In what direction should you point your firearm while waiting?

Pointing your firearm away from others is essential for safety while waiting. This practice minimizes the risk of accidental injury or fatality, as it ensures that the muzzle of your firearm is directed away from people who may be in the vicinity. Proper muzzle control is a critical part of gun handling and is a fundamental principle of firearm safety. This approach not only protects individuals but also sets a responsible example of safe firearm handling for others.

The other options, while they may seem safer in isolation, do not prioritize the safety of others in the same way. Pointing at the ground could lead to an accidental discharge that might cause unintended harm, while pointing towards the sky can be hazardous due to the possibility of a projectile coming back down. Pointing toward your side does not effectively safeguard others from potential harm and can create a risk if the gun were to discharge unintentionally. Thus, maintaining a direction away from others is the best practice for firearm safety.