What action should never be taken until ready to fire?

Pointing the weapon is a critical action that should only occur when the shooter is prepared to fire. This principle is rooted in the fundamental rules of firearm safety. Directing the muzzle towards a target should only be done when the shooter is ready to engage, ensuring that no actions are taken that could cause an inadvertent discharge of the firearm.

Loading the weapon and taking off the safety are actions that can be conducted as part of the preparation process, and they do not necessitate readiness to fire. However, these actions should still be performed with due caution to ensure safety. Pressing the trigger is inherently linked to firing, which underscores the importance of readying the weapon as safely as possible.

By maintaining strict protocols around when to point a weapon, shooters are upholding responsibility and minimizing the risk of accidents, reinforcing the foundational practices needed for safe firearm handling.