We all know the 4 basic rules of gun safety. Briefly:
That thing is loaded, even when it ain’t
Don’t point it at anything that you don’t mean to kill or destroy
Keep your booger picker off the trigger until you’re ready to shoot
Positive ID your target and know what’s behind it
I’d bet most of us have a fifth or sixth rule. Maybe a best practice, or perhaps a personal rule or something you learned from a trusted mentor. What are your fifth rules?
Keep it secured anytime you don’t have direct control over it.
I guess my fifth rule would have to be about applying all the rules even to guns that I KNOW are not really guns.
Only shoot to defend life, not stuff.
Never be more than three seconds from my weapon!
First and most important rule for me is and always will be:
Know your firearm and be fully comfortable with it.
My fifth rule is “don’t hunt or shoot with anyone who doesn’t know the first four rules.”
I take that as an opportunity to teach the rules.
Yup. Had a friend many years ago who loved to hunt, but he couldn’t control where the muzzle was pointed. I dislike staring down the barrel of a 12 bore, and after a few hunts and numerous reminders to “watch you muzzle” I decided I’d rather not hunt with him. We are still friends but do not go hunting or shooting together.
Buy a safe before you buy a gun.
CC weapon stays holstered 100% of time. Off the belt and into the safe, out of the safe and onto the belt it goes, without leaving the holster.
I am new to this but I give it a shot
Know/ learn you gun
Respect your surroundings / awareness at all times
My 5th Rule: Don’t be “That Guy”. We all know and have observed him or her doing something unsafe or foolish.
Example: “Oh wow, look at what that guy is doing on lane 12.” Lol
Another possible rule, my favorite, is: “It all begins and ends with giving a damn”.
Make sure your holster and gun belt are proper for what you carry
This is exactly 1st rule for new to firearms 
OK, I don’t want to confuse anyone with rule numbering…
Let make this #0 then !
RULE 0: Know/ learn your gun.
RULE 0, version 1 :
Know your tool and be fully comfortable with it.
I agree with many here. “Know thy tools!”
Mine is stolen from the motorcycle world: if you ever get to comfortable with it/stop respecting it’s power, lock it up or sell it.
Never accept someone else’s word about a gun being loaded or unloaded. Check for yourself! Everytime!
Train as if your life depends on it because it does. Without adequate training, you are a threat to yourself and those around you.
