If you can count to four, you can handle a weapon safely. Yes, it’s that simple… Notice I didn’t say “easy.” Safe gun handling is simple, yet few individuals can demonstrate these safe handling skills when called upon to do so. It takes discipline and dedication. Watch most anyone in a gun store or in the kitchen of a friend when perusing a new gun purchase and you will notice right away that most folks are not cognizant of their weapon’s muzzle direction or their resultant trigger finger engagement. Firearm ownership and competency are rooted in responsibility. “What are you talking about, Dave? I’m safe with a gun!” Alas, most folks are not. Let me start at the beginning… I’m going to give you a few, simple words and we will build on them: 1. finger, 2. muzzle, 3. all/always, and 4. target-beyond.
Rule # 1 – Keep your FINGER off the trigger until your sights are on target and you are ready to shoot! Sounds easy, but it’s not. There is no reason to keep your finger on the trigger unless you are actively pressing the trigger on the shot being made. Your trigger finger should be extended and resting high on the slide/cylinder of your weapon, well away from the trigger, when not actually firing the weapon. Fingering the trigger otherwise is both useless and dangerous. It only takes a fraction of a second to engage the trigger and make a conscious effort to press the trigger. This simple step is what may keep you from discharging your firearm negligently. Make it your practice to keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on your target and you have determined that it is safe to fire.
Rule # 2 – Keep your MUZZLE pointed in a safe direction! There is no excuse whatsoever for pointing a loaded firearm at another human being unless you intend to shoot them. End of discussion. Period. This is where folks start to get offended. They make excuses for their lack of weapons handling skill. “Well, it’s not loaded!” (See rule # 3) “You’re being picky!” You’re right I’m being picky; my life could be forfeited because of your carelessness Never cover anything with your muzzle that you do not intend to destroy.
Rule # 3 – All guns are always loaded, ALWAYS. There’s an old adage in the gun community stating that more people are killed with unloaded weapons than any other kind. In short, it means people assume a gun is unloaded until it goes off (guns don’t just go off, by the way) and a human being is killed, injured or severely scared. Bullets do not come equipped with brakes. Once the bullet is discharged from the weapon, it is gone for good. Once a person has been shot or killed, the responsible party conveys a great deal of regret. They wish they could call back the shot. They cannot. They are sorry for their actions. However, their actions are permanent. No one cares if you are sorry. The only thing they care about is being injured or dead. Treat all weapons as if they are always loaded, ALWAYS! I like to think of this rule as the rule of respect.
Rule # 4 – Identify your TARGET and what lies BEYOND. When you press the trigger, you become responsible for your actions. Know what is being shot and know what may happen if you miss. Every round lands somewhere. You own those rounds as well as the ones that hit the target.
These rules are how I begin every class safety lecture. The four rules are non-negotiable! Everything is up for discussion at my shooting school and I feel it is extremely important to know why things are so. I encourage students to ask questions and the back and forth seems to help folks to learn better. I am a “why guy” for sure, but these four safety rules are not flexible. I hope to meet up with you on the range one day soon and it is my intent that everyone present follows the four rules of firearm safety. Good luck and good shooting!
Dave Bates is the owner of Alpha Omega Shooting Solutions, LLC in Khedive, Pennsylvania. Bates is an NRA certified instructor, a teacher, coach and police officer with nearly 40 years of experience. If you have questions or are interested in learning more about firearms training, contact Dave by email: alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com or by phone at 724-966-7011.
