Which of the following is one of the four primary rules of firearm safety?

The principle of being sure of your target, what is in front of it, and what is beyond it is essential to safe firearm handling. This rule emphasizes the importance of positively identifying your target before firing. It requires a clear understanding of what lies beyond your target to prevent unintended harm or injury to people, animals, or property. This rule is core in promoting responsible hunting and shooting practices, as it helps hunters and shooters to remain aware of their surroundings and take appropriate actions to ensure that every shot fired is deliberate and safe.

While other options address important aspects of firearm safety, such as handling procedures and personal responsibility, this particular rule highlights the necessity to assess the environment before discharging a firearm, making it foundational to all shooting activities.