no one is injured — or worse — due to a negligent discharge. If you’re new to firearms, the National Shooting Sports Foundation recommends committing the following rules to memory:
1. Always point a firearm in a safe direction.
2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
3. Treat every gun as if it were loaded. Keep it unloaded until you’re ready to use it.
4. Know your target and what’s around it, including beyond it.
Hang around gun people enough and you’ll hear different variations of these basic rules but, rest assured, they all mean the same thing. For example, a classic twist on rule one is “Never point your firearm at something you’re not willing to destroy.” It’s a bit more poignant for those who need help painting a mental picture.
The 10 C0mmandments of Gun Safety
In addition to the above four universal safety rules, the NSSF offers up six additional rules to follow making up what they call the 10 Commandments of Gun Safety:
5. Use correct ammunition.
6. If the gun

Source: Guns.com