Words of Wisdom-The Rules of Firearm Safety

Now, before we begin, I'd like to mention that this post is going to be much less formal than the others.  I'm not reviewing any products, I'm not describing the ballistics of a specific weapon, ammunition, etc.  I'm simply going to cover the basic principles of firearm safety.  We all know the "fundamentals", the list of rules in circulation that everyone has heard at one point or another.  My first exposure was my first week of Basic Training, the first time I had ever held a firearm.  I don't remember "hearing" the fundamentals of firearm safety, so much as I recall having them forcibly pounded into my cranium, through my "brain bucket," with the buttstock of a figurative M16A1. . . I'm going to forego my spotty recollection of a possibly traumatic experience, and move on to the "meat and potatoes."

I will also preface this by saying that the purpose of this post is mostly as a reminder to those of you who have some experience.  Newcomers to the hobby can still learn something, but the stories relayed below will be based mostly on my experiences with the inexperienced shooters I've had to "gently" remind of the rules while at the range, in firearms training classes, and the like.

Rule #1: It's a Lethal Weapon, you idiot!
Until you've had these rules explained to you, if you've never handled a firearm before, it's unlikely that the "4 rules" are at the front of your mind.  The first time I handled a firearm, I think the only thought I can remember was, "This is so cool!  I wonder when we're going to get to shoot these things!"  The last thing on my mind was the power of the weapon, and I was SO sure that it was unloaded, I really didn't care where I pointed the muzzle.  Well, for a minute, anyway.  If there's anything my time in the military has taught me, it's to always treat the weapon as if it's loaded, even when I'm sure it's not.  There are too many stories about people who have had negligent discharges while handling firearms, we don't need any more.

Rule #2: Don't point that thing at me!
It doesn't matter how many times you tell someone this rule, they will always forget.  We need to be attentive at all times, especially with those who have little or no experience.  I have done firearms qualifications for employees of the company I'm employed by, and it seems that no matter how many times I've said it, someone always has a loaded gun pointed at them when we get to the firing line.  Usually, it's me.  That's why I wear a vest, and carry a hefty life insurance policy.  The key here is situational awareness.  One of the more terrifying educational instances was when an employee had a weapon malfunction on the range.  I instructed everyone on the firing line to "Cease Fire", which they did, and everyone except for the individual involved cleared and holstered their weapons.  The individual I was dealing with conducted malfunctions drills on his weapon 3 times under my supervision, and was unable to clear the weapon.  I then instructed him to "keep the weapon pointed downrange, and hand it to me slowly."  Next thing I know, he turns toward me, says, "Here ya go," and I look down at the barrel Smith and Wesson .40 semi-automatic pistol swinging toward my midsection.  Situational awareness, folks.  Learn from my mistakes!

Rule #3: Get your finger off the trigger!
This one, like all the others, would seem to be a no-brainer, but still, the first thing people always seem to do when I let them handle one of my firearms (those who haven't handled them before, anyway) is put their finger on the trigger.  I prefer to keep it simple, to the point, and always observe how folks handle the firearm BEFORE it's loaded, but after my brief safety lecture.  I've had tons of fun going to the range, and allowing folks who have had no exposure to firearms the chance to gain a stronger understanding, but it's always been my priority to emphasize safety.  Most firearms will only discharge if the trigger is squeezed.  I'm not saying that malfunctions are impossible, which is why we have rules #2 and #4, but a trigger finger on the trigger when the other rules aren't being followed can be a recipe for disaster.

Rule #4: CEASE FIRE!!
This rule is one of the most often-overlooked, and one of the most important.  You've made sure all weapons are treated as if they are loaded, muzzle awareness has been a priority, and fingers have remained safely indexed outside of the trigger guard.  This may seem like a repeat of #2, but there is more to it than simple muzzle awareness. . . The key is to be aware of your target.  Know what's behind it, what's in front, what you might hit if you miss, where the bullets will land.  You can't just set up tin cans on the fence and plink away.  Well, you could, but I'm not sure anyone has built a fence in front of a proper berm for the purpose of setting up cans. . .  Safety is the key word, and it's not just the safety of those directly involved at the range, it's the safety of everyone within the distance that projectile will travel.  Believe it or not, once that bullet leaves the barrel, it doesn't cease to be our responsibility.  Another point to consider, range safety is not the responsibility of one person.  Everyone present is considered a safety officer, in that anyone can call "Cease Fire" if they observe any unsafe conditions or behavior.


Following these rules should come naturally to those who have the proper mindset when handling firearms.  Some of us have been given a more rigorous introduction to these principles than others (Military & Law Enforcement firearms training tends to have that effect), but the intention of the above rules is to maintain a safe environment, and I believe everyone can benefit from familiarizing themselves before ever coming into contact with a firearm, loaded or otherwise.


As always, if you have anything to add, feel free to comment below!