The Four Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety

Gun accidents at the shooting range will happen, but it's worth noting that the incidents will be less than gun accidents that occur worldwide. When they happen, it will be due to the shooter or shooters' lack of training and the right experience. In this article the fine folks at Boss Firearms will explore the Four Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety.

Even though several gun ranges will have rules to ensure that gun accidents don't happen, accidents will happen. The right thing will be to get the safety knowledge and the right gear when you go to a shooting range.

Also, it's advised to keep reminding first-time shooters to keep safe when dealing with firearms. Most beginners SHOULD be under an experienced shooter's supervision when handling firearms.

That's why beginners or shooters unaware of firearm safety rules should keep reading this article.

Here are the four cardinal rules of firearm safety.

Rule 1: Treat Every Gun as if it's Loaded

Any first-time or experienced shooter who correctly checks a gun to ensure it's clear before firing will be seen as wise at the gun range. Taking time and handling the gun as it's loaded is vital. Don't assume that any gun you come in contact with is unloaded. It could be loaded.

Additionally, inspect the gun before handing it to someone else. Please don't make the mistake of accepting a firearm that you've never handled and begin fiddling with it. It's okay to ask for aid and a demonstration of how to use it.

Common Mistakes: Most People Will Assume the Firearm is Unloaded

Several gun accidents will happen because the gun handlers didn't know they were loaded. For example, most may place their fingers on the trigger when not using firearms.

You must always remember that it is loaded even if it's unloaded. By thinking this way, you will handle the gun correctly and avoid unnecessary accidents. This will prevent injuries and deaths from happening.

Rule 2: Keep the Firearm Pointed in a Safe Direction

The second rule is don't point the firearm at anything you don't plan to shoot at. Keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction. This is crucial when unloading or loading a gun. If you fire at something unwillingly, no injury can happen if the muzzle is pointed in a safe direction.

What do we mean by safe direction? A safe direction is where the bullet can't harm anyone. This considers the ricochets and that the bullet can penetrate ceilings and walls. Sometimes, the safe direction might be "up" or "down," but not to people.

For some people, they may opt to take part in "dry firing". Still, it is important to point the gun in a safe direction. Always know where the muzzle points when handling a firearm, and ensure you're in control regardless of whether you stumble or fall. It should be your responsibility.

Real-World Implications

There are several things that most people claim to understand that are wrong. For example, someone may claim that pointing a gun down is always safe. But you must understand you're not on top of a car or house.

Safe direction is situational.

Rule 3: Keep the Finger Off the Trigger Until When You're Ready to Fire

When you're pointing your gun at the target and ready to fire, ensure your fingers are off the trigger guard and the trigger.

A gun can't fire if you don't engage the trigger. That's why it's essential to adhere to this rule. Regardless of the situation or the type of firearm, always keep the fingers off the trigger. When you're ready to fire, you must put your fingers on the trigger.

Safety Mechanisms

To be safe, keep your fingers off the trigger until you're certain you want to fire. Although it's comforting for most people, it is unsafe. If you're fiddling with the gun and place your finger on the trigger, you could unintentionally pull the trigger.

Rule 4: Be Sure of Your Target and What's Beyond It

This is important. You will be responsible for anything surrounding you, especially if you're handling a firearm. This means situational awareness comes into play. You need to know before you fire.

Also, it would be best if you considered the angle and height of the intended target. If the bullet impacts something else, don't take the shot. That means you need to point at the right target and never point at anything that's not it. This is crucial since you want to avoid ricochets and bullet strays.

Training and Certifications

It's essential to understand no federal laws are available that require people to be well-trained on gun use before buying a firearm. However, certain states have laws requiring people to be trained if they want to carry a gun or use it in the state.

Here are the states that have laws touching on certifications and permits:

• Alabama: In Alabama, a permit is required to carry a concealed handgun, but there are no state-level training requirements to obtain it. Background checks are performed.
• Alaska: Alaska allows for permitless carry, meaning no permit or training is required to carry a concealed handgun. However, they issue concealed carry permits for reciprocity with other states, which requires passing a handgun competency course.
• Arizona: While Arizona does not require a permit to carry a firearm openly or concealed, the state does issue a voluntary Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) that requires applicants to complete a firearms safety course.
• Arkansas: Arkansas has a concealed handgun carry licensing program that requires completing a firearms training course.
• California: California mandates that all new handgun purchasers obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate after passing a written test that covers firearm safety and laws. In addition, individuals must demonstrate safe handling of the firearm they intend to purchase. California also has strict regulations regarding the sale, transfer, and carrying of firearms.
• Colorado: Colorado does not require a permit to purchase firearms, but to legally carry a concealed weapon, applicants must complete a handgun training class that teaches gun safety, among other requirements.
• Connecticut: Connecticut requires an Eligibility Certificate for Pistol and Revolvers or a Permit to Carry Pistols and Revolvers, which involves passing a safety course approved by the state. The training includes live-fire exercises.
• Delaware: Delaware requires a training course including live-fire experience to obtain a concealed carry permit.
• District of Columbia: The District of Columbia requires individuals to complete a firearms safety and training course before applying for a registration certificate to own a gun. Furthermore, obtaining a concealed carry permit requires completing an additional training course.
• Florida - Requires a license to carry a concealed weapon or firearm, which includes completing a firearms training course.
• Georgia: A firearms license is required to carry a weapon publicly, either openly or concealed. The license application does not require a safety course; however, applicants must be fingerprinted and undergo a background check.
• Hawaii: In Hawaii, handgun purchasers are required to complete a firearms safety training course to obtain a permit to acquire a handgun. This requirement is specific to handguns only, as indicated in the original content.
• Idaho: Idaho requires a training class for residents who apply for the enhanced concealed carry permit, which includes live-fire instruction.
• Illinois - Firearm owners need a Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card and carry license holders need to complete a training course.
• Indiana: Indiana’s handgun carry permit does not mandate a safety course, but applicants must meet other criteria including a background check.
• Iowa - For a permit to carry weapons, you must show evidence of having completed a firearms safety training program.
• Kansas: Kansas allows for constitutional carry, so no permit or training is required for concealed carry for residents. A permit process is available for reciprocity purposes, with a required training course.
• Kentucky: Like several other states, Kentucky allows open carry without a permit but requires a training course as part of the application for a concealed carry permit.
• Louisiana: A concealed handgun permit in Louisiana requires completion of a firearms safety or training course within the 12 months prior to the date of application.
• Maine: Maine allows for permitless carry for residents and non-residents alike. A permit can be obtained through a process that includes demonstrating handgun safety knowledge, sometimes through a course.
• Maryland: Firearm purchasers in Maryland are required to hold a Handgun Qualification License (HQL), which necessitates completing a firearms safety training course that includes a component on Maryland firearm law, home firearm safety, and hands-on instruction in the safe operation of firearms.
• Massachusetts: In Massachusetts, to legally own firearms, residents are required to obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate after completing a state-approved firearm safety course. This applies to both handgun and long gun purchases. There are different types of licenses available, including the License to Carry (LTC) and the Firearms Identification Card (FID), each with its own requirements and allowed privileges.
• Michigan - Requires a permit to purchase handguns, which necessitates a safety training course and a background check.
• Minnesota - To obtain a carry permit, applicants must complete a firearms training course.
• Mississippi: Mississippi permits permitless carry in certain situations. A firearms safety course is required for an enhanced concealed carry permit, which grants additional privileges.
• Missouri: Missouri does not require a permit to purchase firearms and now allows for constitutional carry, meaning any person who can legally own a firearm can carry concealed without a permit. However, permits are still issued, and obtaining one requires a firearms safety course.
• Montana: A permit, which requires proof of firearms safety training, is necessary to carry a concealed weapon in towns, cities, and logging camps but is not required in rural areas.
• Nebraska: To obtain a Concealed Handgun Permit (CHP), Nebraskans must complete a state-approved handgun safety course.
• Nevada: Applicants for a Concealed Firearm Permit in Nevada must successfully complete a certified firearm safety course.
• New Hampshire: New Hampshire does not require a license or permit for concealed carry of a firearm, however, optional permits requiring completion of a safety course are available for reciprocity with other states.
• New Jersey - Requires a permit to purchase a handgun, which includes passing a safety course and other specific requirements.
• New Mexico: A Concealed Handgun License (CHL) in New Mexico requires an approved firearms training course that includes classroom and range instruction.
• New York - Requires a license to possess a firearm and requires safety courses for carrying concealed handguns in certain cities, like New York City.
• North Carolina - To obtain a concealed carry handgun permit, residents must complete a safety training course that includes both classroom and firing range instruction.
• North Dakota: Concealed weapon licenses require safety training and certification, which includes a tested shooting component.
• Ohio - Offers a concealed handgun license that requires completion of an eight-hour training course, including two hours of range time and live-fire training.
• Oklahoma: Oklahoma requires a handgun safety and training course to obtain a concealed or open carry handgun license.
• Oregon - Requires a handgun safety training course for applicants of a concealed handgun license.
• Pennsylvania - Requires a license for concealed carry, which includes training requirements in Philadelphia.
• Rhode Island: Anyone wishing to purchase a handgun in Rhode Island must complete a safety training course. In addition, to carry a concealed handgun, residents must apply for a Concealed Carry Permit, which requires demonstrating competence with a handgun and may include a qualifying course.
• South Carolina: Applicants for a Concealed Weapon Permit (CWP) in South Carolina must complete a basic or advanced handgun education course.
• South Dakota: South Dakota allows for permitless carry, but it offers a permit system that involves passing a background check, though there is no mandatory training requirement.
• Tennessee: For a concealed carry permit, applicants must demonstrate competence with a handgun and safety in a classroom or online course followed by an in-person exam.
• Texas - Requires a License to Carry (LTC), which involves passing a training course that includes a written exam and a demonstration of firearm proficiency.
• Utah: Utah requires a firearms familiarity course to be completed by those seeking a concealed firearm permit.
• Vermont: No permit is required to carry concealed in Vermont, and there are no training requirements.
• Virginia - Has a concealed handgun permit that requires proof of handgun competency, which can be shown through completion of a firearm safety or training course.
• Washington: Washington state requires a safety training course for the possession of semi-automatic rifles, which was put in place following the passage of Initiative 1639. Additionally, Washington has a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) which requires the applicant to demonstrate familiarity with a firearm.
• West Virginia: While West Virginia allows permitless carry, it also offers a provisional concealed carry permit for 18-20-year-olds that requires completion of a safety training course.
• Wisconsin - Requires a training course for the concealed carry permit.
• Wyoming: Residents can carry concealed without a permit, but non-residents must have a permit from a state with reciprocity. A safety course is required to obtain a Wyoming concealed firearm permit.

Four Cardinal Rules of Firearm Safety: What You Need to Know

Are you confused, uncomfortable, or overwhelmed when you think about shooting?

If so, it's best to choose not to shoot. It's the best and safest. However, if you're a first-time shooter and feel that following these rules is overwhelming, it's your responsibility not to take part in shooting.

Whether it's during an event or at a shooting range and you are unsure of your actions, it's best to stop and take a breather. Most passionate shooters will advise that your safety is critical, and it's what makes shooting fun at the shooting range. Going to a place where it's controlled will allow you to feel comfortable. Shooting will be easier, and you will get to improve your shooting skills or improve using particular firearms.

Adhering to the rules will help you avoid injuries and you will learn more about firearms. Some guns are challenging to handle. That's why following the rules will help if you wish to understand how to use them with ease.

If you're unsafe, you could be stressed, and shooting will not be fun. Safety first!