Firearms Safety

The four cardinal rules of firearms safety

1

Never point a firearm at anything you're not willing to kill or destroy.

Always keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction. There should never be anything between your muzzle and a suitable backstop that you wouldn’t be ok with destroying. Remember that most walls, ceilings, and floors are not suitable backstops – bullets will often penetrate multiple walls before expending all of their energy.

2

Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.

Until you’ve physically confirmed that a gun is not loaded, you assume that it is. And if that firearm leaves your physical possession, even for seconds, it’s status needs to be reconfirmed.

3

Keep your finger off the trigger until you’ve confirmed your target and are ready to fire.

Place your finger safely away from the trigger and trigger guard. Make a habit of consistently indexing your finger on the frame or stock every time you pick up any gun.

4

Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.

Always fully identify your target and know what’s behind it, all the way to a suitable backstop. You don’t shoot at shapes, sounds, or movement. Know that your bullet may not be stopped by your target. And remember, again, that walls, floors, and ceilings are not typically going to stop a bullet.

Safety Instructional Videos

Basic safety, storage, and gun handling tips

A comprehensive overview of essential safety practices for firearm owners.

Detailed firearm safety rules

Detailed firearm safety rules and best practices for responsible ownership.

NSSF Project Childsafe website

A comprehensive overview of the NSSF Project Childsafe program, including safe storage practices and resources for firearm owners.

Training & Resources

Training Courses

We recommend the following training opportunities for firearm owners:

  • Basic Pistol Safety Course
  • NRA Certified Training Programs
  • Concealed Carry Certification
  • Advanced Defensive Tactics
  • Competition Shooting Fundamentals
Find Local Training

Safety Equipment

Essential safety gear every firearm owner should have:

Hearing Protection

Hearing Protection

Eye Protection

Eye Protection

Gun Safe

Gun Safes

Trigger Lock

Trigger Locks

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