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

• A. Always keep your finger on the trigger.
• B. Never wear eye protection.
• C. Treat every firearm as if loaded.
• D. Store firearms in an unlocked area.

Answer: (C)

Essential safety concept: treat every firearm as if it is loaded. This mindset creates a consistent habit that protects you and others by prompting you to verify the firearm’s status and to follow safe handling every time. When you assume it could be loaded, you naturally keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot, and check the chamber and action to confirm whether it’s loaded. This approach reduces the chance of an accidental discharge from a hidden loaded chamber or a mistaken belief that the gun is unloaded. The other options would compromise safety: resting a finger on the trigger invites accidental firing, avoiding eye protection ignores essential protection, and storing firearms unlocked creates a risk of unauthorized access. The safest practice is to treat every firearm as loaded until you have personally verified otherwise.