Gun safety training seeks to instill a certain mindset and appropriate habits, or rules. The mindset is that firearms are inherently dangerous and must always be handled with care. Handlers are taught to treat firearms with respect for their destructive capabilities, and they are strongly discouraged from playing or toying with firearms, a common cause of accidents.

The rules of gun safety follow from this mindset. While there are many variations, the following rules are those most commonly taught during gun safety training:

• Always treat firearms as if they are loaded, not safetied, and ready to fire.
• Always point the muzzle away from anything and everything which you do not intend to fire upon.
• Always keep your fingers away from the trigger until you are ready to fire.
• Always be sure of your target and its surroundings.