New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

In what position should the safety be when you are ready to shoot?

1. On

2. Off

3. Does not matter

4. Varies with the type of firearm

The correct answer is: Off

The safety should be off when you are ready to shoot. This is because the primary purpose of the safety mechanism is to prevent accidental discharge of the firearm. Once you have assessed your target and determined it is appropriate to shoot, disabling the safety allows you to fire the weapon without delay. However, it is crucial to understand that the firearm should always be handled with care and respect, ensuring you are in a safe position to shoot. The safety being in the 'on' position would impede your ability to fire, which is not advisable when you are prepared to take your shot. The assertion that the safety's position does not matter is unsafe, as the safety's function is to provide a measure of security against accidental discharge. While it is true that the safety's operation can vary by firearm type, the fundamental principle remains that the safety must be disengaged when a shooter is ready to fire.