Let’s Talk About Safety Rules 4, 5, and 6…
Up until this point, we’ve been discussing the big three. These are the same rules you’ll see plastered over every gun range, gun store and gun show from coast to coast. Here at GunNoob, we like to take a “just because it works doesn’t mean it can’t work better” approach to things so we have added our own set of rules to the big three just to cover all the bases.
One of the rules of the site is “never assume the reader knows what we’re talking about”. That’s not as insulting as it sounds. It’s simply a way of making sure we don’t fall into an “everyone knows that” trap because, frankly, not everyone does. Even if it’s one person that doesn’t know it, that’s enough to justify things. I mention this because these last three rules might seem a bit obvious. Let’s be honest though, ALL the rules seem obvious and yet there’s still accidents. If obvious things didn’t need to be said, there wouldn’t be warning labels on toasters saying not to use it in the bath. So we’re going to finish off our rules discussion with a big talk on the last three rules.
Number 4: Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire
If your booger hook isn’t on the bang switch, there’s less chance of it going bang unexpectedly. This doesn’t mean remove your finger after shot either. Just keep it extended and out of the trigger guard until you’re ready to go. when you’re done or reloading or what have you, take it out of there until you’re ready to go again. Those who pocket carry, the desire to fiddle with the gun may be strong. Rule number 4 is especially important here because the gun is potentially pointing at some especially vital areas. Triply-so for those who appendix carry.
Number 5: Drinking and drugs do not mix with guns
That whole “Hey, ya’ll, watch this…” thing is almost cliche at this point. Still, even one can of light beer can have an affect on judgement. The more alcohol you get, the more funny that “Russian Roulette” joke might seem. Also the more threatening that dude accidentally bumping into you might seem. Drinking and shooting is a perfect storm of stuff that fuels our opposition’s fire and it is one of the worst things they can trot out. Do us all a favor and avoid this at all costs.
Number 6: Your gun’s safety doesn’t work. Ever.
Not all guns have safeties but, if it does, you should never rely on it. Its presence does not allow you to skimp on the other rules in any way, shape, or form. It is an added layer of safety in some ways and a false sense of security in others. I’ve seen situations where I was examining guns at a store and, in doing some dry fire testing, the gun still would fired with the safety still on. Why? The safety wasn’t actually on. It looked like it was on but didn’t actually engage. Now, with that in mind, let me recite a conversation I overheard at a gun range:
Stranger 1: Careful where you’re pointing that. Remember what I said about keeping the barrel downrange?!
Stranger 2: Relax! The safety’s on.
Thank goodness I was packing up for the day already when I heard that. Stranger 2 went on to explain that it didn’t matter as I was heading out so good on him. Regardless, never skimp on the rules no matter what. Having a safety doesn’t make a gun any safer. It all comes down to you.
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