Safety Again

I know I revisit this a lot. But I also know that you can never have too much of certain things. Love, money, guns, ammo… or safety.
I hear all the time about a negligent discharge. Most of the time this comes from my friends in law enforcement. This just proves to me that revisiting safety is not a bad thing for anyone and everyone. I test my kids on these rules all the time. I want them to pick up a gun and hear my voice making them recite the rules to me for the billionth time.
They are for the one billionth and one time:
RULE 1: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED
There are no exceptions. Do not pretend that this is true. Some people and organizations take this rule and weaken it; e.g. "Treat all guns as if they were loaded." Unfortunately, the "as if" compromises the directness of the statement by implying that they are unloaded, but we will treat them as though they are loaded. No good! Safety rules must be worded forcefully so that they are never treated lightly or reduced to partial compliance. All guns are loaded, period! This must be your mind-set. If someone hands you a firearm and says, "Don't worry, it's not loaded," you do not dare believe him. You need not be impolite, but check it yourself. Remember, there are no accidents, only negligent acts. Check it. Do not let yourself fall prey to a situation where you might feel compelled to squeal, "I didn't know it was loaded!"________________________________________
RULE 2: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER (POINT AT) ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY
This is violated quite often, especially with pistols. Rule II applies whether you are involved in range practice, daily carry, or examination. If the weapon is assembled and in someone's hands, it is capable of being discharged. A firearm holstered properly, lying on a table, or placed in a scabbard is of no danger to anyone. Only when handled is there a need for concern. This rule also applies to your own person. Do not allow the muzzle to cover your extremities, e.g. using both hands to reholster the pistol Dryfire-practice in the home is a worthwhile habit and it will result in more deeply programmed reflexes. Most of the reflexes involved in the Modern Technique do not require that a shot be fired. Let it suffice for now that you do not dry-fire using a "target" that you wish not to see destroyed. (Recall RULE I as well.)________________________________________
Rule 3: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET
Rule III is violated most anytime the uneducated person handles a firearm. Whether on TV, in the theaters, or at the range, people seem fascinated with having their finger on the trigger. Never stand or walk around with your finger on the trigger. It is unprofessional, dangerous, and, perhaps most damaging to the psyche, it is klutzy looking. Never fire a shot unless the sights are superimposed on the target and you have made a conscious decision to fire. Firing an unaligned pistol in a fight gains nothing. If you believe that the defensive pistol is only an intimidation tool - not something to be used - carry blanks, or better yet, reevaluate having one around. If you are going to launch a projectile, it had best be directed purposely. Danger abounds if you allow your finger to dawdle inside the trigger guard. As soon as the sights leave the target, the trigger-finger leaves the trigger and straightens alongside the frame. Since the hand normally prefers to work as a unit - as in grasping - separating the function of the trigger-finger from the rest of the hand takes effort. The five-finger grasp is a deeply programmed reflex. Under sufficient stress, and with the finger already placed on the trigger, an unexpected movement, misstep or surprise could result in a negligent discharge. Speed cannot be gained from such a premature placement of the trigger-finger. Bringing the sights to bear on the target, whether from the holster or the Guard Position, takes more time than that required for moving the trigger finger an inch or so to the trigger.________________________________________RULE 4: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET
Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified. Be aware of your surroundings, whether on the range or in a fight. Do not assume anything. Know what you are doing.

You should be aware of distances your caliber and ammo may reach. This is the reason for knowing your target and what is behind or beyond it.

.22 Long Rifle 1 ½ miles
Centerfire pistol (9mm, .40, .45, etc) ¾ to 1 ½ miles
Centerfire rifle (30-06, 270, 308, .223) 3 to 5 miles
#8 – 9 shot 220 yards
#7 ½ shot 300 yards
00 Buckshot 600 – 800 yards
Make these rules a part of your character. Never compromise them. Improper gunhandling results from ignorance and improper role modeling, such as handling your gun like your favorite actor does. Education can cure this. You can make a difference by following these gunhandling rules and insisting that those around you do the same. Set the example. Who knows what tragedies you, or someone you influence, may prevent.
I have added a special rule 5.
RULE 5: NEVER, EVER, POINT A GUN AT ME OR ANY PART OF ME!
This is a rule I’ve added when I teach to add a little humor but also to help students realize that shooting is a serious business. You should consider it as you would a profession and act as a professional would.
Knowing and following these rules is good for everyone. You tube is full of idiots that ignore these rules and make the rest of us look bad. I am tired of them. I sued to comment on them until it became a job to comment on them all. There are too many. There should be none. The problem is that being a gun owner does not make you a shooter. Following these rules makes you a shooter. Make sure you always follow the special rule 5 written exclusively by Burn.
Semper Paratus
Check 6
Burn