Rhode Island Blue Card Practice Test

What is an important rule for your trigger finger when handling a firearm?

1. Your trigger finger should be on the trigger at all times

2. You should keep it outside the trigger guard

3. Your finger should not touch the firearm

4. It should always be resting on the safety

The correct answer is: You should keep it outside the trigger guard

Keeping your trigger finger outside the trigger guard is crucial for firearm safety. This practice prevents accidental discharges that can occur if the finger is inadvertently placed on the trigger when the firearm is not intended to be fired. Keeping the finger outside the trigger guard reinforces the principle of trigger discipline, meaning that the finger should only move to the trigger when the shooter has identified a target and is ready to fire. This rule serves as a fundamental safety measure, particularly in preventing unintentional injuries and fatalities, as it promotes an awareness of when the firearm is in a ready-to-fire state versus when it is being handled safely. The correct positioning of the finger also ensures that the shooter maintains control and responsibility over the firearm. In contrast, having the finger on the trigger at all times would drastically increase the risk of an accidental discharge. Saying that the finger should not touch the firearm at all overlooks the necessary and responsible handling of the weapon. Finally, placing the finger on the safety is not a standard practice and could lead to confusion about the readiness of the firearm, in addition to possibly engaging or disengaging the safety if the finger is misplaced.