Which of the following is NOT one of the universal weapons safety rules?

The correct answer is that "Treat every weapon as if it were unloaded" is indeed one of the universal weapons safety rules, not something that is excluded. This rule emphasizes the importance of always assuming that a firearm could be loaded, which significantly reduces the likelihood of accidental discharges. It promotes heightened safety awareness and precautionary behavior when handling any weapon.

Keeping your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire is another critical safety rule. It prevents premature firing and ensures controlled use of the firearm—key components of responsible firearm handling. Similarly, never pointing a weapon at anything you do not intend to shoot is essential for preventing unintended harm, addressing both safety for the shooter and those nearby. Finally, keeping the weapon on "safe" until ready to fire ensures that the firearm remains in a condition that prevents it from discharging unintentionally.

These established safety rules form the foundation of responsible firearms handling and significantly help to avoid accidents and enhance overall safety during training and operational activities.