NRA Gun Safety Rules

Keep the Gun Pointed in a Safe Direction

This is the primary rule of gun safety. A safe direction means that the gun is 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 circumstances.

Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot

When holding a gun, rest your finger on the triggerguard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger.

Keep the Gun Unloaded Until Ready to Use

Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately engage the safety device if possible, and, if it has a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber(s), which should be 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 It

Be absolutely sure you have identified your target beyond any doubt. Equally important, be aware of the area beyond your target. This means 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. Think first. Shoot second.

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 how to remove any ammunition from the gun or magazine. Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling.

Be Sure the Gun Is Safe to Operate

Just like other tools, guns need regular maintenance to remain operable. Regular cleaning and proper storage are a part of the gun's general upkeep. If there is any question concerning a gun's ability to function, a knowledgeable gunsmith should look at it.

Use Only the Correct Ammunition for Your Gun

Only BBs, pellets, cartridges or shells designed for a particular gun can be used safely in that gun. Most guns have the ammunition type stamped on the barrel. Ammunition can be identified by information printed on the box and stamped on the cartridge. Do not shoot the gun unless you know you have the proper ammunition.

Wear Eye and Ear Protection as Appropriate

Guns are loud, and the noise can cause hearing damage. They can also emit debris and hot gas that could cause eye injury. For these reasons, shooting glasses and hearing protectors should be worn by shooters and spectators.

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Never Use Alcohol, Over-The-Counter, Prescription or Other Drugs Before or While Shooting

Alcohol, as well as any other substance likely to impair normal mental or physical functioning, must not be used before or while handling or shooting guns.

Store Guns so They Are Not Accessible to Unauthorized Persons

Many factors must be considered when deciding where and how to store guns. A person's particular situation will be a major part of the consideration. Dozens of gun storage devices, as well as locking devices that attach directly to the gun, are available. However, mechanical locking devices such as the safeties built into guns can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun handling and the observance of all gun safety rules.

Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.