https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/changing-rules-revisiting-basics-safe-gun-handling/
You know the rules. They are: 1. Treat every gun as if it is loaded. 2. Never point your firearm at something you are not willing to destroy. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you have made a decision to shoot. 4. Know your target and beyond.
So, do you agree with all those rules? Do they make sense in every situation?
I learned recently of differing definitions that more clearly relate safe gun handling techniques to the tasks of personal defense than do those four cardinal rules. While attending a class at the Sig Sauer Academy, my eyes were opened to the difference between safe gun handling and “range rules.”
I read the article and I totally agree with everything that was mentioned. The rules, although considered “cardinal” are taken too literally. It’s not a problem with the rules, but a problem with how they’re understood. For example, if you watch some people check to see that a weapon is clear, you’ll see many rack the slides 10 times (in a row) when it’s only necessary to do this once. As well, some people stick their finger in the chamber to check if a round is there…really??? Simply looking is enough…there’s no need to feel for something that you’d normally see (and a slide catch letting go on a finger can cause injury). If you don’t see it, it isn’t there. We’re not talking about weapons with chambers so deep you can’t see ammo that might be chambered.
This one is a pretty good read. It is good suggestive reading material, IMO.