Which of the following should be practiced to ensure safe firearm handling?

Always pointing the firearm in a safe direction is essential for ensuring safe firearm handling because it minimizes the risk of unintended injury or damage. This practice is often considered the primary rule of firearm safety. No matter the situation, maintaining the muzzle of the firearm pointed away from yourself and others reduces the consequences of an accidental discharge. In a scenario where the firearm is dropped or mishandled, pointing it in a safe direction can prevent serious injuries or fatalities.

In contrast, the other choices compromise safety. Checking the chamber only once might lead to overlooking a potential risk, while using a firearm without hearing protection can harm hearing. Loading a firearm in a crowded area increases the likelihood of an accidental discharge impacting innocent bystanders. Prioritizing the practice of pointing the firearm in a safe direction establishes a critical foundation for responsible firearm use.