The Basics

 There is a discussion going on in CFDA about basic gun safety, and in this context it always helps to review the basics.  Many years ago, Jeff Cooper famously promulgated his Four Rules.  They are as basic as it gets, yet a strict adherence to these rules have proven to be very effective at preventing accidents.

RULE 1 ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED

RULE 2 NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT PREPARED TO DESTROY

RULE 3 KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER TIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET

RULE 4 BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET

The years have proven that these four simple rules are sufficient for our purposes.  They can lead to greater discussion, but these form the basics.