The basic tenet of firearms safety is keeping yourself and those around you safe is your responsibility and must be your number one priority. There are a few acronyms out there related to firearms safety.
Safety begins with these two acronyms A.C.T.S. and P.R.O.V.E.
- A - Assume that every firearm is loaded.
- C - Control the muzzle direction at all times.
- T - Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- S - See that the firearm is unloaded and PROVE that it is safe.
- P - Point your firearm down range (or in the safest possible direction).
- R - Remove all cartridges.
- O - Observe the chamber(s) or cylinder.
- V - Verify the action or feeding path.
- E - Examine the bore.
Also to note are the rules of Jeff Cooper, an influential figure in modern firearms training, formalized and popularized “Four Rules” of safe firearm handling.
- All guns are always loaded.
- Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
- Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
