What are the three rules of firearm safety?

What are the three rules of firearm safety is a question every shooter and would-be shooter should ask long before touching a rifle or shotgun. Australia’s laws expect you to know this stuff, but common sense and staying alive are pretty good incentives too. reddit+2​

There are lots of slightly different versions, yet they all come back to the same three big ideas. First, always treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even when you are sure it is not. That mindset stops lazy behavior and shortcuts. Second, always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, away from people, pets, cars, and anything you are not willing to destroy. If the worst happens and the gun goes off, muzzle direction decides whether it is just loud or life changing. Third, keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to fire. Most accidental discharges come from someone fiddling with the trigger at the wrong time. reddit​

In Australia, these three rules sit alongside legal duties like safe storage, secure transport, and separating ammo from firearms when not in use. Training courses and clubs often add extra points, such as knowing what is beyond your target, never mixing alcohol or drugs with shooting, and constantly checking your surroundings. Put together, they are about respect: for the tool in your hands, the law, and the people around you. wikipedia+1​