Which statement about safe handling is true?

• A. Muzzle direction is not important when you think it's unloaded.
• B. The muzzle should be pointed in a safe direction at all times, even when not actively shooting.
• C. Always keep your finger on the trigger.
• D. Wear no eye protection.

Answer: (B)

Keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times is essential because a firearm can discharge even when you think it’s unloaded. A safe direction means the muzzle is aimed so that any possible discharge would not injure people or cause damage, typically downrange toward a proper backstop. This habit protects you and others from accidental or negligent discharges and fits with treating every firearm as if it could fire at any moment. It also goes hand in hand with keeping your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot. The other ideas are unsafe: assuming it’s unloaded isn’t a guarantee and can lead to mishandling; keeping your finger on the trigger increases the chance of an unintentional shot; and skipping eye protection exposes you to potential injury from debris or ejecta.