Basic Firearm Safety Rules

The 10 most important gun safety rules must be followed when handling, transporting, or storing firearms. These rules are designed to help promote responsibility and minimize the risk of injury or death. 

1. Always keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction, away from people and anything you do not intend to shoot.

When handling a firearm, you should always ensure that the muzzle (end of the barrel) is pointed in a safe direction, away from people, animals, and any other objects or surfaces you do not intend to shoot.

2. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

You should keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire. This is an important safety rule to ensure you do not accidentally discharge the firearm before being prepared to shoot.

3. Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

When handling a firearm, you should always assume it is loaded and take the necessary safety precautions. If you follow rule # 1, you treat the gun as always loaded.

4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

When firing a firearm, you should always know your target and what is beyond it. This is an important safety rule to ensure you do not inadvertently injure or harm anyone or anything beyond your intended target.

5. Do not rely on the firearm’s safety mechanism alone.

This means that when handling a firearm, you should not rely on its safety mechanism to keep it from firing.

6. Keep the firearm unloaded until you are ready to use it.

This means that when handling a firearm, you should keep it unloaded until you are ready to use it. This is an important safety rule to ensure you are not injured or harmed by an accidental firearm discharge.

7. Store firearms in a secure location, out of reach of children and unauthorized people.

This means that firearms should be stored securely, out of reach of children and unauthorized people when not in use.

8. Use proper ammunition for your firearm.

This means that when using a firearm, you should always use the proper ammunition for your firearm.

9. Always wear ear and eye protection when shooting.

This means that when shooting a firearm, it is essential always to wear ear and eye protection. This protects your hearing and vision from potential damage caused by the loud noises and flashes of light associated with shooting firearms. Wearing proper ear and eye protection while shooting can also help reduce the risk of injury.

10. Do not consume alcohol or drugs before or during the shooting.

This means it is essential to not consume alcohol or drugs before or during a firearm shooting. Alcohol and drugs can impair judgment and coordination, leading to dangerous and potentially deadly mistakes when handling a firearm. Additionally, consuming alcohol or drugs before or during a shooting can be illegal in some areas.

Additional Range Safety Rules

These rules are designed to help promote responsible gun ownership and reduce the potential for injury or death. By adhering to these rules, we can ensure that everyone remains safe when handling or using firearms.

1. Do not leave firearms unattended at the range.
   
2. Follow all local and state laws about firearms.
   
3. Follow the guidelines for storing and transporting firearms.
   
4. Register at the desk, read and understand all range rules, and pay your fees.
   
5. Keep all firearms unloaded and in a case or range bag until you are in the designated shooting area.
   
6. Indoor Ranges have a two-door entry system. Before entering the waiting area, ensure the area between the outside and indoor doors is clear of shooters.
   
   • Open the outside door and enter the waiting area.
   • When the outside door is fully closed, open the inside door to enter the range.
   • When exiting, ensure the waiting area is clear of any shooters.
   • Open the inside door, and enter the waiting area.
   • When the inside door is closed, enter the store or retail area.
     
7. When using an outdoor or indoor range, do not handle firearms while others are downrange or in front of the firing line.
   
8. Respect the range property and all land owners.
   
9. Do not climb, jump, or walk on the range berms.
   
10. Always respect the Range Safety Officer (RSO) Instructions.
    
11. ALWAYS use eye and ear protection when at a range. Have them on before you enter the range shooting area.
    
12. Inspect your targets often to ensure they are safe and secure.
    
13.  Never shoot at a target that is not visible.
    
14. Know your target and what’s beyond.
    
15. Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
    
16. Wear appropriate clothing while shooting.
    
17. Avoid wearing loose clothing or jewelry while shooting.
    
18. Never shoot at a hard surface or water.
    
19. Avoid shooting in poor weather conditions.
    
20. Do not attempt to modify the firearm or ammunition.
    
21. Do not shoot from a moving vehicle or boat.