What is the cardinal rule of firearm safety?

The cardinal rule of firearm safety emphasizes the principle of treating every firearm as if it is loaded at all times. This mindset instills a culture of caution and respect towards handling firearms, as it minimizes risks associated with accidental discharges. When individuals adopt this practice, they are less likely to take unnecessary risks or become complacent about firearm safety.

This rule encourages a constant level of vigilance and responsibility, ensuring that one always verifies the status of the firearm before handling it and never assumes it is safe simply because one believes it is unloaded. Moreover, maintaining awareness that every gun can potentially fire reinforces disciplined handling procedures and promotes safety for the individual and those nearby.

The other options, while they highlight important aspects of firearm safety, do not capture this foundational principle as effectively. The wearing of gloves, keeping the firearm unloaded, and only pointing at targets are all important practices, but they do not encapsulate the overarching philosophy that underpins firearm safety.