Basic Safety Rules
The safe and responsible use of firearms is essential for any shooter, whether you're a beginner or an experienced marksman. To ensure that you and those around you are safe while handling firearms, it's important to follow the 4 Golden Rules of firearms safety:
Treat every firearm as if it's loaded: Always assume that any firearm is loaded, and handle it with the same level of caution and respect that you would if it were actually loaded. This means keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and never pointing a firearm at anybody (including yourself) or anything that you're not willing to destroy.
Never point a gun a anybody; always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction: The direction that the muzzle is pointing is critical for ensuring the safety of everyone around you. When handling a firearm, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction - away from people, animals, and property.
Keep your finger off the trigger until you're ready to shoot: Your finger should always be off the trigger until you're ready to fire the gun. This helps to prevent accidental discharges and ensures that you have full control over the firearm at all times.
Be sure of your target and what's beyond it: Before firing a shot, make sure that you know what you're aiming at and what's behind it. This means being aware of your surroundings and knowing the range of your firearm, as well as the trajectory of the bullet.
Following these 4 Golden Rules of firearms safety is essential for anyone who handles firearms, whether for target shooting, stalking or game shooting. By always treating firearms with respect and caution, and being aware of your surroundings and the people around you, you can ensure that you and those around you stay safe while enjoying the sport of shooting.