Which of the following statements is true?

• A. Check behind and beyond your target to be certain you have a safe backstop and that no person or property could be endangered.
• B. The rule for sight adjustment is this: If you want the BB to hit higher on the target, move the rear sight down.
• C. When a rifle has its safety in the ON position, it is impossible for the gun to fire.
• D. If you are shooting in the standing position, you are standing on a mat.

Answer: (A)

Safety starts with knowing what lies beyond your target. Checking behind and beyond ensures there is a safe backstop to absorb or stop any projectile if it misses, bounces, or travels through the target. This practice prevents harm to people, animals, and property that could be in the projectile’s path, no matter the shooting scenario or target size. A proper backstop, like a hillside, earth berm, or a designated shooting range barrier, along with a clear area beyond, is essential to responsible shooting.

The other statements don’t provide a universal safety guarantee or are not about safety basics. Sight adjustments are specific to the firearm and situation and don’t address the broad safety responsibility of ensuring a safe backdrop. Relying on the safety being ON to make a gun incapable of firing is incorrect—mechanical issues or negligent handling can still lead to discharge. And whether you’re standing or not has no required connection to being on a mat while shooting.