1. Until proven otherwise, assume all guns are loaded.
2. When a gun is proven not loaded, assume it is loaded.
3. Never, never point a gun in a direction where it might hurt or kill someone, even if you are sure it is not loaded. This means you need to be aware of anyone or anything beyond any potential target. By the way, a nine mm projectile can carry on for miles. That is to say, it can remain lethal far beyond that target you missed.
4. A gun is a good equalizer. A five foot woman can use it to defend herself from a six, six hunk of a man. However, if she is not willing to use a gun in your defense, she should not get one. If she gets one, she is apt to have it used against her. The brandishing of a gun won’t always stop the bad guys. Actually, even shooting a bad guy doesn’t always stop him, especially if he is high.
5. Do not let the bad guy get closer that ten feet from you. The bad guy can traverse that ten feet in a fraction of a second. Referring to rule four, pointing a weapon at someone does not always stop the bad guys.

Through years of observation, I’ve gained insights into firearm safety, despite not being an expert. The phrase “I didn’t know it was loaded” has become an all-too-familiar refrain, even among those who should understand better. I recall an incident involving a marine sergeant who tragically shot a friend during an ill-advised quick draw game. Another memorable moment from a news clip illustrated the critical importance of maintaining a safe distance: an assailant wielding a knife charged a police officer from ten feet away. The officer fired multiple shots while continuously retreating, and the attacker ultimately fell precisely where the officer had originally stood. This encounter reinforced my perspective on the significance of spatial awareness and defensive positioning in potentially dangerous confrontations.

If only we could universally share this wisdom, preventing others from repeating costly mistakes. Sadly, many individuals seem destined to learn life’s lessons through personal hardship rather than heeding the hard-earned insights of those who came before them.

Investing in basic firearm training is crucial, regardless of your background or intended use. As a veteran, I wasn’t mandated to complete a training course for my carry permit, but I chose to do so and found immense value in the experience. The knowledge and skills gained are invaluable for anyone considering firearm ownership or personal safety. I strongly recommend such training to everyone, even those without immediate plans to purchase a weapon. It’s important to recognize that any object, from a hammer to a baseball bat, can potentially be used as a weapon, underscoring the significance of proper safety education and awareness.