Five Weapon Safety Rules

A gun is both a potentially dangerous weapon and an important item of self-defense. As long as weapons are handled according to a strict protocol, safe handling and use are possible.

Rule One

• Never point a weapon at anyone unless you are defending your life. Keep the barrel pointed in a direction where an accidental discharge will do the least harm.

Rule Two

• Always assume a weapon is loaded and dangerous. Do not look down the barrel or pull the trigger to check for ammunition.

Rule Three

• Never engage in horseplay with a gun or pretend to fire it for entertainment. Handling a gun safely requires a sober and careful approach.

Rule Four

• Never fire indiscriminately into the air, and do not fire if you are unaware of what is around and behind your target.

Rule Five

• Keep the gun's safety features engaged until time for use, and return the safety features to the "on" position as soon as you are done firing.