Hi Dave, good idea setting up a safety subject. When all is said and done, there are simply three safety rules that will prevent injury:
NRA's Three Safety Rules
Gun Safety Rule #1: ALWAYS keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.
Gun Safety Rule #2: ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
Gun Safety Rule #3: ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.
Forget any gun safety device, mechanical devices are prone to failure. Well, thinking about it some more, there are no safeties on must BP firearms. The old-timers were way ahead of my advice. lol
Regards,
Richard