The Four Rules of Firearms Safety — A Series
- Russ
- Sep 6
- 3 min read
Firearms safety is not just a set of guidelines—it’s a disciplined way of life for anyone who handles a gun. Over the decades, the Four Rules of Firearms Safety, popularized by Col. Jeff Cooper, have become the universal foundation for safe gun handling. These rules apply whether you are on the range, in the field, or at home, and they are designed to work together to prevent tragedy.
In this series, we’ll examine each of the Four Rules in depth, guided by the perspectives of four highly respected instructors: Col. Jeff Cooper, Massad Ayoob, Tom Givens, and Dave Spaulding. Each post will explore the meaning of the rule, why it matters, how it applies in real life, and lessons learned from the experience of those who have taught safety to thousands of students.
Today, we focus on Rule 4 — be sure of your target and what is beyond it.
Rule 4 — Be Sure of Your Target and What Is Beyond It
Col. Jeff Cooper put it simply: "Know your target, and what is beyond." (Source: Cooper’s Commentaries)
This rule extends your responsibility far beyond the moment you pull the trigger. It’s not enough to hit the target—you must ensure the shot won’t harm anything you didn’t intend to hit. Bullets can travel hundreds or even thousands of yards, and barriers like drywall or car doors offer little resistance.
Massad Ayoob highlights the legal side: "Every bullet you fire carries your name on it—morally, legally, and financially." (Source: In the Gravest Extreme)
He reminds shooters that the law does not excuse hitting unintended people or objects. Civil and criminal consequences can follow, even if the initial shooting was justified.
Tom Givens adds a tactical layer: "Don’t shoot at shadows or shapes. Confirm before you commit." (Source: Rangemaster training notes)
In his classes, students run low-light scenarios where identifying the target correctly is the difference between a passing score and a dangerous failure.
Dave Spaulding emphasizes the role of environmental awareness: "Your responsibility doesn’t end with the muzzle. A shot you didn’t think through can ruin lives in ways you can’t undo." (Source: Handgun Combatives)
He trains shooters to evaluate not just the target, but the space behind and around it—especially in urban or crowded settings.
Real-Life Scenario
In 2018, a homeowner in Colorado confronted a suspected burglar in his backyard at night. He fired at a moving shape, only to discover it was a neighbor who had entered through the wrong gate while walking home. The man survived, but the shooter faced both legal consequences and lifelong guilt. The event underscores the critical need for target identification before firing.
Ayoob recounts a police incident in which an officer fired at a suspect in a parking lot without checking the background. The round passed through the suspect’s shoulder, striking a parked car and narrowly missing a child in the back seat. The officer later admitted he had tunnel vision and never processed what was behind his target.
Expert Perspectives
Cooper insists target awareness is an absolute responsibility.
Ayoob focuses on the moral, legal, and financial consequences of every fired round.
Givens trains shooters to positively identify targets, especially in low-light.
Spaulding stresses evaluating the environment before pressing the trigger.
Reflective Questions
In your home defense plan, have you considered what lies beyond the walls of your shooting lanes?
How do you train for target identification in low-light or high-stress environments?
Are you prepared to pass on a shot if the background is unsafe?
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