Firearm Safety Rules

When may you put your finger on the trigger?

Answer

Only when you are ready to shoot

Rule 3 is to keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. Resting your finger on the trigger may feel comfortable, but it is unsafe.

Source: Chapter 1: The Six Basic Firearm Safety Rules

Not the answer

  • Only after the safety is engaged
  • Only after checking that it is unloaded
  • Only when the muzzle points downrange

Practice this

The California Firearm Safety Certificate test is 30 questions and takes 23 correct — 75% — to pass. The app’s page carries a free ten-question test drawn from the same bank, marked as you go.

Take the free practice test