What should you always control regarding your firearm?

Controlling the direction of the muzzle is crucial for safety when handling a firearm. The muzzle is the front end of the gun where the bullet exits, and pointing it in a safe direction minimizes the risk of accidental injury or fatality. Whether the firearm is loaded or not, being conscious of where the muzzle is aimed should always be a top priority. This practice upholds one of the fundamental rules of firearms safety, which states that you should always treat every firearm as if it is loaded and never point it at anything you are not willing to destroy.

Additional considerations, such as managing noise level, barrel temperature, and ammunition amount, while important, do not compare in significance to muzzle control. Noise can be managed through the use of ear protection, while barrel temperature is typically only a concern during extended shooting, and ammunition management is primarily about ensuring that you're properly equipped rather than a direct safety measure. Therefore, focusing on muzzle control is essential for protecting yourself and others in any shooting scenario.