Editing Gun safety (section)

===Safety flags===
'''Safety flags''' or '''breech flags''' are commonly mandated on shooting ranges to demonstrate that the firearm's bolt or action is open and no round is chambered. For firearms with magazines, the flag may also indicate that the magazine well is clear. Most competition rules mandate the usage of flags whenever a firearm is not directly in use.<ref name="ISSF-flags">{{cite web |title=ISSF - Official Statutes, Rules and Regulations |url=https://www.issf-sports.org/getfile.aspx?mod=docf&pane=1&inst=455&file=ISSF_Rule_Book_2023_Approved_Version.pdf |publisher=[[International Shooting Sport Federation]] |access-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227211527/https://www.issf-sports.org/getfile.aspx?mod=docf&pane=1&inst=455&file=ISSF_Rule_Book_2023_Approved_Version.pdf |archive-date=27 February 2024 |pages=182–183 |language=en |date=1 January 2022 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=RULES AND REGULATIONS for the conduct of SMALL-BORE AND AIR RIFLE, SMALL-BORE AND AIR PISTOL AND CROSSBOW COMPETITIONS |url=https://www.nsra.co.uk/home/downloads/1-reference/82-rules?download=32:rules-and-regulations |publisher=[[National Small-bore Rifle Association]] |access-date=26 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240626193237/https://www.nsra.co.uk/home/downloads/1-reference/82-rules?download=32:rules-and-regulations |archive-date=26 June 2024 |language=en-gb |date=1 April 2023 |quote=1.9.3.1.4 In addition the bolt or action of a rifle or pistol must be open and the chamber entrance either open to view or have a breech flag inserted. |url-status=live }}</ref>

'''Safety lines''' or '''clear barrel indicators''' are mandated for air rifles and air pistols under [[ISSF World Shooting Championships|ISSF]] rules.<ref name="ISSF-flags"/> Safety lines typically consist of a nylon cord which shows the action is open and that no pellet is present in the breech or barrel.

In clay pigeon shooting, break-barrel shotguns are typically carried in a "broken" state to show that they cannot be fired. Semi-automatic shotguns are typically required to use a breech flag.<ref name="ISSF-flags"/><ref>{{cite web |title=INTERNATIONAL SPORTING RULES - Chapter 8 - Rules of conduct / Safety |url=https://www.fitasc.com/upload/files/Rglts_PCH_01012013_ENG.pdf |website=fitasc.com |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Tir aux Armes Sportives de Chasse]] |access-date=2 July 2024 |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20160126114957/https://www.fitasc.com/upload/files/Rglts_PCH_01012013_ENG.pdf |archive-date=26 January 2016 |pages=12–13 |language=en |date=1 January 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

<gallery mode=packed>
Grunig & Elmiger Racer 3 with breech flag.jpg|Rifle with a red breech flag inserted
File:Green Safety flag.jpg|Safety line inserted in a Steyr Evo 10
File:1LT Amber English wins gold in skeet at 2020 Summer Olympic Games (51347892087).jpg|Skeet shooter carries a shotgun "broken", indicating it is in a safe state
</gallery>