What is one of the primary rules of firearm safety?

One of the primary rules of firearm safety is to always use muzzle control. This means keeping the muzzle of the firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times. By doing so, you minimize the risk of accidentally causing injury or damage if the firearm were to discharge. A safe direction is typically downrange or towards the ground where there are no people or property that could be harmed.

Practicing muzzle control also encourages responsible handling of firearms, as it reinforces the importance of being aware of where the muzzle is pointed at all times, preventing unintentional discharges from posing a danger to oneself or others. This foundational principle of firearm safety is crucial for all gun owners and users, emphasizing the need for careful and responsible handling of firearms.