Which of the following is NOT one of the four primary rules of firearm safety?

• A. Keep muzzle pointed in a safe direction at ALL TIMES
• B. Treat every firearm as if it's loaded
• C. Be sure of target and what's beyond/in front of it
• D. Keep finger on the trigger until ready to shoot

Answer: (D)

It tests how you manage finger placement as a core safety habit when handling firearms. The best practice is to keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, so your body won’t move the trigger accidentally in a rush, surprise, or when you’re checking your surroundings. That is why the statement about keeping the finger on the trigger is not one of the four primary rules—it encourages a trigger contact that can lead to an unintentional discharge.

The other three statements align with the four main safety rules you should always follow: keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times, treat every firearm as if it’s loaded, and be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. Together, these guidelines establish careful muzzle discipline, a cautious mindset about whether a weapon is actually loaded, and awareness of what lies behind and around your target to prevent accidents.