Jeff Cooper's rules for Gun Safety

[Shovelhead]

Jeff Cooper's Rules of Gun Safety

RULE I:
ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

RULE II:
NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

RULE III:
KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER
UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

RULE IV:
BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

RULE I: 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 always 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 II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY

Conspicuously and continuously violated, 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 applies to fighting as well as to daily handling. If you are not willing to take a human life, do not cover a person with the muzzle. 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. This practice is unsound, both procedurally and tactically. You may need a free hand for something important. Proper holster design should provide for one-handed holstering, so avoid holsters which collapse after withdrawing the pistol. (Note: It is dangerous to push the muzzle against the inside edge of the holster nearest the body to "open" it since this results in your pointing the pistol at your midsection.) Dry-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. Particular procedures for dry-firing in the home will be covered later. 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 III: 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 IV: BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEHIND IT

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.



SUMMARY:

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?

Excerpted from: The Modern Technique of the Pistol, by Greg Morrison, Gunsite Press, Paulden, Arizona, ISBN 0-9621342-3-6, Library of Congress Number 91-72644, $40

[ofcmarc]

Good stuff. Nearly word for word the rules we use at work. Any shooter should be able to recite them word for word.

[Chip]

These are the rules, no if's and's or butt's. memorize them if you haven't already. The life you save may be your child's, your wife's or a friend's. I've had buddies shot on the range "by accident" In reality it was by careless negligence and stupidity. Thank you for posting them. I salute you.

[raymond21]

Good post!

[annabelle]

Rule # 3 is fine for target practice, but if I draw my weapon and intend to use it on a person, my finger is on the trigger........I my shoot from the hip if necessary.

[Shovelhead]

If your finger is already on the trigger, a sudden stimulus (sight or sound) can make you pull the trigger involuntarily.
Can you be SURE your muzzle is ONLY covering your intended target?
Everything you own will be riding on it.

Might be useful in some CQB situations.
But not a safe practice.
If you've let the bad guy get that close, you're already behind the power curve.

[annabelle]

Originally Posted by Shovelhead

If your finger is already on the trigger, a sudden stimulus (sight or sound) can make you pull the trigger involuntarily.
Can you be SURE your muzzle is ONLY covering your intended target?
Everything you own will be riding on it.

Might be useful in some CQB situations.
But not a safe practice.
If you've let the bad guy get that close, you're already behind the power curve.

The first shot on my carry is double action.....11.5 lbs.....after that it is single action at 4.5 lbs......the first shot won't be accidental. I can agree with the argument if I happen to be carrying my 1911 with it's light trigger pull. Sometimes your safety bubble is not a matter of you "letting" the bad guy get close.