Shooters should always treat their gun as if they were loaded. By doing so, they will be less likely to point it at someone or something that they don’t want to destroy. Additionally, if the shooter considers the gun loaded every time it is out of his/her control, the gun and cylinder/magazine will be checked immediately upon reacquiring the gun.
RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
Shooter should never allow the muzzle to cover anything except those things that they are willing to destroy, including their foot, arm, hand, head (when putting it/removing it from a safe), the gun will never accidentally be pointed at their own foot/arm/hand, another person, or any other object.
RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
If the shooter keeps their finger off of the trigger until they are on target, the gun won’t go off by accident or negligence.
RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET
If the shooter confirms the target and what is beyond the target that may get hit when the bullet is discharged, then nothing will accidentally be destroyed. A shooter needs to remember that at times a bullet will pass thru their intended target therefore it is criti-cal to know what is behind the target that may also be harmed.
Since humans can make mistakes or let their guard down, it is critical that all 4 rules of gun safety are followed to provide some safety buffer. The failure to comply with any single rule won’t result in an accident, but breaking 2 of these rules can result in disaster.