Are his teachings good for historical perspective but strictly useful for only that?
Gun safety is paramount.
Cooper clearly felt very strongly about this, as was evident in much of his teachings.
Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper had a huge impact on modern firearms use and training. Among his accomplishments were the development of gun safety rules. Image: Gunsite Academy
I think we would all agree that safety should be foremost on our minds when carrying or using firearms.
Quite frankly, firearms are instruments that we dont have the luxury of learning by experience.
When things go wrong, there is no pushing the rewind button to bring a bullet back.
These are considered the primary rules of firearm safety as developed by Cooper and taught by many instructors today.
We must train and prepare to capably and carefully handle and use them.
To say the least, Cooper was unyielding in his views on many topics relative to pistolcraft.
Many of the principles he pioneered have been adapted and possibly improved upon.
Safe gun handling should be practiced everywhere: from a city street to your own living room.
That in no way diminishes his contribution to the craft.
you might always tell the pioneers theyre the ones with the arrows in their backs.
His Four General Rules are succinct and easy to understand.
One of the basic concepts of modern gun handling is to treat every gun as a loaded gun. That includes making sure the firearm is unloaded when you accept it from another person.
They are based on your safe gun handling and not on any external safety equipment.
In my classes, I still prefer to use them in their unmodified form.
Lets take a look and see what they are all about and see if you agree with me.
Pay attention to where you point your gun. You could easily injure yourself if you become careless about following the basic rules of gun safety.
Does this somehow compromise the meaning and spirit of Rule #1?
Along similar lines, I have also been present when guns went bang when they shouldnt have.
That message is diluted and does not carry the same weight as the original rule.
The author demonstrates the wrong way to draw a pistol. Keep your finger off of the trigger until your sights are on target and you intend to shoot.
When accepting a firearm from another person who claims it is unloaded, its still your responsibility to double-check.
Never assume a gun is unloaded.
Quite simply, destruction originates from the barrel of the gun.
A range makes it easy to identify your target. The real world can be more difficult, but you have the responsibility to positively ID the target before pulling the trigger.
I can assure you my verbal retort to this indiscretion was memorable.
The most common violation of Rule 2 is pointing the muzzle at your own parts.
When doing so, the muzzle covers the hand or wrist.
Rifles, shotguns and pistols are all considered the same from the perspective of Cooper’s rules.
Be sure to use a holster that does not collapse on the draw and allows for a one-handed return.
They go off when you press the trigger, because that is what they are designed to do.
If you dont want the gun to fire, do not touch the trigger with your finger.
Extreme stress can sometimes be a factor.
Life-threatening stress compromises fine motor skills, and the end result can be a negligent discharge.
A massive safety net is gained, and you are no less ready to fire if needed.
Many negligent discharges are the result of a violation of more than one rule.
Know your target and what is beyond.
Some years ago, another officer was tasked with investigating a hunting incident.
A hunter shot a deer on the crest of a hill without any regard to the background.
Im happy to report no one was injured in that incident.
The bottom line is that if you hit it, you own it.
This is true daytime or night, no matter what good intentions you might have had.
I also believe these rules are not just for beginners.
Of course, common sense should also come into play.
Just because some unsafe action is not identified here doesnt mean you should do it.
Never touch a gun if youve been drinking.
Safety remains a state of mind rather than a mechanical unit.
So, use this guide to see to it you are safe and responsible with your gun.
I can think of no greater compliment to Cooper and his teachings than this.
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