"Which Gun Safety Rule Is Most Important? "

[huntrights]

"Which Gun Safety Rule Is Most Important? "

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9eYUBA6OKQU

[ghosthunter]

I agree that muzzle control is the most important safety rule.  And teach this over and over in classes.

[Bob33]

You must have two as a hunter. Muzzle control is number 1, but being sure of your target is also essential. As a hunter you intentionally point your muzzle at something you wish to shoot.

[TheFewTheProud]

Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.

Never point your weapon at anything you don’t intend to shoot.

Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
 
Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire.

[Bob33]

Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.

Never point your weapon at anything you don’t intend to shoot.

Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you intend to fire.
 
Keep your weapon on safe until you intend to fire.

None of those prevent a woman hiker being mistaken for a bear and killed by intentionally being shot.

[woodman]

I think the most important rule is don't shoot ME!

[Brad Harshman]

Muzzle control. Number one.  The women hiker would not have been accidentally killed if they kept from pointIng thier weapon at her.  Lets be real he was looking through his scope trying to identify his target.  That is a no no.  You identify with binos/spotting scope, only when you are sure of your target should you point the muzzle at it. 

MUZZLE CONTROL

[Bob33]

Muzzle control. Number one.  The women hiker would not have been accidentally killed if they kept from pointIng thier weapon at her.  Lets be real he was looking through his scope trying to identify his target.  That is a no no.  You identify with binos/spotting scope, only when you are sure of your target should you point the muzzle at it. 

MUZZLE CONTROL

"Never point your muzzle at something you don't intend to shoot."

He followed the muzzle control rule when he shot the hiker. He did not identify his target first.

[Mike450r]

Muzzle control.  Accidental or negligent discharge is probably more common than misidentifying a target so muzzle control is most important in my opinion.

[Bob33]

Muzzle control.  Accidental or negligent discharge is probably more common than misidentifying a target so muzzle control is most important in my opinion.

True but the results of target misidentification are usually tragic. You intended to kill your target.

[timberfaller]

Following all, "The Ten Commandment of Firearm Safety"

I still have the Hunter Ed manual that STATES it that way!!

ONE in itself is not enough you need to follow ALL

If and only IF there was one, Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times, will help all concerned.

Firearms ARE a mechanical device THAT will fail at some time or another.

[Dan-o]

I would say the three most important rules are:
1.  Muzzle control
2.  Muzzle control
3.  Muzzle control

[pianoman9701]

I teach "muzzle control". I would have to agree that "know your target and what lies beyond it" is equally as important as muzzle control, especially with the given example.

[Bob33]

I teach "muzzle control". I would have to agree that "know your target and what lies beyond it" is equally as important as muzzle control, especially with the given example.

Right. Too many get pigeon holed with this "only one rule" babble. That's silly talk.

You can only have one to live on: food or water. Which one do you want?

[huntrights]

 
All of the gun safety rules are extremely important.  However, if there is an accidental discharge due to any cause, muzzle control can prevent tragedy.