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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@HT-ww3zg]

"Every bullet has a lawyer hiding behind it."

[@VTObi4z]

Ive heard that before there is so much truth in it

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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 🫡

[@2021-j2d]

Semper Fi

[@USMC6169]

Semper Fi brother !

[@Kevin_Ho70]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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. "

[@chickenpotpie4]

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

[@bigress4300]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@nikolasmcdeed7106]

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

[@Jakub1989YTb]

It lacks only "Amen" at the end. Superb presentation.

[@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%

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@ジョジョさま]

Uh huh. And then everyone got up and clapped.

[@BamaChad-W4CHD]

Nothing to forgive about your intensity. You are doing it right. Be intense about safety. We should all be so intense and passionate about safety!

[@outdeparture]

Always a good refresher. Nothing is more dangerous than someone who knows these rules but fails to practice them, whether intentionally or unintentionally because they've become too comfortable or confident that nothing wrong will happen.

[@AcePanthong]

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

[@Benadryllionaire]

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

[@jadegray6175]

I'm going to get a small hang gun but I've never shot one. I refused to even shoot before watching safely videos. This one was my first of many and I'm glad it was!! Thank you!!!!

[@CoachLesley]

I’m heading to a gun range for the first time ever. I was sent this to review. I’m thankful for this resource.

[@Whitpusmc]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@lovinthe1320]

Love the intensity, no apologies needed! Thank you for the refresher. Striving to keep my safety "tighter" than my groupings.

[@Silverfoxy50]

Thank you..passed my non-restriced fire arms today.. doing my restricted tomorrow..I appreciate the intensity after reading the bug manual!! Thank you

[@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.

[@philiphendrick8690]

Thank you, John. As you suggested, I have saved this link to show new gun owners or any new shooters I want to take out. I’ll always back it up with my own presentation of the “golden rules” but, as you said, redundancy in safety can’t be overdone. I recently just trained for the 1st time with a KZbin instructor, Karl Erickson. I’m hooked! It was invaluable and I’d like to expand to other great instructors as yourself. Hopefully, you’ll make it down to South Texas during the cooler months and I can sign up for one of your classes.

[@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

[@dennisduffey2053]

It’s awesome that you put out theses videos of safety,you can never hear enough about safety no matter how long you have been shooting. Thank you again.

[@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!

[@zenadventurer69]

Great channel. Thank you. Relatively new shootger, along with my wife. I know there is a great deal of discussion re: gun ownership and the 2nd Amendment and after numerous lessons and classes and time spent at the range and time spent here and elsewhere online, I’m left with some fundamental questions that I ask sincerely because I want to know. I would estimate that more than half of the people we’ve seen at the range “should not be there.” It is clear from their shooting, their disregard for safety practices, how they handle their guns and what appears to be a general lack of experience, that at the very least they should get some training. I’m talking carrying loaded weapons outside the lane. Rapid firing against the rules of the range. Passing loaded weapons from lane to lane. Spraying and praying to where they might hit target center with 5 shots out of 50 (and miss the target entirely more than they hit center). Not cleaning up their brass after shooting (which may seem minor but shows a general lack of regard for other shooters). I say all this to preface my questions...they are sincere. So my questions are: 1) How does mandatory gun training/testing infringe on gun ownership? You have to take a test to get a driver’s license. 2) How do background checks infringe on gun ownership? 3) Why, when at the range and you take your responsibility seriously and point out safety infringements, are you treated with general disdain by the other shooters for making them stop rapid firing or double fisting or carrying their loaded weapon outside the shooting lane (everyone is a range official when it comes to safety)? I ask this especially within the context of the 2nd Amendment which BEGINS with the notion of a well-regulated militia...it seems to me that the very heart of it is responsible ownership, none of which infringes on the basic right to own a weapon. We own three. I wouldn’t trust half the people we see at the range with a water pistol. Seeking serious insight into this...given it a lot of thought, especially when the other half are treating their gun use intelligently and responsibly. Thanks for listening.

[@quinnobrien8686]

Hello. I have just watched this video for the first time although I’ve had my CCW for many years. I am still a relatively new shooter because I don’t get out to the range near as much as I should. I am former military, I started out as an MP, was reclassified to a medic. My other experience includes corrections and dispatcher. I have had many friends who were, and a few who were good teachers. It was just a matter of me getting out to the range often enough for it to stick. Your questions are valid, your observations at the range are all too common. You cannot control what others will, or will not do when confronted with their actions. It is the responsibility of the Range Master or the club your shooting in to deal with people who will not follow the range rules. If they want to be jerks, and they get someone hurt, smells like a lawsuit to me against the person who did the damage and the range. Your first question with regard to training infringing on gun ownership? Training to use the weapon (in my opinion) does not infringe on ownership, it’s the licensing that is against the constitution/infringing. All licensing of any sort is against the constitution. It is taxation that was never written in the constitution or the Bill of Rights. When the government takes your inalienable rights, makes you pay for a license to use them, i.e. fishing, hunting, owning a weapon, and in some cases makes you have a specific training in order to get said license, that’s when it’s completely unconstitutional and considered ‘infringement’ . The bottom line is that the second amendment was not written about the “guns” … The very last line says “shall not be infringed” … means the government ain’t supposed to touch it! While it has something to do with the gun, it has more to do with the government trying to take away the right to carry one. Just this lasses opinion…

[@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.

[@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

[@williamwaddell5587]

These are the Gunsite Firearms Safety Rules, almost verbatim except for swapping rules 2 and 3. I use the Gunsite rules when I teach Arizona CCW, Introduction to Handguns, and other classes.

[@aynurmemet5576]

What I learned... (1) Treat every gun as if it's loaded and know the condition of your gun. Clear it. (2) Finger off trigger until lined up & ready to shoot. (3) Never point a gun at anything you're not going to shoot. Watch for inadvertent movements where you don't realize the gun is actually pointed at other people or yourself. (4) Know you're target and what's beyond it. You're responsible for every round until it stops moving. Actually do these on the range instead of giving verbal affirmation and then being lax. Thanks! Great video!

[@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.

[@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.

[@copper12heavy69]

"That's involuntary manslaughter way to go".

[@isaacmoffit5426]

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

[@johnmurphy6475]

Every time I go to the range I watch this video before I even step foot outside always

[@barrytagart9704]

Overall, very good video, good examples of what not to do. I have one critic. Next week I'll be 76 years old, I was a range officer at the first ISPC national match in Golden Colorado, and spent many hours with Jeff Cooper who wrote the original four rules. The one correction I would like to make is about the first rule. The first rule, as Cooper wrote it, states; "All guns are always loaded, always!" This was not as much of a 'do it this way rule as it was a mindset rule. From now on, Cooper said, EVERY time you see a gun, the first thing in your mind is, 'that gun is loaded!' That is in your mind until you have personally checked its conditions and it has not left your hand. As soon as you put it down, rule one apples again! The words 'as if' or 'pretend' or 'make-believe', do not belong in firearms training. Training must be taken seriously from the get-go or it will mean nothing! You seem like a serious fellow to me and I'm sure you will agree with me. Keep your powder dry!

[@matthieupaty5032]

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

[@garycoburn227]

Alec Baldwin should have watched this video. Better yet should have gone through Warrior Poet Society gun safety

[@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.

[@wayneclu91]

Even though I watch this video 3 years ago it still worth the time to review again & again. When done shooting at my local range I make sure my safety is on & securely in my holster & concealed & no printing When I get home I like to unload /remove magazine double check there is no round in chamber place red chamber flag & closed slide & place in my gun safe my used ammo is stored in lock ammo box. When cleaning I like it be quiet & no ammo on cleaning station + no children around in my case grandchildren.

[@king326778]

Its great to watch this even as someone who is around guns all the time if at anything to help teach others better because John is such a good teacher

[@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.

[@yaddi3434]

Amen

[@haynesbros.4956]

WarriorPoet couldn't sell it or express it that much unless you cared that much!

[@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.

[@marktheshark711]

I’ve shared this video so many times. Anyone that’s coming shooting with me is required to see this. No joke. Thanks for having it up.

[@kevini4295]

Very limited gun experience here. Like going to the range and renting a gun periodically. Thing jammed. I set it down, kept it downrange. I just waved to the range officer and told him, he was extremely helpful! Said I did the exact right thing.

[@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.

[@FlorianGuitar85]

Rule #1 does not apply to Alec Baldwin.

[@Phexyn]

Following the first three min of this vid and nothing could have happened.

[@FlorianGuitar85]

@@Phexyn I can’t get over it anyway. Two people „checked“ the gun + Baldwin himself held it but he didn’t check it, they just said „cold gun“ and he relied on that. So much for „Even if my bet my life this gun is empty, I’m still gonna check it.“ Funniest thing is that I’m German, I’m not yet even allowed to own a gun until a year from now but I am, like millions of Germans, member of a shoot club. I watched this very video about ten times before I bought my first blank gun, let alone use a real firearm at the range. This video saved my confidence. I was a total newb but had trigger discipline, I checked every gun I used, I never loaded more than five rounds into the magazine, I never put a gun down uncleared or with the slide forward and I NEVER muzzle myself or others. I must really say, that this heavily repeated video theory made a aware of how a firearm must and must not be handled. And now, to make my point clear, you may understand how hard it is for me, who has the most restrictive gun law around, to understand how such a thing can happen in the US at the hands of professionals.

[@jx14aby]

@@FlorianGuitar85 It's quite easy to understand. Hollywood just disregards all firearm rules and rely on "armorers" to ensure safety. Except, the armorers are not the ones firing the guns. It's called Normalization of Deviance. They just have been ignoring firearm safety, and now someone's dead. Oops.

[@FlorianGuitar85]

@@jx14aby Why are there even real guns with live ammo in the first place? Why not just use blank guns?

[@huggleskuishy]

The only thing cooler than firearms is firearm discipline.

[@elizabethlamboy-wilson7335]

OMG! as easy as the 4 safety rules sound, it's not that easy to keep track of every single thing you do. I'm a beginner and see how I've broken each rule you mentioned. I'm am so afraid of handling guns period but this video was an EXCELLENT video on how to keep yourself and others safe while practicing your gun fire. Thank you for sharing.

[@skylynnsunshine]

This is such a great resource! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this, I’m going shooting tomorrow for the first time and have been nervous because I only got to do half of the gun safety class in middle school (we love small towns) due to some personal reasons. This gave me confidence that I can do this and not have anxiety, just be smart and remember your tips!

[@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.

[@taterprintsgats]

I recently took a family member out shooting. I just assumed I'd be a good enough teacher and could teach them myself. I was VERY wrong! No one was injured, thankfully. I don't know if it was a lack of depth in explaining each rule like in this video or if i just wasn't explaining it correctly. But there were a couple of times when they broke those rules, won't get into which one cause a violation is a violation. But I will definitely be having people new to guns watch a video before I go to the range with them for their own safety and everyone else's. Also don't wanna deal with the guy who designates themselves the Public RSO. Out of concern for the safety reasons that John mentioned (someone racking back the slide and flagging everyone at the firing line) and not wanting to deal with entitled individuals, I try to avoid public ranges. I generally don't like indoor ranges.

[@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.

[@Sams911]

listen to him, drill it in your head... I shot myself in the leg once due to ultimately breaking 3 of the cardinal rules of fire arms handling... suffice it to say, I've learned much since then.

[@colindecker6452]

Thanks man! I’ll be showing this video to my kids!

[@mhouston75mh]

Thanks for your videos. This was really good for me to show my wife while she's learning to handle a firearm

[@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!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@RichAndDianaWilliams]

I've never owned or used a firearm, but have just signed up for my first lessons. I'm repeat watching this video to burn this stuff into my head before I start!

[@enriqueesparza2501]

Purchasing my first pistol soon. I've gone shooting before, but jeez... I learned none of this from the guy teaching me how to shoot. Thanks for the baseline!

[@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.

[@jacktribble5253]

If anyone has a way to get this to Alec Baldwin...

[@TheVampireShark]

It was NOT his fault. It was the producers' fault. The gun was supposed to have blanks, and the producers put real bullets in. Just because he was the one with the gun and the one who shot does NOT mean that it was his fault.

[@jacktribble5253]

@@TheVampireShark It's like running a stop sign, you are driving the vehicle. If you didn't look before you went through, it is your fault. Do you look both ways before crossing the street? Do you just press buttons to "See what they do?" If someone hands you something that even looks like a gun, you make sure it is not dangerous before you fire it at any living creature. Gun safety 101.

[@Denergyonix]

looks like two horses are down range behind your targets. Hope they don't wander into the woods behind where you are shoot. I could not have targets set up anywhere domestic animals could be present.

[@jonathanflores7497]

I have this video saved in my "watch later" and am constantly sending it to friends whom I take to the range to pop their cherries. Thanks for the video!

[@fyredyver]

Showing it to my grandkids today.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@kevjr76]

You rock man..I'm new to the gun world and I love the intensity keeps us on our toes

[@krashdude1]

Always good videos...Rule 3 is technically and specifically not able to be followed if you appendix carry. Unless you don't care about your junk.

[@daleschmidt7157]

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

[@WestonWrathSimmons]

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

[@ทักษ์มากสังข์]

It's make you sure from eye dizzy

[@husky3g]

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

[@andrewmaclean4144]

I love the fact that you still chamber check and airsoft weapon

[@bowmanbeek4180]

Thank you sir. I just got myself a new hi point 45 and this gave me a rather detailed and precautionary start up.