New York Firearms Safety Course Practice Exam

Which of the following should you do when using or storing a firearm?

1. Rely on the gun's safety

2. Store guns loaded and ready for use

3. Always handle the firearm as if it is loaded

4. Only store the gun in a visible place for home defense

The correct answer is: Always handle the firearm as if it is loaded

Always handling a firearm as if it is loaded is a fundamental principle of gun safety, often referred to as the "rules of firearm safety." This principle ensures that you maintain a high level of caution and responsibility when dealing with firearms. By treating every firearm as if it were loaded, you are less likely to make unsafe decisions that could lead to accidents or injury. It reinforces the mindset that safety should always be the top priority, regardless of the circumstances. The other approaches suggested, such as relying on the gun's safety or storing it loaded and ready for use, can introduce unnecessary risk. Gun safeties can fail or might not be engaged during handling, and keeping a firearm loaded increases the danger if it is mishandled. Similarly, storing a firearm in a visible location for home defense raises concerns about accessibility to unauthorized users, especially children.