There are four fundamental safety rules that apply to all firearms, all of the time. Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper developed these rules to keep you and those around you safe. They are: Treat every firearm as if it’s loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction. Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire. Know your target and what is beyond it. These rules may seem simple, yet, every day, folks violate them and sometimes, with the worst possible consequences. … [Read more...] about Safety is Priority One with Firearms
gun safety
Managing Risk in Your Life
Every action we take in our lives includes an element of risk. Both consciously and subconsciously, we constantly evaluate those risks and then modify our behavior. The result is a risk level that we as individuals are comfortable with. Daily activities as simple as crossing a street are relatively low risk if, and only if, we apply the commonsense criteria of looking both ways beforehand. Too frequently, we see folks so absorbed in their electronic devices that they are completely unaware of … [Read more...] about Managing Risk in Your Life
Considering Guns as Gifts
Tis the season of gifts and giving. Some of you may be considering the gift of a firearm for a loved one. Wait, is that even legal? The first question on the ATF form 4473 asks “Are you the actual transferee/buyer of the firearm(s) listed on this form and any continuation sheet(s) (ATF Form 5300.9A)? Warning: You are not the actual transferee/buyer if you are acquiring the firearm(s) on behalf of another person. If you are not the actual transferee/buyer, the licensee cannot transfer the … [Read more...] about Considering Guns as Gifts
Don’t Be the One Who Says: ‘That Won’t Happen to Me’
Our normal day-to-day lives are risk-filled adventures that sometimes get out of hand. While we live in a society that provides us protection from much that can harm us, we crafty humans find ways around the protections all the time. Let’s talk about a few examples and what could or should have been done that would have prevented the event. I was cleaning my gun and it just went off! This is one of the most frequently occurring negligent discharges that often results in serious injuries or … [Read more...] about Don’t Be the One Who Says: ‘That Won’t Happen to Me’
New Year’s Resolution: What If?
Tis the season of resolutions. Some are kept, many slip by the wayside, perhaps to be repeated next year. We suggest an alternative at which you’re more likely to succeed: “What if?” None of us ever want to be in a situation where we need to take emergency actions. We make choices on a constant basis that help to prevent us from experiencing consequences we’re not prepared for. This year, rather than resolutions, you should ask yourself several “what if” questions so that should a difficult … [Read more...] about New Year’s Resolution: What If?
It’s ‘Let’s Go Shooting’ Month
August is the national “Let’s Go Shooting” month, sponsored by the National Sports Shooting Foundation (NSSF). It’s the month that experienced shooters are encouraged to take a “plus one” with them to the range and introduce someone new to the great fun and challenges that shooting sports offer. With an estimated 8.3 million new firearms owners in the last year, there are plenty of folks who could use some good advice from a trusted and experienced friend. You may also know someone who is “on … [Read more...] about It’s ‘Let’s Go Shooting’ Month