FIREARM SAFETY
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
Responsible firearm ownership begins with firearm safety. Whether you're a first-time gun owner or an experienced shooter, following safe firearm handling practices protects you, your family, and those around you. The information below highlights the fundamental principles every firearm owner should know.
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
- Treat Every Firearm as if it is Loaded.
Never assume a firearm is unloaded. Always verify the condition yourself.
- Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction.
Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger.
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until your sights are on target and you hav
- Treat Every Firearm as if it is Loaded.
Never assume a firearm is unloaded. Always verify the condition yourself.
- Keep the Muzzle Pointed in a Safe Direction.
Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger.
Keep your finger outside the trigger guard until your sights are on target and you have decided to fire.
- Be Sure of Your Target.
Know your target, what is beyond it, and what is around it.
Safe Firearm Storage
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
Before Handling Any Firearm
- Lock firearms when not in use.
- Store ammunition separately when appropriate.
- Use a gun safe or locking cabinet.
- Use cable locks or trigger locks.
- Keep firearms inaccessible to children and unauthorized persons.
Before Handling Any Firearm
The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
Before Handling Any Firearm
- Verify the firearm is unloaded.
- Remove the magazine if applicable.
- Open the action.
- Visually inspect the chamber.
- Physically inspect the chamber.
At the Range
Children and Firearm Safety
Transporting Firearms
- Follow all range commands.
- Wear eye protection.
- Wear hearing protection.
- Keep firearms pointed downrange.
- Never handle firearms during a cease fire.
Transporting Firearms
Children and Firearm Safety
Transporting Firearms
- Transport unloaded firearms.
- Use a secure case.
- Follow all applicable New York State and local laws.
- Be aware that transportation rules vary depending on the type of firearm and destination.
Children and Firearm Safety
Children and Firearm Safety
Children and Firearm Safety
- Stop
- Don't Touch
- Leave the Area
- Tell an Adult
Continue Your Education
Children and Firearm Safety
Children and Firearm Safety
- Certified firearm safety courses
- Defensive handgun classes
- Hunter education
- Range safety orientation
- Ongoing practice and training
The 10 Commandments of Firearm Safety
The 10 Commandments of Gun Safety are a universal set of rules designed to prevent accidents and inj
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded: Never assume a gun is empty, even if you just saw it unloaded.
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction: Control where the barrel is pointing at all times so that if a discharge occurs, no one will be injured.
- Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it: Always identify your target without a doubt, and make sure there is an adequate backstop.
- Keep your finger outside the trigger guard: Rest your finger on the frame or above the trigger area until you are aimed and ready to shoot.
- Never point at anything you do not intend to shoot: Avoid horseplay, and never aim at yourself or others.
- Unload firearms when not in use: Keep actions open and unloaded until you are in the field or at the range.
- Don't run, jump, or climb with a loaded firearm: Unload your gun before crossing obstacles like fences, ditches, or logs.
- Check your barrel and ammunition: Ensure there are no obstructions in the bore and that you are using the correct caliber/gauge ammunition.
- Store firearms and ammunition separately and securely: Lock them up out of the reach of children and inexperienced adults.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages and drugs: Do not mix mind-altering substances with shooting or handling.
