Muzzle awareness — firearms and muzzleloaders

The safe direction of your muzzle will change depending on your circumstances. Generally, a safe direction is one where, in the event of an unintended discharge or fall, no harm or damage would result.

In a rocky terrain in the field, downwards may sometimes be unsafe. If there is an unintended discharge, ricocheting fragments of bullets or rock can cause injury to the shooter or bystanders.

In unpopulated areas, pointing a firearm upwards is generally fairly safe, although falling projectiles do have the potential to cause harm.