What are the safety precautions on handling shotguns proposed by the NRA in Illinois?

The safety precautions for handling firearms, including shotguns, as proposed by the NRA, are not specific to Illinois but are general guidelines that apply broadly. Here are some key safety rules from the NRA that are relevant to handling shotguns and other firearms:

General Safety Rules

1. Always point the muzzle in a safe direction; never point a firearm at anyone or anything you don't want to shoot3.
2. Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot3.
3. Never shoot at a hard surface, or at water -- your shot may glance off, ricochet and injure someone3.
4. Never shoot at glass bottles, living trees, or inappropriate targets which would create a hazard for other persons or damage the environment3.

Specific to Handling and Maintenance

1. Make sure your firearm is in good mechanical condition before firing it. Periodically have your firearm checked for signs of erosion, cracking, or wear by the factory, by a qualified armorer, or by a factory certified gunsmith3.
2. Avoid carrying or storing an external hammer-type firearm with its hammer cocked. Exercise extreme care in decocking any external hammer firearm3.
3. Never use a scope mounted on a firearm as a general purpose spotting scope: while observing an area you may end up accidentally aiming your firearm at fellow hunters, or other non-targets3.

Additional Safety Considerations

1. Be sure your gun and ammunition are compatible3.
2. Avoid trying to catch a live round (while unloading a semiautomatic pistol) by cupping your hand around the ejection port while retracting the slide; doing so may result in an accidental discharge3.

These rules are designed to ensure safe handling and use of firearms, including shotguns, and are applicable in Illinois as well as other jurisdictions.