Training in Firearms # 54 (1 of 3)

2018-09-26

Raider-Cop Nation: Episode #54 "Training In Firearms". September 26, 2018 Host Alpha Miketakes us on a journey in "Training in Firearms". Alpha covers the very important subject of safety and what are those rules, for all in the audience. Jeff Cooper'sFour Rules: All guns are always loaded. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the t...

Raider-Cop Nation: Episode #54 "Training In Firearms". September 26, 2018

Host Alpha Miketakes us on a journey in "Training in Firearms". Alpha covers the very important subject of safety and what are those rules, for all in the audience.

Jeff Cooper'sFour Rules:

All guns are always loaded.
Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.
Be sure of your target and what is beyond it.

Co-guest Kilo Sierratalks about what the beginner goals and objectives should be. Kilo breaks down the beginning steps to firearms training goals.

Co-Host: Mike Sierracomes on and gets a briefing on the episode.

Co-Guest Pistol Pete the Gunsmithgives a simple but detail explaination on safety, dissaembly and cleaning a semiautomatic and a revolver.

Making sure your weapon is safe before anything (See above Jeff Cooper Rules)

Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

This rule surpasses all other rules. It is a very simple concept, if the firearm is pointed in a safe direction, intentional or accidental discharge will not harm anyone. The safest direction should be chosen, so humans, animals, then inanimate objects are all taken into account.
Assume that the firearm is always loaded.
- Even if the firearm is known to be unloaded, it should be treated with the respect of a loaded gun. For example, even though you've just triple checked and know it is unloaded, you still don’t point it at people (follow Rule 1 at all times).
Keep your finger off the trigger.
- This prevents any accidental discharges from a trigger pull. With a pistol, there is usually an area above the trigger where you can rest your trigger finger (they often call this the "index point"). For rifles or other guns, it is best to remove your whole hand from the area where the trigger is. There are plenty of other safe ways to carry the gun.
- Along with this, it should be emphasized to not rely on the firearm's safety. While human error is many times more likely to cause a problem, the safety can fail, and pulling the trigger may result in an accidental discharge.
- Certain pistols don't have manual safeties at all. In this case, they often have safeties integrated into the trigger, back strap (or grip), or hammer. These types of guns are especially dangerous around inexperienced users. But training and aggressive execution of safety techniques can overcome many of the dangers of a safety-less firearm.
- Once you are on the line to shoot, do not put your finger on the trigger until you have pointed in on the target. This may be a difficult habit to break as you may feel it is natural to have your finger on the trigger once you think you are wanting to shoot.
Always hand a firearm to someone unloaded.
- If you hand a firearm to someone it should be unloaded. Check the magazine and the chamber. When the firearm is not going to be used immediately, it should be unloaded in the same manner. If you receive a firearm from someone, you should check the magazine and chamber to make sure the gun is not loaded, until you intend to fire.
- A good way to let yourself, and anyone around you, know the gun is unloaded is by locking the bolt, slide, or cylinder in the open position. This makes it so that, even if the trigger is pulled, no bullet will fire.
- Check the manual for the firearm. It will generally mention the safest way to carry or unload the firearm.
- When not using the firearm or while transporting it, you should always unload the firearm. In many locales, there are laws against carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle without the proper permits, even if just transporting it to and from a firing range or repair shop.
Disassemble your gun only as much as the manufacturer recommends.Check the owner's manual for disassembly instructions to prepare the gun for cleaning. This will allow you to access all parts that become dirty from firing.
- Semi-automatic pistols and rifles will generally be stripped into their major components: barrel, slide, guide rod, frame and magazine. Revolvers, shotguns, and most other sorts of guns will not need to be stripped to clean them.
- Field stripping is not necessary to clean the gun thoroughly. Don't take apart your gun more than you have to unless it requires repair. Likewise, some guns can't be stripped at all and it won't be necessary to do anything but open the chamber to clean it.
Always clean your gun in a well-ventilated area.Find a a place with good air circulation to clean your guns. Solvent fumes are noxious and can make you sick. Likewise, the solvent and lubricant used just flat-out smell foul if you try to clean your guns indoors, so keep your family happy and don't stink up the joint.
- Cover your work surface with plastic bags, newspaper, or old towels you've saved for the purpose. Head out to the garage and put the door up, or clean your guns on a bright and dry day to get them cleaned properly.

Get a cleaning kit.Whether you purchase a pre-assmebled cleaning kit or you assemble the necessary components individually, you'll need a few basic things to have in your arsenal of cleaning supplies. A basic set includes: