All Guns are Always Loaded

by
posted on April 20, 2010
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
wiley-clapp.jpg

I handle guns all the time and sometimes find my attitude becoming a little overly-familiar. Since I know that familiarity breeds contempt, I periodically take a look at the sign above my working desk and reflect on the wisdom thereon.

The first line: "All guns are always loaded" Note that it is not "treat all guns as though they were loaded." but rather a positive declaration that says in effect, "if it's a gun, it's loaded."

This was a principle first stated by Col. Cooper, who was sufficiently skilled with the language as to require no editing from latter day hotshots.

If you accept what he said, there is no excuse or argument for any form of negligent discharge. And if you don't get the subtlety of his phrasing, you need to stay away from firearms.

Latest

FN “Moroccan” Mauser, semi-automatic LRB M14SA
FN “Moroccan” Mauser, semi-automatic LRB M14SA

Scout The Trail To A General Purpose Rifle

The search for a universal longarm—one suitable for both hunting and defensive scenarios—is a trek that involves a bit of doubling back.

Trijicon Releases Green-Dot RMR

For the first time, the Trijicon RMR will now be available with a green aiming dot, providing some benefits to shooters with astigmatism and red-green color blindness.

The Armed Citizen® Sept. 15, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Firearm Industry Companies Consolidate, Others Close Doors In 2025

This year has already seen some big changes in the firearm industry. They don’t quite reach the tectonic shift in 2020, when legendary firms owned by Remington Outdoor were auctioned off, but there have still been some notable shifts within the industry in 2025.

Preview: Uni-Loader

The easy-to-use Uni-Loader can save high-volume shooters a lot of time and finger pain.

CZ 600+ Introduces Switch-Barrel Capability

In 2025, CZ USA expanded its 600 series rifle lineup with the CZ 600+, a design that delivers on the company's promise of a switch-barrel platform.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.