Treat all weapons as if they are loaded.
While they may be indifferent orders, a generally accepted first rule is: Treat ALL firearms as if they were loaded until YOU have checked it and verified that it is not.
== ==
ANY mechanical system- including the safety on a firearm- CAN fail. This is the reason for the basic firearm safety rules- including "do not point a firearm at anything you do not mean to shoot." It is rare, but CAN happen.
It prevents the firearm from discharging before the shooter means to have it discharge.
Learning to, and handling a firearm in such a manner as to not cause unintended harm or damage.
To insure that a firearm is in safe condition to use.
To prevent a premature or unintended discharge of the firearm. It does NOT replace common sense.
A safety rule is a rule that is followed to try to avoid an accident.
that's cool
Different places on different guns.
To render the firearm incapable of firing.