Four Rules of Firearm Safety
The most important place to start when beginning your firearm journey is the Four Rules of Firearm Safety. These universal rules are known and followed by safe gun owners and shooting ranges everywhere. In fact, a lot of ranges will require you to watch a video on basic gun safety (these rules included) prior to you being able to fire your gun at their range.
While reading this post if you find that you are having trouble understanding some of the firearm and range terms here, refer to this post for help. If you find that the term is not located on the Firearm and Range Terminology post, please shoot me an email, comment, etc letting me know.
1. Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
Every firearm should be treated as if it is loaded at all times. Perform a clearance check every time you pick up a firearm. Most accidental discharges occur when one “thinks” their firearm is clear of ammo, but a clearance check was not performed.
2. Do not point your firearm at anything you do not wish to kill or destroy.
Another way of saying this rule is, “Always keep your firearm pointed down range or in a safe direction”. This means when shooting at a range, a safe direction is down range, your firearm pointed towards its target. At home when cleaning, doing dry fire practice, or holstering, you should never point your firearm towards a person.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger, until you are ready to shoot.
Keep you finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are pointed at your target, and you have made the decision to shoot. The safest place for your finger while preparing to shoot is firmly planted on the frame of the gun.
4. Be aware of your target, and beyond.
A 9mm bullet can travel at 1100 feet per second and about 2200 yards in range. There are been instances where shots have been fired and not controlled, causing injuries to bystanders a mile away. By being aware of your target, and beyond, you are checking the target to be clear and confirming that a backstop is in place to stop moving bullets.
Be safe and happy shooting!
