Women’s Outdoor News and Avery Skipalis bring you an article on following the four basic rules of firearm safety. We’ve written about this important topic before, and this time we encourage you to join us in taking the pledge at followthefour.com.
Owning and handling a firearm is a significant responsibility that requires strict adherence to safety principles. Annually, in June, GLOCK launches its “Follow the Four” campaign to encourage others to join the firearm safety initiative. The foundation of safe firearm handling is built on four cardinal rules, each designed to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the safety of everyone around.
Rule 1: Treat Every Firearm as if It Is Loaded
This means that you should never assume that a firearm is unloaded, regardless of whether you believe it is or not. This mindset fosters a habit of handling every firearm with the utmost caution and respect. Always check the chamber and magazine upon picking up a firearm. Never assume it is unloaded based on your thoughts or what someone else told you. Treating every firearm as if it’s loaded prevents complacency and eliminates the chance of an accident.
Rule 2: Never Point the Firearm at Anything You Are Not Willing to Destroy
A crucial aspect of firearm safety is muzzle discipline: always being aware of where the firearm’s barrel is pointing at all times. When handling any firearm, ensure that the muzzle is always directed in a safe direction, away from people and valuable property. Even if you are confident that the firearm is unloaded, pointing it in a safe direction reduces the risk of injury or damage if the firearm discharges unexpectedly. This habit also instills a heightened awareness of your surroundings and reinforces responsible firearm handling.
Rule 3: Keep Your Finger off the Trigger Until Your Sights Are on Target and You’re Ready To Shoot
Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot. This means resting your trigger finger alongside the frame above the trigger guard. Only when you have a clear sight picture and consciously decide to fire should your finger move to the trigger. This practice prevents accidental firings caused by a startle response, loss of balance or any other unexpected movement.
Rule 4: Be Sure of Your Target and What Is Beyond It
Understanding your target and its surroundings is essential to prevent unintended damage or injury. Always identify your target, confirm what lies in front of it and be aware of what is behind it. This rule emphasizes the importance of being mindful of the entire shooting environment. For example, when practicing at a shooting range, ensure a proper backstop can safely absorb bullets. Knowing what lies beyond your target is critical because bullets can travel great distances and pose a risk to anything or anyone in their paths.
Now head to GLOCK’s Follow the Four website and join me and over 37,000 others who have taken the pledge to follow the four rules of firearm safety and practice responsible firearm handling and ownership. Pledge to lead by example and spread the message to others because you are committed to safety.
Avery Skipalis is the owner of Skip’s Tactical Solutions, an organization that focuses on empowering women, men and children to make sure that no one else becomes a victim. She gained her firearms experience from the military where she’s been a military firearms instructor for 10.5 years. She’s also a certified NRA rifle and pistol instructor and Glock Advanced Armorer since 2015. She’s attended Sig Sauer Academy, FNH, Special Operations Command Armorers courses as well as multiple Advanced Shooting Schools across the United States. She resides in Florida with her husband and 2 kids. She’s currently serving in the United States Air Force and loves sharing her passion with others. She thinks it’s important that women also feel like they’re in control of their own safety. View all posts by Avery Skipalis
