How should you handle the muzzle of an air rifle?

Always keeping the muzzle of an air rifle pointed in a safe direction is paramount for safety. This practice significantly reduces the risk of accidental discharge and ensures that, even if a mistake occurs, the consequences are minimized. A safe direction typically means pointing the muzzle away from people, pets, and anything you don't intend to shoot, which is a critical aspect of firearm safety training.

Pointing the muzzle at the target before firing, while common practice when aiming, does not encompass the broader principle of maintaining safety at all times. Safety requires vigilance beyond just the act of shooting. Pointing the muzzle towards the ground while loading might seem safe, but there is still a risk of an accidental discharge that could lead to serious injury or damage. Lastly, pointing the rifle straight up when not in use can be dangerous too, as it could inadvertently lead to the rifle firing into an unsafe area if there is an accidental discharge.

Maintaining the muzzle in a consistently safe direction, which encompasses all situations involving the air rifle, is the fundamental rule that underpins all safe rifle handling practices.