The four rules
Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
Never point a firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy.
Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you have decided to fire.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
How the rules work together
The rules are not separate slogans. They overlap so that if one habit slips, another habit is still protecting you and the people around you. A safe direction matters even when you believe a firearm is unloaded. Trigger discipline matters even when the muzzle is pointed safely. Target awareness matters before any shot is fired.
Beginners should say the rules out loud, then ask an instructor to show how each rule applies during loading, unloading, casing, benching, and range commands.
Beginner habits
Pause first
Slow down before touching or moving anything unfamiliar.
Ask clearly
Tell range staff or an instructor that you are new and want safety direction.
Practice unloaded only with supervision
Use qualified instruction for handling, loading, unloading, and clearing procedures.