Colorado Hunter Education Practice Exam

Which of the following firearms safety rules should always be followed?

1. Treat every firearm as if it were loaded

2. Keep your finger on the trigger

3. Only point the muzzle at targets you wish to destroy

4. Unload firearms only when not in use

The correct answer is: Treat every firearm as if it were loaded

The most important rule to always follow when handling firearms for safety purposes is to treat each and every firearm as if it were loaded, regardless of its actual state. This means that even if you have checked and confirmed that a firearm is unloaded, you should still follow all other safety protocols and handle it with care as if it were loaded. Option B, keeping your finger on the trigger, is incorrect because this greatly increases the risk of accidental discharge of the firearm. Your finger should only be on the trigger when you are ready to shoot. Option C, only pointing the muzzle at targets you wish to destroy, is also incorrect because it is important to always point the muzzle in a safe direction, regardless of whether you intend to shoot or not. Option D, unloading firearms only when not in use, is also incorrect because firearms should always be unloaded when being transported or stored, even if they are not in use at that particular moment. The only time a firearm should be loaded is when you are ready to use it for its intended purpose. Overall, always following the rule of treating every firearm as if it were loaded is essential to firearms safety, as it helps prevent accidents and potential harm to yourself and others.