CHARLOTTE – These four rules are the most important to learn from beginners to advanced. Taking these rules seriously can save a life. Treat all guns with respect.

Number 1: Treat all guns as if they are loaded. Never think that just because you are told it is not loaded that it is not. Make sure to always check. Treat all guns as if they could do harm. Don’t rely on the safety lever on the gun to keep you safe. Just because it’s on doesn’t mean that the gun is safe.

Number 2: Point the muzzle in a safe direction at all times. This obviously means don’t point it at people even if you think or know its unloaded. Never point the gun at anything that you are not planning on shooting. Especially when you are cleaning or unloading your gun. This is how accidental shootings happen.

Number 3: Keep your finger off the trigger at all times. Don’t put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire. Keep it outside the guard, straight. Only when you are ready to fire should your finger move from outside the guard to the trigger.

Number 4: Be sure of your target and what’s around and beyond it. You can’t take back what you have fired. Also, be aware of your surroundings, make sure there is nothing in the path you can trip on or lose your balance. Make sure that your target is not near anything that the bullet could ricochet or bounce off that could cause harm.