CREDIT: I got these rules from Col. Jeff Cooper's writings. I'm sure he won't mind.
RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
If you follow this rule, you will give the gun the respect it deserves as a possibly deadly tool. If someone is handing you a gun to inspect, ask them to demonstrate to you that it is unloaded. Then, treat it like it is loaded, anyway.
RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
Usually this means point it straight up or down. In a multi story building, it might mean pointing it at the outside corner of a room. NEVER let it point at someone, that is, unless you intend to shoot them!
Rule III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
Guns don't just go off. In very rare circumstances an old gun might discharge if dropped on the hammer. For the most part, guns go off when somebody puts their finger, appendage, branch, holster flat, inside the trigger guard ahead of the trigger.
It also means you won't rely on the safety mechanism to prevent disaster. You treat it as if it is loaded and the safety off, even if it is on. Why? Do you know the definition of a gun safety? A safety is a mechanical device that can fail.
RULE IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET (AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT)
OK, so you have a gun. Sooner or later, you'll want to shoot it! This is the point when your finger will actually touch the trigger (see Rule III). Before you touch that trigger, you need to be aware of your circumstances. If you're hunting, is there a house behind the trees, a road, any blaze orange in view? If the bullet goes straight through, will it go over the hill to who-knows-where? It's your responsibility to know.
That's it. Remember and apply these rules and it will help you to stay out of jail, out of civil court, and out of trouble.
Ken.
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