Which statement is one of the four primary rules of firearm safety?

• A. Unload firearms when not in use.
• B. Keep loaded at all times.
• C. Point the muzzle at anything you do not intend to shoot.
• D. Ignore safety devices.

Answer: (A)

Safe gun handling revolves around reducing opportunities for an accidental discharge, and unloading a firearm when it’s not actively in use is a direct, practical way to do that. When you place a firearm down, transport it, or set it aside for any reason, clearing the chamber and removing the magazine so there’s no chambered round protects you and others from surprises like a misfeed or an inadvertent bump discharging the gun. This habit should be paired with always treating every firearm as if it were loaded until you personally verify it’s unloaded, along with keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction and keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. The other options run counter to these safety practices: keeping a firearm loaded at all times invites unintended use; pointing the muzzle at anything you don’t intend to shoot creates a direct risk; and ignoring safety devices discards built-in protections designed to prevent accidents.