The 4 Rules (of Firearm Safety)
With much thanks to Jeff Cooper and the NRA for comming up with these rules. These are not just 'good ideas' or range rules. These are the basic competancy rules to live by. If you follow these rules at all times (even without thinking) then you have achieved basic competancy with firearms.
#1 ALL Firearms are ALWAYS Loaded! This means every time you pick up a firearm you open the chamber and check to see that it is indeed unloaded (even if you just put it down a second ago). Also, since it is assumed the firearm is always loaded you NEVER point it in the direction of others (or yourself) even as a 'joke'. More people get shot and killed by firearms that were assumed to be 'unloaded'. So even when you KNOW the firearm is unloaded, handle it as if there was a cartridge in the chamber. DO NOT TRUST MECHANICAL SAFETIES!
#2 Do not point the muzzle at anything you do not wish to DESTROY! This goes back to the assumption the firearm is loaded. This also applies when you're handling a firearm you don't look down the barrel from the muzzle. Don't rest the barrel on your foot (I know a lot of shotgunners do this, but some of them limp now when their 'unloaded' shotgun went off). This is something you have to constantly be aware of.
#3 Keep your finger OFF the trigger, until you are ready to fire! This is perhaps the most violated rule among novices, experienced shooters, and firearms enthusiasts. Most people are surpised how easy it is pull a trigger when they are startled (even heavy double action revolver triggers). By keeping you finger out of the trigger guard the weapon cannot discharge. Its very simple, finger in the trigger gurad the 'Safety' is off; finger outside the trigger guard (like along the frame) the 'Safety' is on. Works EVERY time. Even in competition, until you are ready to pull the trigger, keep your finger out of the trigger guard until its time to put the bullet in the X ring. As it is worth repeating DO NOT TRUST MECHANICAL SAFETIES, use the safety between your ears - its the best one.
#4 Know you Target and what is BEYOND your target. This is especially important for Hunters, those who 'plink' in the woods, and people that carry/use firearms for defensive purposes. Not only must you POSITIVELY identify your target (don't shoot at shadows, or rustling bushes). But you had better know what is behind it in case you miss or the bullet goes right throught the target (i.e. be sure there is a good backstop for the bullet).
Now that you know the 4 basic rules of gun safety, you might want to learn how to secure that rifle when its not with you.
Remember, Safety is EVERYONES business.
If you see an unsafe act at a range you can (and should) call a 'Cease-Fire' and correct the problem.
