Which of the following is NOT one of the four primary rules of firearm safety?

The principle of loading your firearm only when ready to use it is indeed part of safe firearm handling, but it is not listed among the four primary rules of firearm safety. The primary rules focus on directing attention to critical aspects that prevent accidents and ensure safe handling.

The first rule emphasizes always pointing the gun in a safe direction, as this minimizes the risk of injury if the firearm were to accidentally discharge. The second rule reinforces the importance of being aware of your target and what lies beyond it to prevent unintended harm to people or property. The third rule highlights the critical concept of keeping fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot, which is essential in preventing accidental discharges.

While loading your firearm only when you intend to use it is a vital safety practice, it complements the more fundamental rules rather than serving as one of the four primary tenets. Understanding these foundational rules helps establish safe habits for handling firearms in various situations.