The Rules That Never Take a Day Off

Rule one: treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Even when you have just checked it, handle it as though it could fire. This one habit prevents a large share of careless accidents.

Rule two: never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy. Be conscious of where the muzzle is at all times — when loading, unloading, cleaning, holstering and carrying.

Rule three: keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until your sights are on the target and you have decided to shoot. Rest it along the frame instead.

Rule four: be sure of your target and what is beyond it. Bullets can travel long distances and pass through walls, so know your backstop and never shoot at something you have not positively identified.

Add to these the essentials of responsible ownership: store firearms unloaded and secured when not in use, keep ammunition separate, wear eye and ear protection when shooting, and never handle firearms after drinking alcohol or using drugs that impair judgment.

Rules are learned in a classroom but become habit through practice. A few minutes of supervised dry handling and regular range time with a qualified instructor will make them second nature.