How to Safely Unload a Rifle

When you're finished shooting your rifle, always follow the basic firearm safety rules:

Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction,

keep your finger away from the trigger,

and make sure it's on safe.

Never store a loaded firearm in a case or in a safe.

Don't bring a loaded firearm into the house.

If the rifle has a magazine or magazine tube, first remove it.

Remove the ammunition.

Then reinsert the tube, open the action, and remove the round from the chamber. On tube-fed guns, a round will often stick in the carrier.

Visually inspect the chamber, then cycle the action to make sure the gun is completely empty.

Remember, always remove the magazine or empty the magazine tube before you open the action. If you don't, clearing the round from the chamber and closing the action will load another round from the magazine.

After you're finished unloading, put the ammunition back into its original box

and store the firearm in a secure place away from children.

Remember, firearm safety is your responsibility.

--Larry Potterfield