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FIREARM SAFETY 101
"Set The Example"
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The Four Basic Gun Safety Rules
Col. John Dean "Jeff" Cooper
(May 10, 1920 - September 25, 2006)
Colonel Cooper is recognized as the father of what is
commonly known as "The Modern Technique" of handgun shooting, and one of the
20th century's foremost international experts on the use and history of small
arms. He pretty much sums it all up with the following...
RULE I:
ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
There are no exceptions. Do not pretend that this is not true. Some people and
organizations take this rule and weaken it;e.g. "Treat all guns as if they were
loaded." Unfortunately, the "as if" compromises the directness of the statement
by implying that they are unloaded, but we will treat them as though they are
loaded. No good! Safety rules must be worded forcefully so that they are never
treated lightly or reduced to partial compliance.
All guns are always loaded - period!
This must be your mind-set. If someone hands you a firearm and says, "Don't
worry, it's not loaded," you do not dare believe him. You need not be impolite,
but check it yourself. Remember, there are no accidents, only negligent acts.
Check it. Do not let yourself fall prey to a situation where you might feel
compelled to squeal, "I didn't know it was loaded!"
(Champion Arms ed. note: Remember, even if a round is
not in the chamber, a loaded magazine inserted into the grip of a pistol makes
the gun LOADED)
RULE II:
NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
Conspicuously and continuously violated, especially with pistols, Rule II
applies whether you are involved in range practice, daily carry, or examination.
If the weapon is assembled and in someone's hands, it is capable of being
discharged. A firearm holstered properly, lying on a table, or placed in a
scabbard is of no danger to anyone. Only when handled is there a need for
concern. This rule applies to fighting as well as to daily handling. If you are
not willing to take a human life, do not cover a person with the muzzle. This
rule also applies to your own person. Do not allow the muzzle to cover your
extremities, e.g. using both hands to re-holster the pistol. This practice is
unsound, both procedurally and tactically. You may need a free hand for
something important. Proper holster design should provide for one-handed
holstering, so avoid holsters which collapse after withdrawing the pistol.
(Note: It is dangerous to push the muzzle against the inside edge of the holster
nearest the body to "open" it since this results in your pointing the pistol at
your midsection.) Dry-practice in the home is a worthwhile habit and it will
result in more deeply programmed reflexes. Most of the reflexes involved in the
Modern Technique do not require that a shot be fired. Particular procedures for
dry-firing in the home will be covered later. Let it suffice for now that you do
not dry-fire using a "target" that you wish not to see destroyed. For those who
insist that the gun is unloaded, see Rule 1.
Rule III:
KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
Rule III is violated most anytime the uneducated person handles a firearm.
Whether on TV, in the theaters, or at the range, people seem fascinated with
having their finger on the trigger. Never stand or walk around with your finger
on the trigger. It is unprofessional, dangerous, and, perhaps most damaging to
the psyche, it is klutzy looking. Never fire a shot unless the sights are
superimposed on the target and you have made a conscious decision to fire.
Firing an unaligned pistol in a fight gains nothing. If you believe that the
defensive pistol is only an intimidation tool - not something to be used - carry
blanks, or better yet, reevaluate having one around. If you are going to launch
a projectile, it had best be directed purposely. Danger abounds if you allow
your finger to dawdle inside the trigger guard. As soon as the sights leave the
target, the trigger-finger leaves the trigger and straightens alongside the
frame. Since the hand normally prefers to work as a unit - as in grasping -
separating the function of the trigger-finger from the rest of the hand takes
effort. The five-finger grasp is a deeply programmed reflex. Under sufficient
stress, and with the finger already placed on the trigger, an unexpected
movement, misstep or surprise could result in a negligent discharge. Speed
cannot be gained from such a premature placement of the trigger-finger. Bringing
the sights to bear on the target, whether from the holster or the Guard
Position, takes more time than that required for moving the trigger finger an
inch or so to the trigger.
RULE IV
BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET
Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is
behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified. Be aware
of your surroundings, whether on the range or in a fight. Do not assume
anything. Know what you are doing.
SUMMARY:
Make these rules a part of your character. Never
compromise them. Improper gun handling results from ignorance and improper role
modeling, such as handling your gun like your favorite actor does. Education can
cure this. You can make a difference by following these gun handling rules and
insisting that those around you do the same. Set the example. Who knows what
tragedies you, or someone you influence, may prevent?
Excerpted from: The Modern Technique of the Pistol,
by Greg Morrison, Gunsite Press, Paulden, Arizona, ISBN 0-9621342-3-6, Library
of Congress Number 91-72644
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