Shoot Responsibly

Owning a firearm comes with responsibility for everyone around you. These are the basic safety rules taught by instructors and ranges across the country. Read them before you shoot, and practice them until they become habits.

The four fundamental rules of gun safety

1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded

Never assume a gun is unloaded, even if someone just told you it is. Whenever you pick up a firearm or someone hands you one, open the action and check the chamber and the magazine yourself, keeping it pointed in a safe direction.

2. Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction

Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy, including when you load, unload, clean or carry it. A safe direction is one where an accidental shot could not hurt anyone; indoors, think about what is behind walls, floors and ceilings.

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

Rest your trigger finger straight along the frame, outside the trigger guard, until your sights are on the target and you have decided to fire. Most accidental discharges happen when a finger is on the trigger too early.

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

Identify your target completely before you shoot. A bullet can travel well past the target or ricochet off hard surfaces and water, so know what is behind and around it, and never shoot at sounds, movement or shapes you can't clearly identify.

More safety habits

Know how your firearm works

Read the owner's manual before you use a new gun. Learn how to load and unload it, how the safety and decocker (if any) work, and how to clear a malfunction. Remember that a mechanical safety can fail; it never replaces the four rules.

Use the correct ammunition

Use only the cartridge or shell marked on the barrel or in the manual. Firing the wrong ammunition can destroy the gun and injure you. If a round doesn't fire, keep the gun pointed in a safe direction and wait at least 30 seconds before opening the action, in case of a delayed (hang) fire. Our Gun Calibers guide explains the most common cartridges.

Wear eye and ear protection

Gunshots are loud enough to cause permanent hearing loss, and hot casings and debris can hit your eyes. Wear shooting glasses and earplugs or earmuffs every time you shoot, and make sure people near you do too.

Never handle guns under the influence

Alcohol, drugs and some prescription medicines slow your reactions and affect your judgment. Don't shoot, hunt or handle firearms while impaired.

Store firearms securely

Store guns unloaded and locked where children and unauthorized people can't reach them, in a gun safe, a lockbox or with a locking device, and store ammunition separately when possible. Many states have laws on safe storage and on keeping guns away from children; check the rules where you live. Free cable locks are often available through local law enforcement and safety programs such as NSSF's Project ChildSafe.

Transport firearms safely and legally

Carry firearms unloaded and cased when you travel to the range or the field, unless you are legally carrying for self-defense. Transport laws differ from state to state, so check them before you cross state lines.

Clean and maintain your firearm

Make sure the gun is unloaded and that there is no ammunition in the room before you clean it. Regular cleaning and inspection help prevent malfunctions; if a gun doesn't work properly, have a qualified gunsmith check it before you shoot it again.

Get training

A basic safety class with a certified instructor is the fastest way to learn safe handling, and practice with a professional builds good habits. Most states require hunter education before you can buy your first hunting license.

Follow range rules

Every range has its own rules. Follow the range officer's commands, and when a cease-fire is called, stop shooting immediately, unload, and step away from your gun until the range is declared hot again.

When in doubt, don't shoot

If you aren't sure of your target, your backstop, the condition of your gun or your own state of mind, don't shoot. You can always wait; a bullet can't be called back.

Talking to children about guns

Teach children that if they ever find a gun, they should not touch it, leave the area and tell an adult right away. Keep explaining it as they grow, and never rely on a child's understanding instead of locked storage.

Buying your next firearm

Buying online? Read our guide to how to buy a gun online, and compare prices across stores on GunsNPrices before you buy.