Firearm Safety Rules

The core guidelines: treat every gun as loaded, muzzle in safe direction, finger off trigger until ready, and be sure of target and beyond.

Related Terms

Incendiary Ammunition

Specialized bullets containing compounds that ignite upon impact; heavily restricted and generall...

View Term: Incendiary Ammunition

Dry Fire

Firing a bow or firearm without ammunition; can damage archery gear and must be done with caution...

View Term: Dry Fire

Sear

The component in a firearm’s trigger group that holds the hammer or striker back until the trigge...

View Term: Sear

Unloaded Firearm

A firearm with no ammunition in the chamber or magazine; many states require firearms to be unloa...

View Term: Unloaded Firearm

Action (Firearm)

The mechanism that loads, fires, and ejects cartridges (e.g., bolt, pump, lever).

View Term: Action (Firearm)

Auto-Indexing (Revolver)

A revolver feature where cocking the hammer or pulling the trigger automatically rotates the cyli...

View Term: Auto-Indexing (Revolver)

Descent Control Device

Safety equipment for tree stand hunters allowing a controlled descent if they fall or need to exi...

View Term: Descent Control Device

Backstop

A berm or structure behind targets designed to stop or catch bullets or arrows, ensuring a safe s...

View Term: Backstop

Ear Protection

Gear like earplugs or earmuffs that safeguard hearing from gunshot noise.

View Term: Ear Protection

AP (Armor-Piercing) Ammunition

Bullets with hardened cores to penetrate armor or bulletproof materials; restricted or illegal fo...

View Term: AP (Armor-Piercing) Ammunition

4 Rules of Firearm Safety

The foundational guidelines: (1) Treat all guns as loaded, (2) Control the muzzle, (3) Finger off...

View Term: 4 Rules of Firearm Safety

Headspace

The gap between the cartridge base and the firearm’s breech face; improper headspace can cause ma...

View Term: Headspace

Clear Bore

Ensuring the barrel or bore of a firearm is free of obstructions before firing to prevent acciden...

View Term: Clear Bore

Ammunition Shelf Life

The length of time ammunition remains reliable if stored properly (cool, dry conditions); extreme...

View Term: Ammunition Shelf Life

Muzzle Control

A key safety practice of always keeping a firearm’s muzzle pointed in a safe direction to prevent...

View Term: Muzzle Control

Trigger Discipline

Keeping one’s finger off the trigger until the moment of firing; a cornerstone of firearms safety...

View Term: Trigger Discipline

Safety Mechanism

A device on a firearm (e.g., lever, button) that blocks the firing pin or trigger to prevent acci...

View Term: Safety Mechanism

Trigger Creep

The slight movement or slack in a trigger before it releases, potentially affecting accuracy and ...

View Term: Trigger Creep

Safety On/Off

The position of the firearm’s safety device; “On” means the safety is engaged (cannot fire), “Off...

View Term: Safety On/Off

Circle of Safety

The area around a hunter where others should not stand when a firearm is loaded, preventing muzzl...

View Term: Circle of Safety

Hunter’s Safety Belt

A harness or belt worn when in tree stands to prevent falls and serious injury.

View Term: Hunter’s Safety Belt

Hunter Safety Guides Hunter Education

David Harrison · February 27, 2025