New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

When should you keep your finger off the trigger?

1. After firing

2. While cleaning the firearm

3. When sighting

4. Until ready to shoot

The correct answer is: Until ready to shoot

Keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot is a fundamental safety practice in firearm handling. This rule is critical because it helps prevent accidental discharges that could lead to unintended injuries or fatalities. By maintaining this practice, you ensure that you only engage the trigger when you have made the conscious decision to fire at a target. In addition to safety, this principle promotes mindfulness and responsibility while handling firearms, aligning with best practices in both training and real-world scenarios. It reinforces the idea that control and intention are vital when managing a firearm, contributing to responsible ownership and operation. Other situations, like after firing or while cleaning, may have their own safety considerations, but the consistent guideline is to keep your finger off the trigger until you've determined the intent to shoot. This ensures an extra layer of safety during all stages of handling a firearm.