This section is intended to provide basic information that you should be aware of and practice. The information presented is intended to get firearms owners to think and act safely. You, the owner or handler, are responsible for your actions.
Basics of Firearms Safety
MUZZLE
CONTROL
The first rule, and most frequently violated, is MUZZLE CONTROL. It is also the way that you can most readily assess someone else's safety awareness. It doesn't matter that you KNOW it is unloaded or that the action is open. You should never allow the firearm to point at anything your not willing to have shot. This is key to preventing an outcome you will have to live with for the rest of your life. There are two types of shooters out there. Those who have had an accidental discharge and those who will. What is an accidental discharge? When the firearm goes off unexpectedly. That includes the "I didn't know it was loaded" cases. When it happens you want to be pointing the firearm in a direction where no one will get hurt and since you don't know when an accidental discharge will occur, your only means of control is to always point the firearm in a safe direction. There are other rules, such as "keep your finger off the trigger until the arm is pointed at the target", but muzzle control is the single most important rule of all.
Legal disclaimer: The information provided is not intended to tell someone what to do but is intended to provide the reader with things to think about when making decisions. All liability for actions taken as a result of reading this information is the sole responsibility of the reader.