Lock and Load for the 2025 New York Firearms Safety Test – Shoot for Success!

Keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction is the most critical action to take if you fall while carrying a firearm. This practice is rooted in the fundamental principles of firearm safety, known as the Four Rules, which emphasize the importance of always controlling the direction in which the gun is pointing.

By maintaining a safe direction, you significantly reduce the risk of accidentally discharging the firearm, which could lead to unintended harm to yourself or others nearby. This is especially crucial during an unexpected event like a fall, where losing control of the firearm might occur.

The other potential actions listed do not prioritize safety in the same way. For instance, attempting to catch yourself with your hands could lead to awkward falls or adjustments that might inadvertently alter the firearm's direction. Checking if the firearm is loaded or unloading it after standing up introduces unnecessary risks during a moment of instability. The focus should always first be on ensuring that the firearm does not pose a danger to anyone else if control is lost.