The 4-Cardinal Rules of Gun SafetyRule # 1: All firearms are always loaded. Even if they are not, treat them as if they are. Rule # 2: Never allow the muzzle of your firearm to point toward anything you do not intend to kill or destroy. (For those who insist that this particular gun is unloaded, see Rule 1.) Rule # 3: Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are aligned with your target and you are ready to shoot. (The only way a gun will fire is by pulling the trigger.) Rule # 4: Be sure of your target, it's surroundings, and what's beyond it. Never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified. Rifle-Firing TechniquesUsing correct firing techniques will help you steady the rifle for the most accurate shooting. Bear in mind that these are only the basics. Further study will help you understand other factors that can affect your accuracy, such as wind, heat, and parallax.1. Shooting from a Rest: When shooting in the field, the safest and most accurate shots are taken from a resta log, large rock, or other stable object. Dont rest the barrel directly on a hard surface, or it will shoot higher than normalput some padding, such as a hat or a jacket, under the rifle.2. Breathing: Your breathing can move the rifle just enough to throw off your shot. When youre ready to shoot, draw a deep breath and exhale about half of it. Then hold your breath as you squeeze the trigger. Bear in mind that if you hold your breath too long, your heart beats faster, which increases your pulse and causes the rifle to move. If you notice this happening, take another breath and start over. At times the excitement of spotting game will make it more difficult to control your breathing. Try to relax and follow the correct procedure.3. Trigger Squeeze: Jerking the trigger or abruptly clenching the trigger hand can move the gun enough to cause a miss. To squeeze the trigger without jarring the gun, simply apply slow, steady pressure until the gun fires. Practice makes breath control and proper trigger squeeze habitual.4. Follow Through: After the bullet fires, its important to continue the squeeze or follow through. That prevents you from jerking the gun before the bullet has left the barrel. Four Fundamentals for an Accurate Rifle Shot1. Aim carefully, aligning your sights.2. Take a deep breath, and then release about half of it.3. Squeeze the trigger slowly.4. Follow through.4 Standard Firing Positions1. Prone - The prone position is the steadiest of the four positions. Because its the easiest to hold, its the best position for mastering the fundamentals of shootingaiming, breath control, trigger squeeze, and follow through.

2. Standing - With neither arm supported, this is the most difficult position for firing an accurate shot. Rather than trying to hold the barrel steady, which is impossible, try to keep movement of the barrel to as small an area as possible. Smooth, natural motion will produce the best shot.

3. Sitting - Both arms are supported by your legs. Next to the prone position, this is the steadiest position.

4. Kneeling - With only one arm braced, the kneeling position is less steady than the prone and sitting positions.