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The NRA’s three fundamental firearm safety rules are: always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. Many instructors also teach four primary rules: point in a safe direction, treat every gun as loaded, keep your finger off the trigger, and know your target and what’s beyond it.
Understanding how to safely operate a firearm is one of the most crucial aspects of being a responsible gun owner. To protect yourself and others, you first must understand the proper gun safety rules to handle, use, and store your handgun. Whether you have owned a gun for decades or have just learned to shoot, you need to know these NRA firearms safety rules as a handgun owner.
Responsibility starts with education. That is why at Colorado Handgun Safety, our goal is to provide you with the resources you need to become a knowledgeable, responsible gun owner. As the leading firearm center in the Front Range, we provide the highest quality education to teach you the safe way to operate a handgun. By following these handgun safety rules, you will take the appropriate steps to protect yourself and those around you while using a firearm.
At Colorado Handgun Safety, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge to use firearms responsibly. Our NRA Basic Pistol Course is more than just a class; it’s an investment in safety, skill, and confidence. With our team of expert instructors, you’ll master the art of handgun safety, learn proper shooting techniques, and understand the legal and ethical responsibilities of gun ownership. Every rule on this page is drilled hands-on in class.
Join us and transform yourself from a novice to a confident gun owner. Safety begins with the right training, and your journey starts here at Colorado Handgun Safety. Enroll today and take the first step toward responsible gun ownership!
If you are new to being a firearm owner, then these tips are designed for you. While intended for beginner audiences, these tips are often neglected by advanced shooters as they become more confident in wielding a firearm. Training yourself to constantly be mindful of these safety tips ensures everyone around you feels safe and inspires confidence in you.
Known as “lasering,” “pointing,” “flagging,” or “muzzling,” it’s imperative never to let the muzzle cross in front of anything you don’t intend to shoot. This includes your own body parts and other people.
Even if you are absolutely certain that a gun is not loaded, always treat it as if it were. This means handling the firearm with care, being mindful of where it is pointed, and verifying the condition of the gun regularly. It’s a safety habit that should become automatic.
Your finger should only be on the trigger when you have aligned the sights and made the conscious decision to shoot. Even resting the finger near the trigger can lead to accidental discharge.
Before pulling the trigger, ensure that you are aware of your target, what’s beyond it, and what’s around it. Every round you fire is your responsibility until it stops moving. Consider the possible consequences if a shot misses or ricochets.
Know whether there is a round in the chamber, rounds in the magazine, and understand the overall status of your gun. Regular checks and knowledge of your firearm’s condition prevent mishandling. Routine gun maintenance also helps make sure your firearm is safe to operate.
Safely unloading a firearm involves more than merely removing the magazine. The process includes dropping the magazine, racking the slide, visually and physically inspecting the chamber, and ensuring the muzzle is pointed downrange. Always clear your gun before you clean your 9mm pistol or any other firearm.
When you’re carrying, your handgun should be in a quality holster that fully covers the trigger guard. Improperly placed or holstered guns can lead to accidents. Learn how to wear a concealed carry holster safely.
Whether you’re a new shooter or an experienced one, continue to educate yourself and others around you about the universal firearm safety rules. Share resources, participate in classes, and be a part of the safety community. If you have children at home, start with teaching kids about gun safety.
Owning and handling firearms is a significant responsibility. Embrace the role of a protector within your community by committing to constant vigilance, training, and safe conduct.
Practicing the basic firearm safety rules above until it’s second nature is necessary before considering more advanced ones below. Be sure you drill the basics so you don’t harm yourself or others. Here are some advanced safety tips for those who take their gun owner responsibilities seriously.
It only takes a split second for deadly accidents to occur. However, by practicing basic handgun safety rules, you’ll prioritize the safety of yourself and others. Before you know it, these firearms safety rules will become second nature to you, and you’ll be as prepared as possible to operate a handgun with the most thorough safety measures.
As handgun safety experts, the professionals at Colorado Handgun Safety understand the importance of firearm safety education. Our goal is to help you become the most responsible handgun owner. We have the most up-to-date education and training to help you understand how to safely handle, use, and store a handgun. To learn more about gun handling safety rules or our handgun safety classes, contact Colorado Handgun Safety today!
The four primary rules of gun safety are: always point your firearm in a safe direction, treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, and know your target and what’s beyond it.
The NRA’s three fundamental rules are to keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot, and keep the gun unloaded until ready to use. The NRA adds further rules for using and storing guns, including using the correct ammunition, wearing eye and ear protection, and storing guns away from unauthorized people.
Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. The NRA calls it the primary rule because, if every other safeguard fails, a gun pointed in a safe direction can’t hurt anyone.
Both share the safe-direction and trigger-finger rules. The NRA’s third rule is to keep the gun unloaded until ready to use, while the four-rule version adds “treat every gun as loaded” and “know your target and what’s beyond.” Following all of them gives you overlapping layers of protection.
Store it unloaded, locked, and out of reach of children and anyone who shouldn’t have access, with ammunition stored separately when possible. See our guide to Colorado gun storage options.
Colorado Handgun Safety teaches across the Front Range. New shooters can start with our handgun safety course or the NRA Basic Pistol Course, and anyone ready to carry can register for a CCW class.
