What is the purpose of the safety on a firearm according to range guidelines?

• A. To lock the magazine.
• B. To prevent the firearm from firing until you are ready.
• C. To decrease accuracy.
• D. To improve reliability.

Answer: (B)

The idea being tested is that the safety on a firearm is meant to prevent unintentional discharge. Range guidelines emphasize keeping the safety engaged until you are ready to fire, so the gun won’t discharge if the trigger is touched or if the firearm is jarred. The safety’s job is not to lock the magazine, not to improve accuracy, and not to increase reliability; its purpose is to block the firing mechanism until you choose to disable it. Remember to handle every firearm safely: keep your finger off the trigger, point the muzzle in a safe direction, and treat the gun as loaded even with the safety on. When you’re ready to shoot, disengage the safety, bring the firearm on target, and apply proper trigger control.