Which of the following is NOT a basic rule of firearm safety?

The principle behind safe firearm handling is predicated on a set of fundamental rules designed to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure responsible use. One of those critical rules is to avoid shooting at anything that looks suspicious; this practice can lead to reckless behavior and potential harm to innocent individuals or property.

Always treating every firearm as loaded ensures that users maintain a heightened level of caution and responsibility, creating a mindset where the firearm is handled with respect and care. Similarly, never pointing a firearm at something you do not intend to shoot reinforces the importance of muzzle awareness and control, emphasizing that one should only aim at intended targets.

Keeping the safety on when handling firearms is an essential safety measure designed to prevent accidental discharges. Collectively, these practices form a framework that seeks to promote responsible firearm ownership and handling, while the option to shoot at anything suspicious fundamentally contradicts these principles of safety, encouraging impulsive and unsafe actions.