Gun Safety Practices

Always Keep Your Firearm Pointed in a Safe Direction: This is the most critical rule in firearm handling, meant to minimize the risk of accidental discharge leading to injury or fatality.
Treat All Firearms as if They Were Loaded: Assumes that the firearm could be loaded at all times. Adopting a mindset that every gun is loaded fosters caution.
Keep Your Trigger Finger Outside the Guard and Off of the Trigger Until You Are Ready to Fire: This prevents accidental discharges due to unintended engagement of the trigger.
Be Certain of Your Target, Your Line of Fire, and What Lies Beyond Your Target: Assessing the complete situation ensures awareness of potential dangers beyond the immediate target.
Always Wear Appropriate Eye and Ear Protection When Shooting and Maintaining Your Firearm: Essential to prevent health risks including hearing damage and eye injuries from debris and hot gases.

Know Your Target and What Lies Beyond: Confirm your target decisively and understand the area following your line of fire to eliminate unintended consequences.
Never Fire in a Direction with People Present or Potential for Mishap: Think before you shoot.
Know How to Use the Gun Safely: Familiarize yourself with the gun's operation before handling.
- Understanding Basic Parts: Learn to open and close the action safely and remove any ammunition.
- Mechanical Safety Devices: Understand that mechanical safeties are not foolproof and cannot substitute for proper handling.
Regular Maintenance of Firearms: Regular cleaning and proper storage are required for the working order and longevity of the gun.
Consult a Knowledgeable Gunsmith if Any Functioning Issues Arise: A qualified gunsmith can determine gun reliability.
Use Only the Correct Ammunition for Your Firearm: Mismatched ammunition can lead to malfunctions or dangerous consequences. Look for the ammunition type stamped on the barrel or printed on the box.
Never Shoot Unless Certain of Having the Correct Ammunition: Verify compatibility before using a firearm.
Consistently Wear Eye and Ear Protection: Both while shooting and while in the vicinity of shooting activities to mitigate risk of injury.

Auditory Risks: Gunfire is loud and can lead to permanent hearing loss, necessitating the use of hearing protection.
Potential Eye Injuries: Flying debris and hot gases can injure eyesight; hence, shooting glasses are crucial.

Prohibition of Alcohol and Drug Use Before or While Shooting: Mental and physical impairments increase the risk of accidents; substances that alter functionality should never be consumed in relation to gun handling.

Secure Storage of Guns: Store firearms securely to prevent access by unauthorized persons. Factors affecting storage solutions include individual circumstances and available devices.
- Variety of Storage Options: There are numerous gun storage devices and locking mechanisms available that enhance gun safety
- Mechanical Locking Devices: While helpful, should not replace adherence to safe handling practices.

Regular Cleaning Importance: Essential for functionality and safety; cleaning preserves firearm integrity and extends its life.
Cleaning Protocol: Always clean the firearm after use. For guns out of prolonged storage, ensure they are cleaned beforehand to eliminate moisture, dirt, or accumulated residue.
- Pre-Cleaning Checks: Confirm that the gun is unloaded and the action is open, with no ammunition in the cleaning area.

Always treat the gun as loaded.
Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Always keep the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it.
Never point the gun at anything you do not intend to destroy.
Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it.
Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of the gun you are using.
Always use proper ammunition.
Ensure the barrel is free of obstructions before loading and shooting.
If your gun fails to fire, hold your position for several seconds before safely unloading.
Do not rely on mechanical safety features alone to prevent firing.
Be aware of your surroundings to prevent accidents caused by tripping or losing balance.

Follow the 12 Golden Rules Entirely.
Know and adhere to all rules of the shooting range.
Listen to and obey the Range Master's instructions.
Handle the firearm only at designated shooting benches; never behind the safety line.
Point the barrel downrange at all times.
Keep the firearm on safe until ready to shoot.
Mandatory wearing of eye and ear protection at all times.
Never aim firearms at water or hard surfaces.