June was Gun Safety Month
I held off on posting this until July for one reason. Every month should be Gun Safety Month. I have taught my kids from an early age about gun safety. When handling a firearm, there are four universal safety rules that must ALWAYS be followed. When these four rules are followed, accidents should never happen. Negligent discharges of a firearm can result in death or serious injury if you fail to obey the four rules. Every shooter should know and be able to recite the 4 Rules of Gun Safety like they can recite the pledge.
Four Rules of Gun Saftey
#FollowTheFour
I like to move #3 into the #1 position myself and that’s what I’ve always taught my kids. If you keep your booger-hooker off the trigger then you never have to worry. Using the diagram above provided by Glock Inc., Let’s review the safety rules.
- Treat all Firearms as if they are loaded. This is very important, Think of every firearm loaded, cocked and ready to rock. This is why I always stress to my students to keep that finger off of the trigger. If the firearm they are handling is loaded that trigger does not need to be touched.
- Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to Destroy, Kill or PAY FOR. When I was getting my instructor certifications my instructor really stressed this one to us. Even in a self-defense situation, where you meant to point the muzzle in that direction, you may end up paying for damages to people or property. This is why it is so important to carry Self-Defense insurance. You do not have to have a CCW to be insured.
- Keep your finger off the trigger. Very simple yet the most abused rule of the four. Keep that Finger OFF THE TRIGGER until you have your target in your sights and you have made the choice to pull the trigger. This counts at home or at the range. Build the proper muscle memory and you will have good habits.
- Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. You have to know whats behind your target. What’s around your target and even whats in front of your target. Studies show even police officers involved in shootings are only 23% accurate. How do you think you will fare in a self-defense situation. Know your surroundings and whats around your target.
