What does the term 'muzzle control' refer to?

The term 'muzzle control' specifically refers to the practice of always pointing the gun in a safe direction. This principle is one of the fundamental rules of firearm safety and is critical to preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of everyone in the vicinity. By maintaining muzzle control, a shooter minimizes the risk of unintentionally discharging a firearm in a direction that could cause harm to people or property.

The other options relate to aspects of firearm maintenance or handling but do not capture the essence of muzzle control. Cleaning the barrel is important for the performance and longevity of the firearm, while keeping the gun on safety refers to another safety measure that involves ensuring the firearm is not ready to fire until intended. Adjusting the sights pertains to improving accuracy but does not involve the critical safety considerations that muzzle control encompasses.