Firearm Safety
Guns, when used properly, provide a lifetime of recreation and protection. However, with our rights to own and use them comes the responsibility to insure we're doing so in a safe manner. Colonel Jeff Cooper, father of the Modern Technique of handgun shooting, promoted four basic firearms safety rules which we regard as gospel:
1. TREAT ALL GUNS AS IF THEY'RE LOADED AT ALL TIMES
even if you think it isn't, treat it as if it is; there are NO EXCEPTIONS to this rule
2. NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY
for those who insist on breaking this rule, go back to Rule #1 and start over
3. KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON YOUR TARGET
this is the GOLDEN RULE! It's violation is directly responsible for the majority of negligent discharges
4. IDENTIFY YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEHIND AND BEYOND IT
bullets WILL travel through your target, know what is beyond it