fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
http://training.nra.org/nra-gun-safety-rules.aspx
The author's ability to clearly organize his outline is inadequate. He intermingles discussion with the outline, potentially confusing the reader as to what the rules actually are.
The above article as submitted here is even less orderly, so let's go back to ground zero. The necessary rules are simpler, better, easier to memorize, and cover every situation. The NRA publishes them, but the gun handler must take responsibility for applying them:
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NRA Gun Safety Rules
The fundamental NRA rules for safe gun handling are:
1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
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When using or storing a gun, always follow these NRA rules:
o Know your target and what is beyond.
o Know how to use the gun safely.
o Be sure the gun is safe to operate.
o Use only the correct ammunition for your gun.
o Wear eye and ear protection as appropriate.
o Never use alcohol or over-the-counter, prescription or other drugs before or while shooting.
o Store guns so they are not accessible to unauthorized persons.
o Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions.
o Cleaning. (separate topic)
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These additional rules are located at the following link:
http://training.nra.org/nra-gun-safety-rules.aspx (click here)