First, we don’t rely on the word or belief of others as to the condition of any firearms within our reach and grasp. We look to Jeff Cooper who came down from the mountain with the tablet upon which the first four of our Rules were imprinted.

Rule One – All guns are always loaded.

This isn’t a matter for debate or discussion. It’s not “treat guns as if” because that allows some possibility, however remote, that “Murphy” didn’t show up to mess up the works. We don’t allow for the possibility. If the chamber is flagged, the gun is field stripped into components, if it’s tagged, taped and locked open – we still follow the rest of the Rules that follow.

Because all the Rules follow from Rule One. “Which commandment, out of all of them, do we have to follow?” – Rule One.

Because all guns are always loaded, we practice muzzle discipline, Rule Two – Never let the muzzle cover anything you don’t want to destroy.

Don't guess the gun's condition -- observing Rule Two, check the damn thing. Note the hand is behind the muzzle. Below, ensuring the gun is empty is best done twice: once by looking and again by feeling for a cartridge.

It’s not “don’t point the gun” – that’s an active and intentional act; too often, it becomes an act of carelessness, lack of discipline, allowing the muzzle to cover something we really don’t want to shoot. That’s why “holstered handguns are safe.” If it’s not in your hand, you’re not unintentionally, thoughtlessly covering something precious and important to you. So, the handgun should be (1) in the holster, (2) at a ready position with the muzzle covering the safest available direction and practicing trigger finger discipline, or (3) aimed in at an appropriate target, with an appropriate backstop, whilst in the process of shooting. Otherwise, it should be in a locked container, which we’ll get to in a moment.

As to that pesky trigger finger, the human hand is designed in such a way that when any fingers close, they all tend to close. For us, that’s a problem. When handling firearms of any type without any intention to morally, ethically and legally shoot it, the trigger finger should be “at register.” Register is the furthest point on the gun away from the trigger/trigger guard that doesn’t compromise the control of a firing grip.

Rule Three, “Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target,” was a relative late-comer to the “tablet.” When discussing the Rule (which is a mnemonic, short-hand as a reminder – not the whole Rule), I make it a point to note that we’re not touching the trigger until the muzzle is covering something we can shoot (or must shoot) and we have formed the intention to shoot; no ‘gunpoint’ allowed.

Need to demo/practice/set up a shot? Show the form with empty hands, as shown by Massad Ayoob, here instructing a class. Below, high register of the trigger finger is shown while re-holstering a loaded gun. The trigger finger is on the ejection port; thumb on the back of the slide keeps it forward during insertion into the holster and ensure the trigger finger is high on the gun.

Following Rule Two as it does, the statement of intention is critical. I have, over the early years of a career as a peace officer, allowed a pistol (and shotgun) muzzle to cover someone I didn’t shoot. I also found that gunpoint was a really bad idea in every single case. Using Rule Three as “the safety” – like that incredibly stupid meme of the clown holding his index finger out and saying “This is my safety” or words to that effect – was not the solution. The solution was Rule Two.

Rule Three means the finger goes to the trigger when the muzzle gets into the target that I’m going to shoot. That’s when the trigger is touched.

How about when I go to disassemble my favorite modern defense pistol, you might ask. The Rules are the Rules. You have to touch the trigger to disassemble some modern handguns. The rest of the Rules are in place: magazine out, slide locked to the rear. Look for ammo, touch to feel if there’s ammo. Don’t just glance.

The muzzle is directed into the safest available direction – not as one FBI agent found out at a city range at one’s own leg. At this point, I almost compulsively check the chamber again. – Sorry, can’t help it. Then and only then will I put the striker at rest.

When the sights on the ethical, legal, moral target – the finger is on the trigger – because, at this point, we are shooting. Otherwise, keep your finger at register.

Rule Four: Be sure of your target. Know what’s behind it, on either side of it. Clear your line of fire; if in doubt, DON’T SHOOT. Your target – or the backstop beyond it – has to contain the round you fired. Perforations are possible. One happened in the #newmexicomoment. For that reason, plot the shot; what happens to the projectile if it perforates the target and continues downrange? Is anyone back there?

There was no photographer ahead of the muzzle; there's a remote camera -- a good idea that should be adopted by purveyors of make-believe.

Finally, a newer Rule and one critical to safety: Rule Five – Maintain control over your defense gear – including firearms. “Maintaining control” means (1) know where it is, (2) know its condition, (3) keep it secured, locked away from children and idiots. People like to complain about “safe storage” laws and demand the ability to keep firearms salted around their abode “just in case.” When asked, “Why don’t you simply wear the gun at home,” the response is one of exasperation. “I shouldn’t have to.”

Well, you do. Keep it on your person or lock it up.

It’s fashionable to bash an antigun performer who, using a gun, killed someone by accident. That’s not the value paid for in blood.

The value is in having the lesson reinforced. Follow the Rules.

-- Rich Grassi