The Universal Firearm Safety Rules

Former Army Ranger John Lovell teaches firearm safety, shooting range etiquette, proper unloading procedures, and the 4 universal firearm safety rules. Forward this video to any friends, family, or neighbors interested in learning how to safely handle a gun.
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[@davidvitale9338]

My dad bought me a .357 for my 18th birthday. I took it out and cleared the gun immediately. My dad told me if I hadn’t done that, it was going back to the store in the morning. Believe me - he meant it.

[@dylanscheib]

Damn your dads cool af he got you .357 magnum ? Heck yea ima unleash that full magazine if im in a safe environment to shoot.

[@dylanscheib]

Does it have a lot of kick?

[@sincitychris]

My dad did the same.. got me a custom 1911 for my 18th birthday.. took me to the desert range & handed me the gun. I cleared it immediately , then put the mag in and hit 8/10 shots . He just smiled and said if I didn’t show I was ready it was going back.. had the receipt in his shirt pocket too !

[@dylanscheib]

@@sincitychris that’s a great dad!!

[@boogitybear2283]

Good Lord he should have gotten you something smaller since you’re a beginner! More like a .22 then work your way up!

[@daspiper8941]

I'm 70 and no one is too old or too experienced to be often reminded of these Rules. They are that important to us all.

[@kylelawson3748]

well said!

[@ambrewski7940]

Terrible remark Das... I am 89 and forgot how to even drive a car. Matter a fact, not even sure what I am doing now. But anyways, the number universal rule and the only one you need to to remember, the number one rule of gun safety is to have fun at all costs!

[@liamkneeson2443]

Poorly said Das Piper. Guns do not need to have all of these “parental locks” as I call them. If I had my way, every household in America, heck, even children would all carry a non protected firearm, at all times! We need to quit babying our kids and give them a gun. These liberal babies have turned America into a f*ur king land of la la la TRUMP 2024

[@bleeeeed7631]

70 damn god bless u I’m 29 hope to see that age 😪

[@Just_a_Piano_]

I've learned most of my gun safety from watching brandon herrera. he says it during his darwin awards videos and its easy to learn from him like that because he makes it interesting to watch along with conveying a good message. His quick witted jokes always make it easy to watch and learn from whatever he says

[@ZeriocTheTank]

You're dealing with something that could kill someone. I think the "intensity" is most welcome.

[@aygwm]

One mistake could change or end a life forever.

[@Qaptyl]

even if it doesnt it sure as hell is scary. the best thing is that in that scenario, when the gun fires at the roof or something, the barrel of the gun can rather aggressively talk sense into them. hopefully people will learn after that without anything worse happening

[@ZenkiCoyote]

Yes, A gun is not a Toy or a Tool. It is a weapon and we should all learn to respect it as such.

[@EB-vx4vy]

Everyone should watch this over and over and over again.

[@secretagentcat]

Haha, thats what im doing right now. Second time watching

[@miguellopezshow]

Couldn't agreed more.

[@jackjackson7461]

I was taught gun safety as a kid by my father, I grew up in the north Georgia mountains and we hunted a lot for our food and my father being a former Marine was all about safety. As I got older I too joined the Marine Corp and spent 8 years with 2 years in Vietnam, but I love going back and reading or watching videos on safety even though I know them well it's always good to go back and re-look at things because they might be something that you missed along the way. You can never be too safe and the day you think you know all there is about safe is the day you are someone else is going to get hurt, so never STOP LEARNING

[@TJ-ju8bj]

Thank you for the information.

[@frisc0strangler207]

Amen brother! Semper Fi 🫡

[@user-gh8sl7iu3y]

Semper Fi

[@USMC6169]

Semper Fi brother !

[@madcapmagician3130]

Holy crap, this should be mandated viewing for anyone purchasing a firearm!

[@bruteforce1228]

Agreed

[@alejandropreciado1814]

G i doubt you elbowed your friend in the jaw because he pointed a cleared AND racked weapon at you. At worst I would reach out for the weapon immediately and teach him why that’s a no go.

[@patmurphy7266]

@@alejandropreciado1814 college buddy of mine did with a cleared airsoft gun, broke his nose on accident when I reacted instinctively it took me two years before I let him touch a real gun near me he continues to laugh about it,tells the story to others teaching them now, he's an RSO chief qualified instructor now

[@TotallyNotElPresidente]

Move to Canada, this video gets extended basically to an entire weekend lol

[@mouthbreather280]

El Presidente true. You take 2 eight hour days of firearms safety before you can apply for your license. ACTS and PROVE Assume every firearm is loaded Control the muzzle direction at all times Trigger finger off the trigger and out of the trigger guard unless ready to fire See that the firearm safe, PROVE it. Point the firearm in a safe direction Remove all cartridges Observe the chamber Verify the feeding path Examine the bore If you don’t grasp the ACTS and PROVE and can’t demonstrate it on the practical tests, you’re going to fail.

[@BradYaeger]

As a new(ish) shooter, I thank you for this video but would like to humbly share my input in hopes that it is helpful to instructors. I have taught martial arts for 30 some years so I am not new to instruction in general , and the one thing I don't see talked about in many , many firearm videos is to move slow at first or don't move at all until you are absolutely sure about your next move. So many instructors are moving at THEIR speed, not a beginners speed. It's either muscle memory for them or they are trying to show off (not implying that is true for Mr. Lovell at all) . And it's a natural reaction for the student to want to attempt to match that speed and that's where mistakes happen. In the martial arts realm I was traught to move slow or slower until each movement is perfect, but as I got into firearms I found myself doing stupid things because every video I watched was done at full speed so I mimicked the instructors movement speed. I believe it's my job as an instructor to go right to the bottom level of ability and understanding and teach at that level because that's the student that needs it the most, and the rest can handle polishing what they already know. So PLEASE folks, when doing "basics" content, either move slow or encourage it.

[@micaKTM1290]

Good point.

[@99SVTBolt]

My philosophy too...crawl before you walk, walk before run. Speed will naturally come to you once you get the basics down.

[@adamlucas4753]

I think you're projecting a little bit. Unlike martial arts where people come to learn the moves, this is firearms safety on KZbin. Clearing one gun is not the same as clearing any or all guns and you should take as long as you need to do it. The point isn't to learn the technique of clearing a/the weapon. The point is to learn the habit and principles of firearm safety. The instructor never tells you to do it quickly or that speed is required and, for him, proper procedure/technique requires an element of muscle memory. He even goes so far as to recommend against what he does out of muscle memory. I think the bigger issue is that piece is titled "Universal Firearm Safety Rules" and many of his rules don't apply to a wide array of firearms. He goes to great, even obnoxious lengths to confirm the safety of his gun by his method. How does one confirm the chamber is empty with a revolver? Rack the slide twice and then lock it back. For many long guns (and even some revolvers) the only way to keep your finger off the trigger (guard) is to uncomfortably, inconveniently, and even dangerously curl it around the action or barrel. But, again, the point is to learn the principles, practice, and habit not necessarily the technique.

[@adamlucas4753]

@NON-POLAR PAUL _"Seems like you just wrote this comment to be apart of the convo with no actual substance to anything you said"_ Says the guy who came on KZbin to 1. advise amateurs to emulate professionals on KZbin at their own considerable risk and 2. go on to reiterate several of my exact points. Maybe take it a little slower next time, taking more time read and understand the posts before you reply next time.

[@rpwbass]

Wow. That was completely unnecessary.

[@1221vito]

I liked the intensity...it keeps my attention better than just reciting the rules and going through the motions. Nice vid

[@Fergesslich]

For dramatical purposes he should point a loaded gun randomly at the camera(man), that would be even more intense.

[@michaelblacktree]

I also liked the intensity. In addition to keeping people's attention, it also gets across the point that this is REALLY IMPORTANT STUFF!

[@thomassavage6727]

Sorry, I would think teaching safety would involve a calmer demeanor and less herky-jerky movement.

[@TacticoolVIKINGBeard]

Yea his videos are always good about this

[@patriciamitchell777]

@@thomassavage6727 spot on!

[@HT-ww3zg]

"Every bullet has a lawyer hiding behind it."

[@VTObi4z]

Ive heard that before there is so much truth in it

[@mdjak3686]

As a new shooter, having gone to a range with a class, this fine gentleman is spot on. You see it constantly, people doing the brass dance and flagging others, people waving the gun in every direction, etc. Safety first and foremost. I’d love to take lessons in person with this man.

[@jtandme-ot9cl]

He's great! Just like the gentleman we have at our range.

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

What is the brass dance? Sorry, dumb question but I'm even newer to guns than you are!

[@mdjak3686]

@@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim when casings come out of guns they often hit the person to the right and they are hot. People hit with them either ignore it which you should or they jump around waving their gun which you shouldn’t. Especially if it goes down the neck of your shirt.

[@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhim]

Ahahaha! I see, thank you. :) @@mdjak3686

[@alanclontz1783]

​@@ifyouloveChristyouwillobeyhimhot brass fly's in your shirt and burns most people flip out the first time it happens the dance

[@Garebare1]

If gun safety was taught in schools this world would be a safer place

[@MichaelHenriques]

Garret it used to be. Or they at least had 22 rifle gun clubs

[@bldlightpainting]

Back in the day, the NRA used to come into schools and teach firearms safety. That is before the insane "Gun-Free Zone Act" of 1990 that has cost many children their lives.

[@Brett235]

Garret I went to school in the 80's and 90's and right before hunting season the shop teacher would have a class every day for a week about gun safety, crossing fences with firearms, etc. It was great and we all looked forward to it. Now the very mention of a gun in school will get you expelled.

[@NefariousKoel]

I also took a hunter's safety course, given at my high school around 1990. It was pretty thorough, being a few hours long over two or three days, and had a final written exam with high requirements to pass. Pretty sure it had become a requirement for attaining hunting licenses for big game or fowl in my state at the time. Of course, it was a small town high school, and they would actually let students take days off to go hunting during deer season. The people running the city school systems would flip the F out if gun courses were proposed on campus, probably even back then.

[@agnotwot7997]

Sadly now even shop class is not found in all schools.

[@scotttaylor1871]

As an absolute beginner this tutorial was invaluable! Being raised in an environment not very gun accepting and having no idea about guns in general, I live in Australia, I don’t even know anyone who owns a gun. Heading to the states for a catch up with an old mate, who is taking me and my wife to a pistol range. Having never held a pistol before let alone fired one, I wanted to be responsible, and feeling slightly apprehensive thought I would do some homework. I have watched numerous videos on range ethics And safety, I found this video to be very instructive. Thank you.

[@trollzynisaacjohan1793]

We're allowed semi automatic weapons for purposes such as hunting or farming. You need a complicit reason for owning a firearm, self defense is not considered a legitimate reason. Fire arms must be stored in a locked cabinet away from ammunition in a separate locked compartment.

[@leesaoreo9193]

P]p

[@westweiborough1561]

@@trollzynisaacjohan1793 self defense is not considered legitimate bro guess ill just die when someone's stabbing me in my home

[@friendlyneighborhoodcollec5928]

@@westweiborough1561 for real lol

[@TheAntiBright]

@@westweiborough1561 don't be mad at him. Hes not the asshole that made the rules.

[@micaKTM1290]

I avoided clicking on this video multiple times. Seeing it was 11 minutes long, I am thinking - 11 minutes!!!? there are only 4 rules this guy must blabber on and on, a snooze fest. I was very wrong. This was excellent. It made me realize experienced shooters teaching new shooters do not really explain well what is meant by these rules. I learned I could/should have been more thorough myself. Well done John!

[@huiajoy2576]

thank you I love your intensity, NEVER APOLOGIZE, This makes me feel safer about going to my first gun range. what to look out for and. peace out from Australia.

[@10yoss]

For some folks one hour for those 4 rules is not enough...those are also folks who should not own a gun.

[@bandccoresohio]

This is john lovell bitch u better show some respect

[@calebclinton5334]

mica H , Eli Tomac is washed up

[@akrocuba]

ONE OF THE BEST I'VE SEEN!!!

[@Jesse_Ghost_]

When I was younger I had a really scary experience with a friend of my dad's firearm I asked if I could look at it and he said it was Safe, he said how it had 3 Different safety mechanisms and proceeded to hand it to me a 11-year-old little Boy turns out it wasn't Safe I pulled the trigger because I was completely oblivious about any safety rules, And fired the gun into a wall and behind that wall was a group of little children thank God that bullet hit nobody and since that day on I did a lot of safety research, so I think it's wonderful that you are putting the good word out there

[@Kevin_Ho70]

FF 8:20 No need to apologize for “intensity.” This is PASSION for teaching the importance of gun safety! Thank you! 🙏

[@snakewhisperer2010]

Train hard. Train smart. No complacency.

[@MegaPortenio]

Great Video, it should be watched every month for us beginners at least for the first 6 months?!👍😀

[@HMPennypacker]

@@MegaPortenio not just beginners. It's sort of like driving in that people who have been doing it for years think they can break the rules and still be safe. A reminder never hurt anyone. I grew up shooting, I carry every day, I'm comfortable around all types of firearms and was even hunting on Saturday, and I still benefitted from the video. No one can ever know/follow these rules too well. Good video, John. Thank you

[@jimvacuum]

I'll add to your text "train as you fight" military calls it muzzle discipline. notice the difference in postures of military on patrol and American play police, Who think that they are soldiers. Military muzzles are down and away to the sides of the soldier. The pseudo military, the police muzzle pointed at suspect

[@WeekdayWeekend]

Have had my license for over a year and I still come back and watch this. These rules are law no matter what stage of shooting you're at.

[@mtn-endeavors67]

Yup me too. Not embarrassed to say it either. You’re never too good to practice this and drill it into your head

[@forthefunofit5487]

@@mtn-endeavors67 I agree 100%

[@justinz9225]

It's so tricky. Because the rules are insanely simple. But you can't just know the rules, they have to absolutely be second nature to you. You need to know them so well that you obey them without even having to think about it consciously. I'm still working on this right now. Thanks for the reminder.

[@barrytagart9704]

Cooper said, " if you memorize these rules and make them part of your personality, it will be impossible for you to have a accident where someone is injured. "

[@LordJackass]

Once went out for a turkey shoot for boy scouts one year. After shooting down a clay pigeon, some jackass got overly excited, and shouted “Woah!! D’you guys see that!?” Whilst turning around and muzzle sweeping a whole ass troop, myself included. He was quickly ran down and had the shotgun taken from him. He went red as a tomato with embarrassment. Luckily all we had on hand was birdshot, but still, you can never ever be too safe with guns.

[@husky3g]

Hearing these rules at least once a year as a refresher. Safety is the last thing you want to become complacent with.

[@BACzero]

I don't know why you chose to apologize for your intensity at 8:20. Your passion is wonderful! I recently announced at our house that we were going to be having a gun-safety meeting soon, and our 15 year old son said "Yeah, I already know about gun safety." My skin crawled when he said that. I've been taught the 4 rules more times than I can count, and I still clicked on your video to let you teach them to me again. The moment you get comfortable with gun safety, is the moment you need a refresher. That's my opinion. Love this video. This is one I'm going to be bookmarking. Thanks for the refresher!

[@allenjoseph6712]

Yeah, I actually brought my daughter in (who says I yell when I'm teaching) and said "This is a good instructor! You will remember what he tells you!"

[@treelinehugger]

My interest was peaked because he apologized. This is a well-known teaching technique to focus students' attention before getting to the critical lessons. The apology was brilliantly executed.

[@AcePanthong]

As an instructor who've been chanting these rules forever, I really appreciate this, sir.

[@animalmother556x45]

Intensity? If anything, this wasn't intense enough. This stuff needs to be intensely drilled into every new shooter. I remember as a younger lad in my father's gun shop, I was watching my dad and one of his customers dry firing a gun that dad had worked on. Dad asked if I wanted to try the trigger (I think it was a 10/22 that had an aftermarket trigger in it). The customer handed it to me, and I visually inspected the chamber before dry firing it (even though I had just watched two grown men racking it and dry firing it 5 times). The customer commented on how awesome it was to see someone as young as me understand the rules to such a degree. He shook dad's hand in a "thanks for being one of the good ones" sort of way.

[@jojothermidor]

Uh huh. And then everyone got up and clapped.

[@megatrends]

Lifelong very experienced shooter here, we shoot every weekend several hours. I have someone I know who has ADHD, and is easily distracted, 99% of the time he is extremely safe. The only time he has not is when he is having a gun malfunction, whether it’s a part that broke or a round stuck in the chamber, he starts flipping the nose of the gun around looking at what the problem could be and more than one time I have corrected him on that, I can tell you honestly, it really isn’t his fault but you need to be aware of who you’re shooting with is my point. I spend time paying extra attention when I’m around this person. Some would say “well, don’t go shooting with him at all”, but I’ve known him my whole life and that’s just not gonna happen. So take that for what it is.

[@Emmanuelwithus]

Absolutely great video and we need more "intense" instructors like him to teach the balance of responsibility and accountability of safe firearm ownership and operation. Refreshed of much in 10 min of the common sense basics.

[@troy9er]

I’ve been a gun owner and shooter for over 30 years. I can’t hear these tips too many times! Thank you, John.

[@marktheshark711]

The cow in the background just casually walking in the background. Taking a friend shooting and sent this to her to watch. I wanted her to know why I’m so strict on safety and this was the video to help back me up. Thank you for your intensity and your help getting the point across.

[@ncshpfox]

I had an instructor have a ND on the range while in front of a class. He was demonstrating trigger pull. Dropped the mag without checking the chamber, then thank the good Lord, he turned to face the side burm and as he's saying "it's just a slow trigger press to the" BANG!!! The worst part was there were other instructors standing 10 yards to the right of where the shot hit. He didn't speak. Just dropped his head and walked off the range. Great video as always.

[@scrider8464]

Being nervous and thinking ahead to what you are going to say, going to do, how you look to your students can cause you to skip a step. Really have to be self assured to be a teacher and not worry about how you may look to others.

[@Fergesslich]

Was it this fella by any chance? kzbin.info/www/bejne/g3zLgHSnnb2AnqM

[@skepticmoderate5790]

Fergesslich Damn that video gets the blood pumping.

[@fin_jan]

I saw a student fall and break his ankles at a rock climbing gym because the instructor was too busy instructing to pay attention. Happens all the time.

[@adilouie]

Did you ever the see the Police Officer who made this same mistake in a HS Classroom? Shot himself infront of an entire Class. Not fatally.

[@cg3711]

Having saved this video will always be a reminder of mine every time I go to the range and everyday I carry my firearm.

[@true_canadian1015]

My dad has trained me with power tools since I could walk, and he gave me the same advice about firearms that he did with power tools. “The moment you lose respect for a tool that’s when it bites” once you let your guard down and make an assumption that the tool is safe, that’s when someone gets hurt, or killed

[@meatpopsicle42]

Over the past few years I've had the pleasure to attend several of John's classes. He brings this exact same (almost literally word for word) procedure to every class, and teaches with the same intensity. I still rewatch this video from time to time - as I am doing right now - (and share it with friends and family) as it is such a valuable resource.

[@ouiroc]

Firearm safety is not an option it's mandatory accidents don't happen they're created

[@kagyu1]

As a newer shooter who just took my first class, you covered some safety issues that were NOT covered. Thank you! The attention to flagging yourself and where your not passing ANYTHING in front of the muzzle is greatly appreciated.

[@copper12heavy69]

"That's involuntary manslaughter way to go".

[@isaacmoffit5426]

I would say lol but that's a bit morbid. *lol*

[@aquablaster86]

Don't apologize for the passion and intensity of this subject. I've downloaded this video to my phone and make everyone i go to the range with the first time watch it. I've made the mistake of trusting someone i didn't know all that well because their father was a cop and told me she grew up around firearms. Less then 20 minutes at the range she is taking a selfie with my 1911 and pointing it directly at me. When i made a big deal about it she came back with the "it isn't loaded, chill out"

[@paulis7319]

When I was in high school in the mid 1980’s, a friend and classmate was shot in the shoulder (survived) because his dad was cleaning his gun in a different room and failed to properly clear it. Fast-forward 35 years and I still have that thought when I’m using a firearm. And it really pisses me off when someone flags me with a gun that’s just been cleared if I didn’t also double check to make sure it’s clear. It’s amazing how many “experienced” shooters - even former infantry - make that mistake.

[@chasemer6]

I LOLed when you ejected the round and caught it with your hand because I knew you would say that's not recommended for new shooters. Great video as always John.

[@peterk8909]

My cousin took me out in his yard, with his Daisy Red Rider, when I was 5 yo (60 yrs ago). I never forgot and always live by these rules. Great post. Thx.

[@rock-steady-yeti]

Who else wondered if there was a horse downrange? Why do you look away after 1st round check? Good video.

[@EatonEditing]

My instructors have said it's a way to overcome your own visual autopilot. For example, how many times have you looked at your watch to get the time, brought your head back up and then had to look back down at the watch to actually "see" the time? Similar thing here.

[@Jefafa73]

Eaton Editing I got my hand up and plead guilty to the watch example you gave! Actually that's a tip I haven't heard before but I will definitely keep in mind.

[@Fergesslich]

Ridiculous, who would do something and not remember it so he has to do it another time so he has to do it another time?

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

+Fergesslich I see it all the time when you put folks under stress.

[@davesnothere688]

+John Lovell as soon as you mentioned under stress it made perfect sense, besides you can never be too safe. Thanks for the great video.

[@doc8579]

Been shooting for 40 years. Even people that could teach this class should refresh every so often. You should do this EVERY TIME especially when shooting by yourself. There’s no one there to help if you shoot yourself.

[@wildfire9887]

I have a gas blowback airsoft gun and it never occurred to me to use it for training in this way (namely flagging myself, pointing it at people, etc, which I'd NEVER do with a real gun, even if I was 100% positive it was unloaded). Thanks for the awesome video!

[@Rob_Nasty]

I'll admit I've had 1 negligent discharge.... I own a CZ 455 Lux, those who don't know it's a 28in barrel and is massive. With a round in the chamber and while using a bipod, I went to pick up and re position the bipod, at that moment my finger slipped passed the trigger guard and hit the trigger, thankfully it was down range. But still was my fault. I'll never forget that. And the trigger on a CZ is insanely light.

[@heinrichjannasch8768]

It's so true Rob.. I too can admit that.. you never forget it!!

[@alvinharper8061]

Don't apologize for intensity, Mr. Lovell. Matters of life and death are intense. Most of the men in my family are prolific hunters. As kids, we were never allowed to have toy guns, not even squirt guns, because "Guns are not toys." One of my uncles was a gunsmith and he taught "Hunter Safety" courses for the NRA. To buy a hunting license you had to be 18 or have a certificate from that class. I was 14 when I got my license. In addition to the rote memorization of these rules, my uncle gave us an image. He told us to imagine that every gun was a machine gun that never stopped firing. Then he'd handle a pistol and ask one of us to stand up and trace where the bullets hit, e.g., "up the wall, across these filing cabinets, down across the floor over here . . ." He'd ask, "Did anybody get hit?" I am now 61, and from then until now, I always know where any gun is pointing. If someone recklessly points a gun in my direction, my blood runs cold. I didn't appreciate the power of that image until I was working on my master's degree in psychology. There are at least two levels of abstraction with written rules. But the visual image goes directly into the subconscious. I learned how to safely handle a gun that never stops firing.

[@pebblesmcfadden5946]

Very well said. Thanks for sharing. I will teach my son this when he is old enough to follow instructions properly.

[@rawrizord]

Thank you for sharing. I’m 25 years old and a new gun owner. I appreciate the perspective and insight. I hope you are well.

[@dp1381]

Thank you for sharing the machine gun image. Reading this, I could actually feel the difference that makes.

[@leviticusspeaks7732]

WOW!...Great perspective. Thank you.

[@bigress4300]

I watch this video every time I think “I already know about gun safety”

[@reyvynnightveil1706]

Love this video. Especially your double-check methodology and the intensity. I too was in the Army and saw so many on the range there make mistakes (yes, soldiers are people and make mistakes) which is exactly why this kind of briefing is needed on the regular, especially if you ever feel complacent enough to hand-wave a safety video. A firearm could end a life with little effort, its safe handling deserves at least a few moments of your time if you are going to be using one.

[@alexam1r116]

why does he look away when after inspecting the gun the first time???

[@reyvynnightveil1706]

@Alex Am1r1 it forces you to completely re-check. People are prone to make a mistake on first inspection, so doing a complete double-take can alter your point of view enough to see something maybe you missed upon first inspection. Inside the chamber is dark and brass can be tough to see, depending on a few factors (many steel cased rounds can have a dark coating, tarnished/dark/shiny brass can go unnoticed), so it's just a tiny bit safer than assuming the first glance was 100% accurate.

[@chickenpotpie4]

"cuz you are all kinds of jacked up" - awesome statement

[@stephenbrunner482]

This is how we started our Concealed Carry class. Your video would have been great a "read ahead" for this class (or any firearms class).

[@hariman7727]

Not simply a read ahead, but a reinforcement of the rules for gun handling. The failure state of careless gun handling is at best a negligent discharge and wondering if you hit someone. At worst, someone's dead and you're on the hook for manslaughter.

[@nikolasmcdeed7106]

I've sent this video to a bunch of people before taking them to the range for the first time. Very useful!

[@marriedwithguns3051]

John, I have been shooting for quite a few years now and after watching this video it brought stuff to my attention that I do almost without thought. While I am extremely careful with avoiding flagging other shooters I can think of at least a dozen times I have flagged myself before and never realized it at the time. Good video and a good heads up even for those of us who've been shooting for a long time. Another thought on this though and I am not trying to be a pain in the ass here. When holstering a weapon you almost have to flag yourself in one manner or another if you carry appendix. Acceptable risk but still breaking the universal rule.

[@WarriorPoetSociety]

+Fergesslich but are you sorry?

[@wrxcurve]

Don't reply to him, John. It just makes him more likely to troll your viewers comments. Great video. I'll keep these safety tips in mind next time I'm at the range.

[@aidandruck2423]

I won't debate you on that one. (sorry, not sorry)

[@Fergesslich]

I am NOT canadian, eh?! So sorry.

[@Americanheld]

No need to apologize for the intensity, it was appreciated and underscores the importance of these rules. Thank you!

[@dtllcmotorsportwa]

Thank you!!!! "Treat all guns as if they are loaded" Point them at the ground until cleared or ready for use.

[@xSchattenfluchx]

"we desire to be better protectors and to that we need to train and do so safely" That would have been a great time to repeat that not adhering to these rules makes you a danger to those you want to protect. If someone fails to adhere to these rules on the range, they will absolutely and without any doubt fail to adhere to them in a dangerous situation.

[@bldlightpainting]

The first thing you must always pay close attention to before even thinking about handling a firearm is safety. This is the first and most important lesson I teach to all my handgun self-defense students. There are 4 major rules of firearm safety that must always be observed. Religiously follow these rules at all times and you'll most likely never experience an AD (accidental discharge). 1. Treat all guns at all times as if they were loaded. 2. Never point a gun at anything you are not willing to destroy. 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. 4. Be sure of your target and what is behind and around it.

[@christiansorensen7567]

I am here despite my twenty years of firearms usage, because repetition is a pricipal of learning, and sometimes our brains need a refresh after being clouded by the digital hellscape.

[@raulwynn7136]

You didn't visually inspect the firearm after you racked it twice. You didn't look away. You didn't visually inspect the firearm again either. This is how easy it is to forget simple steps. I love this video and it's fantastic. Edit: Subscribed. I love your intensity.

[@arceavery]

I've never owned a gun, never been shooting, never been taught how to properly load and unload magazines, the gun, the chambers etc. Yet multiple times in my life I have been handed a gun by someone who does not practice all of these tips safely. I came here to educate myself and I definitely feel better now than I did before. Great explanation, well worth the 11 minutes of my time.

[@viper8588]

The universal interaction rules : 1. Treat all people as worthy of your time and always know the effect on your mood on your perception 2. Keep your words out of the conversation until you're sure of their meaning and decide they are worth saying 3. Never shout at someone you don't intend to lose 4. Know your goal in the conversation, what you wish to say, where you can comprise and try to consider different views on the matter I did my best to fit ;) if you have any idea feel free to share them and don't hate me too much, it's just a thought experiment

[@daleschmidt7157]

Thank you John Lovell. One is never too experienced nor too old to review and practice the Universal Firearm Safety Rules.

[@corycarlson8712]

It's good to watch one of these basic firearm saftey videos every couple of months. Everyone can get complacent, especially when you spend alot of time around guns.. these videos are a good reminder to stay on top of things.

[@elektra81516]

As a brit who is currently training in Gun safety and gun usage at ranges here across the pond, the intensity is very much appreciated! Ive let my friends use my Airsoft guns and i always treat them like they are real, following all safety standards and practices. These machines are lethal and if you treat them like toys, even airsoft ones, you are inviting yourself to get hurt.

[@forthefunofit5487]

I cant tell you how much I appreciate these videos. This is the first video I watched when I purchased my Taurus G2c. I watch it many times.............it is a great refresher.

[@NightL3gacy47]

I am not new to shooting or the firearm safety rules, but I really love re-watching these kinds of videos because I too am strict on gun safety and always believe that you can't be too safe with firearms. It is always great to see these types of videos even though I know the rules just because it is a refreshers course on how easily mistakes can happen. Brilliant job explaining everything!😎

[@jtandme-ot9cl]

Right! The more you learn the better you get. Keeps you from getting careless. Constant diligence is necessary.

[@RynkuViceroy]

okay... i got to ask... when you check... why look away and then look back to check again ?

[@Jacksonvillian904]

I think the word he used was redundancy

[@fovosprodromus5020]

I love the intensity that he gives with explaining the rules. I've never owned a gun before and just got my first bb pistol (the one closest to a real pistol) to practice and simulate the safety, qgrip and aiming techniques. I really appreciate John making this video as it teaches someone who has never owned or touched a gun before just how serious it is owning and operating a firearm. If you follow these rules, there is no way an accident can happen and that's clear. People who misfire negligently in their home etc clearly broke one of these rules. I looked at his other videos as well regarding the grip, aiming, eye-dominance and dry firing. It'd be super helpful if he could put together a playlist of "Everything virgin shooters/first-time owners must know" to people like me - I might just do that for the sake of other beginners. I wonder though if there are anything female beginners like me should know that he could possibly address in a video? I've been wanting to exercise my 2nd amendment right due to the happenstances of the last couple of years. I unfortunately live in Hawaii so there aren't any firing ranges we can shoot at when I do get a real pistol. It's hard to learn how to fire a real firearm when there's no place to fire them. My yard is nowhere near big enough and I'm surrounded by neighbors. I know a BB pistol has 0 recoil so that would be wack to train with a bb and expect the same from a real pistol. Any advice would be great.

[@miguellopezshow]

I have 17 years of mil experience, and was range instructor and RSO for my battalion and still, I always come to this video. This is my "muscle memory" video. The intensity on this video is but a small representation of how intense you are in real life during safety violations. Thank you so much for sharing!!!! Oorah!

[@matthieupaty5032]

This should be in schools. Many issues with guns in America are because people don’t even know basic firearm safety.

[@scrider8464]

Good info. Some of the more dangerous people to be around are the ones who are complacent and friends with guns; saying "I've been around guns all my life." Then show violations of these rules. Guess been around guns so much, they think they are 'friends' with their gun, which would never take advantage of them and shoot them. Friends don't shoot friends.

[@tracihendrix8070]

I’m teaching my son how to use guns in a safe way and wanted him to watch a safety course. I will be giving him a quiz at the end. With that being said thank u so much for uploading this video. With guns being so many places and kids getting their hands on them I think every parent should teach their kids gun safety. Thanks again!!!!

[@alexball291]

I'm just taking my first steps into firearms and I appreciate the hell out of this. I will probably watch this another 10 times.

[@RunningWithSauce]

I'm signed up for a Rifle course with you guys and am here watching this amazing video as a firearms instructor myself. The passion is warranted. Ive been flagged too many times to count by egos that think they know it all. Never is the only time to rest on laurels and complacency. Getting angry at people who flag you is a righteous anger as its a life threat.

[@matthockman]

LOVE the intensity. You do not f*"@$ around with safety. It is not something to be taken lightly.

[@fredkumm1305]

Thank you , John. I have read and heard the firearm safety rules many times, and have understood them; but not with so much visual and auditory clarity as I did as you presented them. I am a retired teacher and I know an excellent instructor when I see and hear one. And I just did. It takes work, dedication and talent. Thank you for caring and sharing. May God continue to bless you and yours.

[@Whitpusmc]

Great video, I thought the intensity was at a perfect level. Thanks for making it.

[@brucebanner490]

As a new gun owner this is the safety videos I need.

[@ajday2588]

Taking a buddy tomorrow to the range; he's a first-timer. I am making him watch this video, and before we go to the range, I will run through his new weapon's mechanics. While doing so, I will test him on this video's content. We will watch it again if he fails again, and we are rescheduling our range reservation.

[@JuanPulid0]

I always been cautious with guns. But, never actually saw a gun safety video/course. I been doing a couple stuffs wrong, so I do appreciate you put it nice and clear.

[@Benadryllionaire]

Solid stuff my dude. Production quality is consistently improving. You're a very impressive instructor.

[@joshopp1827]

There is security and safety with redundency. I "loose my mind" when staff prop doors open at my job. Im a correctional officer and it drives me up a wall. Thanks for the video.

[@PinkPanthful]

As someone who has never touched a gun and am going to eventually do to firearms training for work, this is super helpful in learning. Thank you!

[@Hunter_Shane]

I will make sure my wife watches this 100 times before feeling “COMFORTABLE”!!! AGAIN THANK YOU🙏 💯🙏

[@Toddalotapodamus]

New shooter here. Bought my first this weekend and I knew all of these safety rules but hadn't considered a lot of the small, but not insignificant ways that you could violate them. Thank you very much for the demonstration.

[@kentstormchasers8043]

Really appreciate this John! I'm a Brit who married in to a US family who own and use guns. This is a great safety refresher for me before I fly back this year and shoot with them! Thank you

[@kacirizk1998]

Thank you so much for making this video. It really has helped to remind myself of these things. I’m definitely not a Confident shooter at all but I’m still learning and so far you’re videos have been a great help.

[@WestonWrathSimmons]

3:48 “Down in the mag well (..and look away..) And do it again!” That cracked me up

[@user-eh5xr1mh6w]

It's make you sure from eye dizzy

[@alvindueck2104]

I don't shoot much anymore and therefore I don't practice these rules a lot. So, I come to this video occasionally to remember all this stuff. Might take a friend out shooting yet, so I shared this vid with her too. I'd like for her to have at LEAST this bit of wisdom packed away before we go.

[@DannyPhantomDarkness]

Thank you for this. Constitutional Carry is about to be implemented here in Ohio and I fully intend on carrying. But I’m gonna educate myself and practice as often as I can. This is step one on my journey here. Thank you.

[@SLAYER97501]

Ooooh solid start and looks like quality in picture improved? I like the premise and enjoy the speed and precision. Thank you for making this video and sharing it!

[@sethgthomas]

I've watched a lot of your videos now; and honestly, the basics are so important the intensity you show is appreciated. It adds to the seriousness of the subject and draws attention. The lack of attention to the basics is what causes sloppiness and "accidents". Great video!

[@trevormantey2141]

Thank you for you're video. I've handled guns since I was 11 years old, today I'm taking my 12yr old kids out to shoot. We watched your video followed by a very in depth conversation before headding to the range.

[@doncraig3665]

just started my 14 yo grandson this afternoon on shooting...made hime watch this video 3x's with me before we took a tx22 out in the backyard for beginning lesson. thanks for doing the video on safety concepts that i could reinforce outside!

[@Bravo12Power]

Great info and energy. I've found that during live instruction, students tend to replicate what they've seen no matter how many times you say "don't do this". I've made it a point to not visually demonstrate mistakes (at least not in their entirety), whether it's firearms or motorcycle safety. Great video instruction, though.

[@lastresort8010]

Great info as always! Just want to add one thing that I made the mistake of in the past. Be sure a cased firearm is pointed down range when opening the case, even if it's awkward to do. For some reason I placed my pistol backward as i normally would and was almost expelled from a match for doing so. (Muzzle Awareness!)

[@scrider8464]

Good info. Thanks.

[@SomersetPlaceSociety]

I am so happy to have found this channel. I 67 and live in South Africa where crime and violence and absolute lawlessness reigns and there is very little assistance from the Police. I did not realize how overwhelming finding the right handgun would be. Every place I've been recommends a different gun.

[@twincitiesdashcam9119]

I show this video with every new person I take to the range. Excellent video!

[@dgreenapple]

You're the best, John. Wish you had more available classes and maybe even in the northeast. My friends and I would sign up in a minute...

[@50srefugee]

"Intense"? Yes. Ranting? No. Excellent presentation. And I love the moveable NON TARGETS wandering around in the background as a reminder that just because a location was clear a minute ago, it might not be clear now. I wish gun stores had signs up saying "Point HERE!"

[@hkadera]

Not sure of why racking twice is needed if you lock the slide to the rear and inspect...why function check before a slide lock? Otherwise great, clear video.

[@moo3852]

To make sure the ejector is working and the fire arm is actually clear ..

[@jakew4007]

He's emphasizing redundancy

[@BillB23]

I was on a job site and everyone was using trigger and muzzle discipline with drills and pneumatic nailers. I loved it!

[@Hammerhitta]

Top notch safety vid John! I've sent it to all my new shooter mates in Oz. Well done, thank you and God bless, from Australia.

[@davidt5200]

I was always told act like there is a lightsaber laser coming out of that barrel all the time don't pan over people etc.

[@louissparks76]

Here because Alec Baldwin's accident reminded me of the importance of the 4 rules

[@jx14aby]

Me too. More people will learn these rules when Baldwin gets criminally charged with that poor woman's death. Stupidity is not a defence.