What direction is considered safe to point your firearm when on the firing line?

Pointing your firearm down range is considered the safest practice when on the firing line. This direction is where the target is located and ensures that if a discharge occurs, the bullet will travel towards a designated area specifically set up for shooting. This minimizes the risk of harming others or causing unintended damage, as the area behind the target is likely to be clear of people and animals.

In contrast, pointing sideways can pose significant risks, as it may inadvertently threaten individuals who are positioned alongside you. Similarly, aiming at the ground could be dangerous, particularly if the terrain is not flat or contains unintended obstacles or individuals below the line of sight. Aiming upwards can also be hazardous, as a bullet fired into the air will eventually come down, often in unpredictable locations, potentially resulting in injury or property damage. Thus, directing the firearm down range maintains safety for all individuals on and near the firing line.