Which of the following must you ensure while firing a gun?

Being sure of the target and what is in front and beyond it is a fundamental principle of firearm safety and responsible hunting. This practice ensures that you are aware of not only your intended target but also what is in the surrounding area that could potentially be affected by your shot. This includes other people, animals, and property. The goal is to prevent accidents, injuries, or fatalities caused by unintentional shooting of things that are not intended to be shot.

Understanding your target's background is crucial because even a well-aimed shot can have unforeseen consequences if there is something behind the target that can be hit. This is central to the philosophy of firearms safety, emphasizing awareness and responsibility for every shot fired.

In contrast, while having someone else hold the gun, having a firm grip, and ensuring the gun is cleaned before use can all be aspects of safe firearm handling, they do not directly address the critical responsibility of evaluating your shot in relation to people and property in the vicinity. This situational awareness is what truly upholds safety standards in shooting sports and hunting.