Historical and traditional rifle design methodology, development, manufacture, and attitudes are evaluated and critically examined from a systems engineering and ergonomic viewpoint. Emphasized in this new perspective is the inseparable nature of the individual components that define the shooter-rifle system and its typical operational characteristics. Unlike traditional viewpoints, this perspective regards the shooter/owner, including his/her beliefs, habits, desires, and preferences, as essential to understanding and determining the operational effectiveness and safety of the system at all times, whether the shooter is physically present or not. This essential realization is supported by examining multiple facets of human factors within the shooter-rifle system, as well as ineffective design intervention strategies historically employed, and emphasizes that traditional approaches to firearm safety have been inadequate and incomplete, resulting in, ineffectual firearms legislation and untold numbers of accidental discharges, as well as increased potential for injury or death. While only a small sample of potential components, behaviors, and policies are thoroughly examined, this investigation suggests that traditional approaches to firearm development and safety devices should seek to incorporate systems engineering and ergonomic techniques to overcome the typical shortcomings, in terms of safety and operational effectiveness, that have historically plagued firearms design and manufacture.