When shooting a firearm, how should you position your hands?

The correct approach to positioning your hands while shooting a firearm is to grip firmly on the stock and keep your trigger finger outside the trigger guard. This method promotes several aspects of safety and control.

Gripping firmly on the stock ensures that you have a stable hold on the firearm, which helps with accuracy and reduces recoil impact when firing. It is imperative that the stock, where your dominant hand typically rests, is held securely to maintain control over the firearm during and after discharge.

Keeping your trigger finger outside the trigger guard is a fundamental safety practice. This precaution prevents accidental discharges that can occur if the finger inadvertently rests on the trigger during handling. Maintaining this discipline fosters responsible firearm use and significantly enhances safety for both the shooter and those nearby.

Other choices do not align with safe handling practices; for instance, gripping loosely on the barrel could lead to loss of control and increased risk of accident. Holding the firearm with one hand may not provide the necessary stability and control, especially for most firearms that require two-handed operation to shoot accurately. Finally, keeping both hands off the firearm until ready can compromise readiness and safety, as it must be part of a fluid movement to engage with the firearm safely. Thus, option B embodies the best practices for grip and trigger