Firearm Safety: The Essential Rules Every Gun Owner Must Know

Firearm Safety: The Essential Rules Every Gun Owner Must Know

Posted by Liberty Tactical Munitions - Safety First, Always on Jan 26th 2026

Gun safety is nearly entirely centered around mindset. The most important gun-safety device is located between your ears. Understanding that there is no such thing as 'casually handling' your firearm, no matter how familiar you are with it, is critical for both new shooters and experienced gun owners alike. 

The Three Fundamental NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling 

  1. ALWAYS 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 different circumstances. 

  1. ALWAYS Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Ready to Shoot

When holding a gun, people have a natural tendency to place their finger on the trigger. Do not do this. Rest your finger alongside the frame and outside the trigger guard or along the side of the gun. Until you are actually ready to fire, do not touch the trigger. 

  1. ALWAYS Keep the Gun Unloaded Until Ready to Use

Whenever you pick up a gun, immediately open the action and look into the chamber(s) to ensure the firearm is unloaded. 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. 

Additional Safety Rules 

Know Your Firearm: 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. 

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

Use Only the Correct Ammunition: Only BBs, pellets, cartridges, or shells designed for a particular gun can be fired 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 sometimes stamped on the cartridge. 

Wear Eye and Ear Protection: Guns are loud and can cause permanent hearing damage. They also emit debris and hot gas that could injure your eyes. Always wear proper hearing protection and ballistic eyewear when shooting. 

Know Your Target and What Is Beyond: Observe your prospective area of fire before shooting. Make sure there are no people or potential hazards in that direction. A bullet can travel far beyond your target, so always be aware of what lies beyond. 

Be Alert at All Times: Never shoot if you are tired, cold, or impaired in any way. Do not mix alcohol or drugs with firearms under any circumstances. 

Mechanical Safeties Are Not Foolproof

Remember, a gun's mechanical safety device is never foolproof. Nothing can ever replace safe gun handling. The safety is a mechanical device that can fail. It should never be used as a substitute for proper gun handling and observance of all gun safety rules. 

Safe Storage

When not using your firearm, ensure it is stored safely. Store firearms and ammunition separately under lock and key. Consider using a gun safe, lock box, or cable lock to prevent unauthorized access, especially if children are present in the home. 

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular cleaning is important for your gun to operate correctly and safely. Your gun should be cleaned every time it is used. A gun brought out of prolonged storage should also be cleaned before shooting. Accumulated moisture and dirt, or solidified grease and oil, can prevent the gun from operating properly. Before cleaning your gun, make absolutely sure it is unloaded, with the action open and no ammunition present in the cleaning area. 

Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program for Children

The NRA's Eddie Eagle GunSafe program teaches children in pre-K through third grade four important steps if they find a gun: STOP! Don't touch. Run Away. Tell a Grown-up. Teaching children these simple rules can help prevent accidents. 

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