Which statement is the fourth cardinal rule of firearm safety?

Which statement is the fourth cardinal rule of firearm safety?

• A. Always be sure of your target, and what is behind and in front of it
• B. Treat all firearms as if they're loaded
• C. Never allow the muzzle of any firearm to point at anything you are not willing to destroy
• D. Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is understanding the fourth cardinal rule: be sure of your target and what lies beyond it. This rule pushes you to look not only at what you’re aiming at, but also at everything that could be impacted if the shot goes through, misses, or ricochets. Being aware of what sits behind the target (and along the line of fire) helps prevent unintended harm to people, animals, or property. The statement that emphasizes knowing what is in front of and behind the target captures that broader safety scope, making it the best choice. The other options describe the other cardinal rules—treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot—but they don’t address the need to assess the full impact area beyond the target.

The main idea here is understanding the fourth cardinal rule: be sure of your target and what lies beyond it. This rule pushes you to look not only at what you’re aiming at, but also at everything that could be impacted if the shot goes through, misses, or ricochets. Being aware of what sits behind the target (and along the line of fire) helps prevent unintended harm to people, animals, or property. The statement that emphasizes knowing what is in front of and behind the target captures that broader safety scope, making it the best choice. The other options describe the other cardinal rules—treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot—but they don’t address the need to assess the full impact area beyond the target.