What does muzzle control primarily refer to in firearm safety?

Muzzle control primarily refers to the direction of the firearm's muzzle, which is crucial for ensuring safety when handling firearms. Proper muzzle control means always pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, where it cannot unintentionally harm someone or something. This practice is foundational in firearm safety protocols and helps prevent accidents. Maintaining awareness of muzzle direction significantly reduces the risk of accidental discharge affecting unintended targets.

While correct aim at a target, proper cleaning of the firearm, and use of the firearm in combat are important aspects of firearm handling, they do not specifically pertain to the critical safety practice of directing the muzzle away from people and valuables to avoid dangerous situations. Thus, the focus on the muzzle's direction makes this choice the most relevant to firearm safety.