- There
is no such thing as an "unloaded" gun.
- The
most dangerous gun is the one you haven't personally checked.
- Always
point the muzzle of your firearm in a safe direction.
- Treat
every firearm as if it is loaded.
- Always
wear ear and eye protection when firing a gun, whether on the
range or in the field.
- Always
check three times to see if a firearm is unloaded, then check
again.
- Pass
or accept only open and unloaded firearms.
- Always
keep firearms secured from children.
- Use
only original, factory new ammunition.
- If
you own a bolt action or a semi-auto rifle, lock the bolt and
ammunition in a separate place.
- Store
firearms in an unloaded condition.
- Either
use specialty gun locks or a safe to secure firearms.
- Make
sure nothing is obstructing the barrel of a firearm before shooting.
- Always
unload a firearm before leaving a shooting area.
- Never
carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle unless you are carrying one
for self-defense, in which case it must be legal to do so in
your state or municipality. If this is the case, your firearm
should be secured with safety on in a holster, case or other
conveyance so that it cannot accidentally fire.
- Do
not carry or discharge a firearm while intoxicated or while on
medication.
- Never
lean a firearm against a vehicle or wall where it can accidentally
fall and discharge.
- Don't
rely on safety catches alone. They can wear and break over a
period of time.
- Never
hop a fence or hedge with a loaded firearm.
- Never
jump a stream or walk over slippery rocks with a loaded firearm.
- Always
thoroughly check a firearm before cleaning and disassembly.
- Always
follow the manufacturer's recommendations or owner's manual when
disassembling a firearm.
- Keep
flammable cleaning fluids away from open flame or heat source.
Make sure your cleaning area is well-ventilated.
- Don't
wear clothing that will catch or interfere with the operation
of your firearm.
- Don't
use a holster or sling that will interfere with the operation
of your firearm or cause a dangerous carrying situation.
- When
loading black powder, always use a measure.
- Never
smoke while loading a black powder firearm.
- Always
put the cap on last after loading a percussion firearm.
- Never
fire a black powder firearm near exposed black powder or open
black powder containers.
- Always
make sure you use a patch or grease the chambers of a black powder
revolver to prevent multiple discharges.
- Never
fire smokeless powder from a muzzleloader.
- Never
mix smokeless powders with each other or with black powder.
- Never
put black or smokeless powder in unmarked containers. Keep it
in the original containers.
- Always
store black and smokeless powder in a cool dry place.
- When
reloading, always follow a recognized, well-established reloading
manual and never exceed recommendations.
- Always
check the condition of metallic cartridge casings and plastic
shotgun shell hulls before reloading.
- Always
store primers in a cool dry place and never directly handle them
as moisture and oils will interfere with their proper function
and cause misfires.
- In
case of misfire, always point the firearm in a safe direction
and follow the procedures recommended in the gun's owner's manual.
- Fire
only the caliber or gauge ammunition that is marked on the firearm.
- Never
fire ammunition that is marked different than the box or container
it is in.
Please note that the above safety rules are suggestions for the safe and enjoyable use of firearms.
There is no substitute for safe, responsible firearms use and ownership.
Following these rules will be of assistance in enjoying safe, lawful shooting sports.
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