1. Gun Safety, Gun Etiquette, and Gun Storage
Protocols everyone should know and follow.

2. 12 golden rules for safe gun handling
1. Always treat the gun as loaded.
2. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
3. Always keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.
4. Always keep the gun unloaded until your are ready to shoot it.
5. Never point the gun at anything you don’t intend to destroy.
6. Be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
7. Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of your gun before you use it.
8. Always use the proper ammunition.
9. Be sure the barrell is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting.
10. If your gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for a few seconds, then with your muzzle pointed in a safe direction, unload the gun.
11. Don’t rely on the gun’s safety to keep it from firing.
12. Be aware of your surroundings when handling guns so you don’t trip or lose your balance and accidentally point and/or fire the gun at anyone or anything.

3. Gun Etiquette
Alcohol and/or drugs should never be consumed or used when handling firearms.
The first thing you do when you pick up any gun, is to check and see if it’s loaded.
Before you pick up or accept a gun from someone, make sure you know how it works. If you don’t know or can’t remember, don’t be embarrassed to ask someone to show you. It’s the smart thing to do.
When handing a gun to someone, remove the magazine if it has one, open the cylinder or lock open the action and look in the gun including the chamber to make sure it is not loaded. Then, with the cylinder or action still locked open, hand the unloaded gun to the person with the muzzle pointing away from them. That person will then take possession of the gun and do the same thing out of respect for the gun and the person that just handed it to them. The recipient is then clear to close the cylinder or action and inspect the gun. When the gun is handed back or to the next person, the same process is followed each and every time.

4. Gun Etiquette (Cont.)
Handle the guns of others with care and respect. When dealing with other
people’s guns:
Don’t let the slide or action slam forward in Automatic Pistols. (unless loading the chamber to shoot)
Don’t let the hammer fall uncontrolled.
Don’t fling or slam the cylinder shut on Revolvers.
Don’t let the bolt slam forward in Semi-Automatic Rifles and Shotguns. (unless loading the chamber to shoot)
Don’t quickly and forcefully close the bolt on bolt action Rifles, Lever action Rifles and pump action Shotguns and Rifles.
Close break action Shotguns, Rifles, and Pistols with care.

5. Rules for safe gun handling
Range Safety
Follow the 12 golden rules.
Know and follow all the rules of the Shooting Range.
Listen and do what the Range Master tells you to do.
Uncase and case your gun at the shooting bench, never behind the safety line.
Always keep the barrel pointed down range.
Always keep the gun on safe until you intend to shoot.
Always wear eye and ear protection when shooting.
Never shoot at water or hard surfaces.

6. Range Etiquette
Always pick up your spent cases and/or shells when you’re done shooting.
Always take down your targets when you're done shooting.
Always straighten up your area before you leave.
Never eat or drink while shooting. After shooting always wash your hands and face before you eat or drink. It is also a good idea to change your clothes as soon as possible and put them in the wash to avoid spreading powder residue.

7. Hunting Etiquette
Know and follow all hunting rules and regulation for your type of hunt and the area you are hunting in.
When approached by a Conservation Officer, Police Officer, another Hunter or anyone else, always hold your firearm in a non threatening manner. If your rifle or shotgun has a sling, use it and sling your firearm over your shoulder. If you are caring a pistol, put it in the holster.
Always pick up your spent cases and/or shells after you shoot.
Never litter and please pick up the trash and other stuff left behind by inconsiderate people.
Always leave your camp or hunting area in better condition then what you found it.

8. Rules for safe gun handling
Hunting Safety
Follow the 12 golden rules.
When hunting in a group, always pick one person to act as a Safety Officer for the Day or Trip.
Establish and share everyone's zone of fire with each other and know where everyone is at all times.
Always keep the gun on safe until you intend to shoot.
Never climb over anything with a loaded gun in your hand or on your person.
Never use a scope on a gun as Binoculars.
If you fall or trip, control your muzzle. Afterward, check the gun for damage and/or obstructions in the barrel.
When in Doubt; Don't shoot.

9. Rules for Safe Gun Storage
Keep all guns and ammunition out of the reach of children, untrained adults, and those who would use them improperly.
Always keep your guns locked in a Gun Safe that cannot be easily broken into or taken away. If one is not available, use a Cable Lock or Trigger Lock (one that goes behind the trigger is preferred) and store the guns out of the reach of those who should not have access to them.
Keep the keys to gun safes and gun locks hidden and out of the reach of those who should not have access to them.
Store your guns unloaded and with the safety on.
Keep the guns dry, cleaned, and oiled while in storage.
Store guns and ammunition in a dry cool place and away from heat and
fire.