A Loaded Gun Is the Safest Gun.

loaded-0004

Say “whaaaaa?”

The title sounds counterintuitive, I know.  Indulge me for a moment.  Let’s dissect the notion of a loaded gun being the safest gun.  It may not be as crazy as you think.

First, let’s review Colonel Cooper’s Four Rules of Safe Gun Handling (cut and pasted from another post):

  1. All guns are always presumed loaded.  Even if they are not, treat them as if they are.
  2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.  (For those who insist that a particular gun is unloaded, see Rule 1.)
  3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.  This is the Golden Rule.
  4. Identify your target, and what is behind it.  Never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified.

I thought it was unloaded!

Loaded-Glock-23

A Glock 23 without a magazine. Does that mean it’s unloaded? NOPE!

Every so often in the news, we hear about an inaccurately-termed “accidental discharge” of a firearm.  There are no “accidental discharges,” only NEGLIGENT discharges (except in the very rare case of a mechanical failure with a firearm).  Many of those who have experienced a negligent discharge have been known to say, “I thought it was unloaded.”  And, THAT is the problem.  These folks treat the gun differently when they THINK it’s unloaded.  And, then…. BANG!

See Rule #1!

But, even if they see Rule #1, some people think they know it’s unloaded, so they relax.  What if they KNEW it WAS loaded?  Would they relax and play loose with the rules?  Would they point it at their friend?  Would they have their finger on the trigger (See Rule #3)?  Probably not.  I hope not.  But, when they THINK they “know” it’s unloaded, the rules seem to matter less.  And, that’s when bad things happen.  BANG!

One time, at the range…

loaded range-0004When I’m at the indoor range, I always take a moment to periodically step back out of my booth to observe the other shooters.  I pretend to be taking a break…. crack my knuckles…  stretch.  Are they being safe?  Are they observing the Four Rules?  A couple of months ago, there were two guys sharing the booth next to me.  It appeared one was a local while the other was a visiting friend.  They were sharing a pistol.  Nothing wrong with that.  It’s fun to share this discipline / hobby / sport.

The local guy had just finished firing at his target.  When he stopped, he turned around to chat with his friend.  The only problem was that he still had the pistol in his hand, and he was pointing it directly at his friend’s belly!  I’m usually a bit hesitant to step in to offer advice to strangers at the range, as egos can run big.  But, in this case, I had to say something.

With a smile, I leaned in and said, “Excuse me…  you’re pointing your gun right at your friend.  It should remain pointed down-range.”

“Well, it’s not loaded.”

I understand, but Rule #1 stipulates that all guns are presumed to be loaded.  Rule #2 is that you should never point it at anything you don’t want to destroy.

“OK… thanks!”  (He said this with a smirk.)

He began packing his gear, as they were done with their session.  I went back to my own session.  As the two began to walk out of the range, the local dude turned back and snarkily said, “Thanks again!”

I smiled and waved.  Sadly, this isn’t the first time I’ve seen someone point his gun directly at a companion at the range.  I’m sure it won’t be the last.  I have now decided to always speak up.

This is a photo of my nephew, serving in the Air Force as a weapons technician. It has nothing to do with this article. Just a cool pic and a proud uncle!

This is a photo of my nephew, serving in the Air Force as a weapons technician. It has nothing to do with this article. Just a cool pic and a proud uncle!

Again, many “accidents” happen because the person handling the gun thought it was unloaded.  They think they’re smarter than Rule #1.  One example is that some people mistakenly think that if the magazine is removed from a semi-auto pistol, the gun is “empty.”  There can still be a round in the chamber.  Then (for reasons I cannot fathom, See Rule #3) they pull the trigger, and BANG!  Surprise!

So, if we’re supposed to treat all guns AS IF they’re loaded, why not KEEP them loaded?  It seems that many people change how they treat firearms when they THINK or are even “sure” they are unloaded.  If you intentionally keep them loaded, you won’t ever think (or treat them as if) they’re unloaded, right?

 

In case of bad guy…

Another reason to have a gun always loaded is so that it’s ready for use (in the case of self-defense).  After all, it’s the main reason most of us own a firearm.  Right?  And, an unloaded gun is little more than a short, ineffective club.  If you’re ever in a situation requiring you to defend yourself, time will be of the essence.  And, the bad guy will not likely be willing to wait while you find your ammunition and load your firearm.  “Hold that thought, Mr. Bad Guy.  I’ve got to load my pistol.”  There’s also a very good chance that your body will be loaded with adrenaline.  Fine motor skills, like those required to load a revolver or even a semi-auto pistol, are very difficult when your shaking hands are registering a 6.5 on the Richter scale.

Loaded-revolver2-

Do you think you can load your gun quickly with your hands shaking from an adrenaline dump?

I believe that keeping your defensive firearm loaded makes sense.  Furthermore, I believe you shouldn’t handle the firearm unnecessarily.  That means you don’t repeatedly take it out (of the safe or your holster), to fondle it, “check” it, or show it to your friends.

Safe-keeping.

Quick-access safe

Quick-access safe

Speaking of safes…  Keeping your firearm in a safe is smart for obvious reasons.  You don’t want unauthorized people to find it or have access to it.  Of course, this applies to children in the home, especially.

There are quick-access safes (key pad and biometric) available so you can get to your gun quickly, if needed.  If your firearm is not on your person or directly in your control, it should be locked up in a safe of some kind.  Loaded, of course… in my opinion.

 Stop Making Sense

What do you think?  Am I making sense?  Chime in below in the comment section!

Disclaimer:  This article is not intended to be a legal opinion, nor is it instructional on how you keep, operate, or store your firearms.  It is simply my personal opinion.  Your mileage may vary.  Know your state / local laws regarding firearm ownership, carry, and storage.  I encourage everyone to get as much firearms training as they can.

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11 Responses to A Loaded Gun Is the Safest Gun.

  1. Michael Nugent says:

    Agree 100% with the article. Nice 5.7 in the picture. Where did you get that extended mag? One of my dealers has 8 PS90s in stock. I am debating on getting one. I already have 10 mags for the PS90.

    Saturday I am taking a low light pistol class outdoors. It is going to be great.

    Cool pic of your Nephew. My Dad put in 20 years with the Air Force.

    • The Dental Warrior says:

      Thanks, Michael. I forget where exactly I got the extended mags. It might have been CDNN (online).

      Here’s another pic of my nephew with some “hardware.”

  2. Alan De Angelo says:

    Perhaps another rule should be to not “over gun” the shooter. After a 12 gauge knocked my wife nearly off her feet, I bought her a 20 gauge. Same goes for hand guns, a 9mm is way easier for her to handle than my .45. Hell, it’s easier for me. It should be a pleasure to shoot not a chore.
    Thanks to your nephew for his service.

    • The Dental Warrior says:

      Hi Alan,

      Yeah… a bit off-topic, but I agree. Better to have 2 hits with a smaller caliber than 6 misses with a larger caliber.

      When teaching a new shooter (click the link!), I like to start with a .22LR. I’m not suggesting .22LR as a defensive round… but as an introductory / teaching round.

      Thanks for visiting my blog and chiming in!

  3. Ken says:

    Good article. I am constantly amazed at how these “accidental shootings” are always reported. The gun “accidentally” went off as if it had a mind of it’s own or the wind was blowing too hard or mystical vibrational energy somehow triggered it is often the implication in these stories. No, no, NOOO… It went off “accidentally” because some unwitting person had their finger on the trigger and forgot rule #1.

  4. Ivan Terrero says:

    Agree 100%!

  5. Always speak up, that’s a great motto, it could save a life.

    Can you recommend any good storage for cars? There are some buildings that firearms are just not welcome.

    • The Dental Warrior says:

      Oh… as in gun storage IN your car. Haha… at first I thought you were asking about storing a car! 🙂

      There are small gun safes that can be secured to your car via a cable. Most lock it to the seat frame (under the seat). I believe that is better than the glove compartment. I believe there are also safes designed to be bolted down in the car (or in the trunk of a car).

      Guns not being “welcome” is simply a suggestion. “Concealed means concealed.” If it is ILLEGAL to go into certain buildings while armed, then yeah… lock it up in the car. Know your state’s laws.

      Thanks for visiting my blog and taking time to comment!

  6. Jared says:

    On point. I think I know where your nephew was at also. I did two tours in the Stan myself.

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