What are the safety precautions on handling shotguns proposed by the NRA in Alaska?

While the NRA's safety rules are not specifically tailored to Alaska, they provide general guidelines that are applicable everywhere, including Alaska. Here are some key safety precautions for handling firearms, including shotguns, as proposed by the NRA:

1. Always Point the Muzzle in a Safe Direction: Never point a firearm at anyone or anything you do not intend to shoot. This is crucial to prevent accidental discharges24.

2. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger: Until you are ready to shoot, keep your finger outside the trigger guard. This helps prevent accidental discharges24.

3. Keep the Action Open and the Gun Unloaded: Until you are ready to use it, keep the shotgun unloaded and the action open. This ensures that the firearm is safe to handle24.

4. Treat Every Firearm as if it Were Loaded: Always assume a firearm is loaded, even if you believe it is not. This mindset helps prevent accidents2.

5. Understand the Firearm's Operation: Before handling any firearm, make sure you understand how it works. This includes knowing how to load, unload, and safely operate the shotgun2.

6. Use Eye and Ear Protection: Always wear protective gear when shooting to safeguard your sight and hearing2.

7. Positively Identify Your Target: Before firing, ensure you have identified your target and considered what is behind it to avoid stray shots2.

In Alaska, additional safety considerations include not shooting on, from, or across roads, and ensuring firearms are unloaded when being transported1. Always follow local laws and regulations, such as those regarding prohibited weapons and locations where firearms are restricted35.