What is the third safety rule of handling a weapon?

• A. Treat every weapon as if it were loaded
• B. Never point a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot
• C. Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire
• D. Keep the weapon on safe until you intend to fire

Answer: (C)

Trigger discipline—the third safety rule—means keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire. This matters because the trigger is the mechanism that releases the weapon; even a slight touch can cause a discharge if the weapon is loaded. By resting the finger outside the trigger guard and along the frame, you prevent accidental activation during movement, handling, or aiming. This rule complements the others—treat every weapon as loaded and never point at anything you don’t intend to shoot. While keeping the weapon on safe until you intend to fire is also a key safety practice, it describes a different stage of handling rather than the immediate habit of trigger control. Mastering this habit greatly reduces the chance of an unintentional discharge in any training or real-world situation.