Which of the following is one of the basic firearms safety rules?

• A. Always point at the target you intend to shoot
• B. Never wear protective eyewear
• C. Treat every weapon as if loaded
• D. Keep finger on the trigger until ready to fire

Answer: (C)

Treat every weapon as if loaded. This mindset keeps you constantly cautious and minimizes the chance of a negligent discharge because you never assume a gun is harmless or unloaded. It reinforces safe handling: always control the muzzle direction so you never point it at something you aren’t willing to destroy, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire, and know exactly what is beyond your target.

The other statements conflict with safe practice: pointing the muzzle at a target you intend to shoot can still put people or unintended objects at risk if conditions change, not wearing protective eyewear is unsafe, and keeping your finger on the trigger until ready to fire increases the chance of an unintentional discharge. Embracing the “treat every weapon as if loaded” rule builds the disciplined habits that keep you and others safe in any firearm situation.