Which rule emphasizes treating all firearms with caution?

The principle that emphasizes treating all firearms with caution is the guideline of treating all guns as loaded. This rule instills a mindset of safety and vigilance among firearms users. By operating under the assumption that every firearm is loaded, individuals are encouraged to handle them with the utmost care, regardless of whether they have checked the weapon or not. This approach helps prevent accidents and reinforces the importance of responsible gun handling.

When individuals are diligent in treating firearms as if they are loaded, they are more likely to follow other safety protocols, such as not pointing the gun at anything they do not intend to shoot, keeping their finger off the trigger until they are ready to fire, and always being aware of their surroundings. This rule is foundational in firearms training and is widely accepted across various safety programs to promote responsible firearm ownership and usage.