Firearm Safety & Handling Procedures Flashcards

A student turns around at the firing line to ask a question while holding a pistol. What is the main safety violation?

Answer: Turning around while armed carries the muzzle off the downrange safe direction

Turning around while holding a gun almost always sweeps the muzzle across people, which breaks the safe-direction rule.

A 'safe direction' is best defined as:

Answer: A direction where an unintentional discharge would not cause injury, and at worst only minor property damage

Which direction is safe depends on the situation: it is wherever an unintentional discharge would not injure anyone.

Where should the trigger finger rest when the shooter is not ready to fire?

Answer: Straight along the side of the frame, outside the trigger guard

Keeping the finger straight along the frame, outside the trigger guard, prevents unintentional trigger presses.

Which is the most secure way to store firearms in a home with children?

Answer: Unloaded and locked in a gun safe or with a locking device, with ammunition stored separately under lock

Locked, unloaded storage with ammunition secured separately keeps unauthorized people from getting to the guns.

What does the NRA Eddie Eagle GunSafe program teach children to do if they find a gun?

Answer: Stop! Don't touch. Run away. Tell a grown-up.

Eddie Eagle teaches children four steps: Stop! Don't touch. Run away. Tell a grown-up.

Before loading, why should a shooter check that the barrel is clear?

Answer: Because even a small obstruction like dirt or excess grease can cause dangerous pressure or barrel damage

Obstructions such as mud, snow, or excess lubricant can raise pressure enough to bulge or burst the barrel.

What is the safest way to practice dry firing at home?

Answer: Remove all live ammunition from the room, confirm the gun is unloaded, and aim at a safe backstop

Safe dry fire keeps all live ammunition out of the room and still points the muzzle at a backstop that would stop a bullet.