• Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction. A “safe direction” means that even if the gun were to go off, it would not cause injury or damage. Common sense must be used at all times.

• Always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot. Rest your finger on the trigger guard until you are ready to fire.

• Always keep the gun un-loaded until ready to use. Whenever you handle a firearm, immediately engage the safety if possible. If the gun contains a magazine, remove it before opening the action and looking into the chamber, which should be clear of ammunition. If you do not know how to open the action, or inspect the chamber, leave the gun alone and get help from a professional.

• Be sure that you have clearly identified your target, and what is beyond. Observe the area before you shoot to ensure that you are firing in a safe direction where there are no people or potential for mishap. Always think first, and shoot second.

• Make sure you know how to use the gun safely. Before handling a firearm, learn how it operates. Know how to safely open and close the action and remove any ammo from the gun or magazine. Remember, a safety device is never fool proof.

• Eye protection and ear protection should be worn by shooters and spectators. Debris and hot gas can cause injury, and noise can cause hearing damage.

• Never eat, drink or smoke while shooting. After shooting, always wash your hands and face before you eat or drink. It is also a good idea to change your clothes as soon as possible and put them in the wash to avoid spreading powder residue.

• Do not shoot the gun unless you are sure you have the proper ammunition. Most guns have the ammo type stamped on the barrel. Ammo can be identified by the information printed on the box, or stamped on the cartridge.

• Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting. These substances are likely to impair normal, mental, or physical bodily functions.

• Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons. Many factors must be considered when deciding where/how to store guns. Mechanical safeties can fail and should not be used as a substitute for safe gun storage.

• Regular cleaning is important in order for your gun to operate safely and correctly. Proper care of your firearm will maintain its value and extend its life. A firearm should be cleaned after every time it is used, or if you are bringing it out of prolonged storage. Accumulated moisture, dirt, grease, and oil can prevent the gun from operating properly. Make absolute sure that your gun is unloaded before you clean it. The action should also be open during the entire cleaning process. If there is any question concerning a guns ability to function, have a gunsmith look at it. .

• Use non-leaded ammo & primer such as copper or polymer-jacketed bullets whenever possible. If using leaded bullets, FMJ is recommended.

• When at the range: do not eat, drink or smoke near the range.

• Wash your hands and face immediately after shooting, cleaning firearms, picking up spent casings/pellets, or reloading ammunition, and before eating, drinking, or smoking.

• Never use brooms to sweep up spent casings. Sweeping stirs up dust. Pick up casings by hand.

• Leave a pair of shoes, a hat, and a set of washable coveralls at the range to be used only for shooting, or keep them in a separate plastic bag. Wash them frequently, but separate from your other clothes.

• Have your blood tested for lead periodically to help evaluate your exposure.

Please reference http://home.nra.org/#/nraorg for further information on safe gun handling.