In the world of firearms, adherence to safety principles is paramount. Because guns are inherently dangerous tools, capable of causing serious harm or even death if mishandled, it is important that gun owners and operators have a deep commitment to safety and a keen awareness of the potential consequences of their actions.
The Four Cardinal Rules of Gun Safety serve as the bedrock upon which responsible gun ownership and operation are built. These rules, developed and refined over time, encapsulate fundamental guidelines designed to prevent accidents, protect lives, and promote a culture of respect and mindfulness among firearm enthusiasts.
If you've ever set foot in a shooting range, you'll have seen the four cardinal rules of gun safety. In a nutshell, these four guidelines are:
Always treat all firearms as if they were loaded.
Never allow the muzzle of any firearm to point at anything you are not willing to destroy.
Never put your finger near the trigger until you are ready to fire.
Always be sure of your target, and what is behind and in front of it.
In the classic video above, Bob Sajot goes in-depth on each of these four rules, and why it's critical that anyone who handles a firearm--be it a civilian, operator, or even a competitive shooter--respect and abide by them.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Roberto "Bob" Sajot is the creator of the Total Gun Program. He is currently EVP and GM of Armscor Shooting Center, Inc. With over 20 years in the sports and defensive shooting field, he is a PNP-accredited firearms instructor, a Certified Master International Shooting Safety Instructors Association Trainer, and a Certified Main International Shooting Instructors Association (MISIA) Trainer.