Beyond the Target

By Paul Rackley (RSS)

March 21, 2012

The Fundamental Rules of Safe Gun Handling are often called the three ALWAYS.

• ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.
• ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
• ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

These three rules cover the majority of safety violations conducted by most people. There are other safety rules, one of which is being covered here.

The fourth gun safety rule is “know the target and what is beyond.” This rule should be practiced by shooters and hunters alike, but is especially critical in urban areas where self-defense situations most often arise.

Regardless of the number of movies in which it is portrayed, a bullet doesn’t magically disappear if it misses the intended target. Rather, it will continue to travel at great speed until it hits something substantial.

Carrying a gun is both a right and a responsibility. Always follow firearm safety rules, including knowing your target and what is beyond. This can be accomplished through awareness—watching for both potential assailants and bystanders—though it means constant vigilance on your part. This is part of the responsibility.

Tags:  beyond the target,  blogs,  firearm safety rules,  gun handling safety rules,  gun safety,  paul rackley,  rackattack,  self defense

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4 Responses to Beyond the Target

Rich wrote:
March 29, 2012

I don't know exactly what situation calls for 'immediate defensive fire', but if it involves incoming rounds, you'd best get the shooter as quickly as possible. Running out of ammo is NOT a place you want to be! Target, front sight, alignment,trigger.

Jim wrote:
March 27, 2012

I appreciate the rules stated above but I was taught one rule above all: ALWAYS assume the gun is loaded.

Gary wrote:
March 23, 2012

These are all great rules for the gun range and hunting but how about another set of "more practical" rules for when you come face to face with an immediate defensive situation. Stories abound of law enforcement officers firing off 50 or more rounds with no regard for where they will impact. The FBI determined that their officers only hit their target 20% to 30% of the time and that regardless of the number of rounds fired, they could only count on one or two torso hits. They found it ironic that people were more worried about the rounds that "over-penetrated" than the 70% to 80% that missed the target completely. Maybe there aren't any rules but to just play it by ear and try not to do anything too foolish. Your thoughts?

Jon Young wrote:
March 23, 2012

Vigilance, awareness and a appropriate concealed carry will keep you out of most dangerous situations! Stay alert, stay alive!