Which of the following actions is NOT recommended when loading a rifle?

When loading a rifle, safety is paramount, and one of the key safety rules is to never point the muzzle at another person, even if you believe the rifle is unloaded. This action can lead to severe consequences in case of an accidental discharge. Proper loading techniques involve pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, which is primarily downrange, thereby eliminating the risk of harming others.

Holding the rifle firmly in your hands helps maintain control and stability while loading, which is crucial for safe handling. Keeping the muzzle pointed downrange ensures that if the rifle were to accidentally discharge, the bullet would not pose a threat to others. Additionally, ensuring that the area behind the shooting line is clear is vital to prevent any hazard to individuals who might be behind the target.

Therefore, pointing the muzzle at another shooter is considered the action that is not recommended, as it violates the fundamental principle of firearm safety and threatens the well-being of others near the shooting area.