The fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
This is the single most important rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is ALWAYS pointed so that even if it were to go
off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all
times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
When holding a gun, place your finger on the trigger guard or along the frame of the pistol. Do not touch the trigger until you are actually
ready to fire.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
A pistol cannot fire if it is unloaded. If the gun has a magazine - remove it and then open the action and visually and physically inspect that
it is clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from
someone who does.
This is the single most important rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is ALWAYS pointed so that even if it were to go
off it would not cause injury or damage. The key to this rule is to control where the muzzle or front end of the barrel is pointed at all
times. Common sense dictates the safest direction, depending on different circumstances.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
When holding a gun, place your finger on the trigger guard or along the frame of the pistol. Do not touch the trigger until you are actually
ready to fire.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
A pistol cannot fire if it is unloaded. If the gun has a magazine - remove it and then open the action and visually and physically inspect that
it is clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action or inspect the chamber(s), leave the gun alone and get help from
someone who does.
When using or storing a gun always follow these NRA rules:
Know your target and what is beyond.
Be certain you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Moreover, be aware of the area beyond your target by observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap.
Know how to use the gun safely.
Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof.
Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
Proper cartridge identification is necessary to ensure the correct ammunition is loaded into the gun. Check the markings on the pistol, cartridge head and factory ammunition box.
Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
All of the above are emphasized in MASS Home Firearms Training classes.
Be certain you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Moreover, be aware of the area beyond your target by observing your prospective area of fire before you shoot. Never fire in a direction in which there are people or any other potential for mishap.
Know how to use the gun safely.
Before handling a gun, learn how it operates. Know its basic parts, how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof.
Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
Proper cartridge identification is necessary to ensure the correct ammunition is loaded into the gun. Check the markings on the pistol, cartridge head and factory ammunition box.
Never use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting.
Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
All of the above are emphasized in MASS Home Firearms Training classes.