Safety With Firearms

No mechanical device has a will of its own, and guns never "go off" unless somebody causes them to do so. Guns are safe. It is people who are dangerous.
The wound delivered by a bullet can easily be fatal. This means that you should not expect the luxury of learning by experience. Your first mistake may well be your last. But you need not make it. If you memorize the four principles of firearm safety, treat them with absolute seriousness, and burn them into your consciousness, you will never have a mishap with a gun.

Firearm Safety Rules

All Guns are always loaded. No exceptions. Don't "pretend" that this is true, be deadly serious about it. Keep your piece really ready, and we'll never again hear that sheep-like bleat, "but I didn't know it was loaded!"
Never Let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. This rule is conspicuously and continuously violated, especially with pistols, and excused because, "it's not loaded." See Rule 1 above.
Keep you finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. You cannot line up any faster than you can position your trigger finger, and there is no need to fire an unaligned piece. (See inter-limb interaction.)
Be sure of your target. Know what it is, what it is in line with, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified.

*** These four suffice. Make them a permanent part of your character. ***

Ground Rules

These ground rules were intended for use during a combat pistol clinic. Always check with the Range Master for range specific rules.

Keep your pistol holstered except when on the firing line. We don't care what condition it is in as long as you don't touch it.
Stand firm on the line. Plant your feet and resist fidgeting.
Do not turn around with a pistol in your hand. Holster first, then turn.
Do not let the pistol "dangle" in one hand.
Keep the muzzle downrange when loading. Load magazines with the pistol holstered.
Keep the trigger finger outside the trigger guard when in motion.
If you need to work with your piece off the line, use the "safety table" and keep the muzzle to the North.
Keep, if applicable, your rifle and shotgun actions open except when on target or during a tactical drill.

The information on this page came from class materials developed by Walt Marshall and the Advanced Weapons & Tactics. If you own a firearm you should make arrangements to attend at least one of Walt's courses.

To Inter-Limb Interaction Page.

To Walt Marshall's Advanced Weapons & Tactics Site.

To Kodai No Bushido Home Page.

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Last modified: $Date: 2004/10/18 15:30:30 $