Planning is thinking about a goal and then organizing the activities to achieve the goal. Under sufficient stress, and with the finger already placed on the trigger, an unexpected movement, misstep or surprise could result in a negligent discharge. New Book American Traitor: A Pike Logan Novel by Brad Taylor, Dazzle Disguise and Disruption in War and Art By James Taylor, A Quest for Glory A Biography of Rear Admiral John A. Dahlgren, Sam Rockwell Will Play Ex-Green Beret Michael Taylor in Film About Carlos Ghosn’s Extraction, 10th Mountain Division with Dutch Moyer DCM Consulting. Principles of Personal Defense by Jeff Cooper. Particular procedures for dry-firing in the home will be covered later. He graduated from Stanford, served as Marine Lieutenant during WWII earning the rank of Major. You never shoot at anything until you have positively identified it. He is also renowned as an expert of history and use of small arms. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. Jeff Cooper from the Jeff Cooper Legacy Foundation. Safety Rules The Four Rules of Firearms Handling – by Jeff Cooper. There have been sages in the past who have expressed exceptional summaries of the need for this awareness. Check it. Cooper’s rule precludes this. That said, many have not read his seminal book on combat mindset, “Principles of Personal Defense.”. There is little that is revolutionary in the book if one is a serious student of “gunjitsu” but the profundity of Cooper’s numerous observations makes this a mandatory read. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified. Read Cooper’s thoughts and see how he supports his key concepts. The worthwhile lesson is way Cooper works it into the subject leaving the reader with a deeper understanding of the principle. Always act as if it is loaded, and you will never make a mistake. Gunsite 250 graduates still visit the sconce after graduation on Friday. Keep your finger OFF the trigger until the muzzle is on target. Col. Jeff Cooper led a life dedicated to not only serving his country in WWII and Korea, but teaching his fellow man how to become more proficient with a firearm. Jeff Cooper DVC By: Robert H. Boatman Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas. Cooper’s modern technique defines pragmatic use of the pistol for personal protection. / By Jeff Cooper Traders love to rely on their own guidelines, but sometimes rules are meant to be broken. Most firearm professionals consider him to be one of the 20th century's leading experts on the use and history of small arms. All the rest is additional explanation. You … Do not pretend that this is true. Cooper crafts his philosophy of the combat mindset around seven principles; Alertness, Decisiveness, Aggressiveness, Speed, Coolness, Ruthlessness, and Surprise. Jeff Cooper had a storied life. A firearm holstered properly, lying on a table, or placed in a scabbard is of no danger to anyone. In case you haven’t kept up with your Latin, the phrase Diligentia, Vis, Celeritas means Accuracy, Power, and Speed. Your email address will not be published. One of the most respected was Colonel Jeff Cooper. 2. Never fire a shot unless the sights are superimposed on the target and you have made a conscious decision to fire. He also created the commonly used four basic safety rules. Going into more of his insights runs the risk of spoiling the book for you. Bringing the sights to bear on the target, whether from the holster or the Guard Position, takes more time than that required for moving the trigger finger an inch or so to the trigger. A plan is like a map. Col. Jeff Cooper's list of safety rules includes, "Be sure of your target and what is behind it." “El Presidente” is a shooting drill originally developed by Jeff Cooper (remember the 4 firearm safety rules) when he was training security for a South American president. Firearm Safety Rule No. Bring a gun. Two key examples of the wisdom in Coopers Book: Principles for defense “do not change according to geography, history or sociological whim.”  This profound observation should guide one’s personal journey for knowledge in “Gunjitsu” (as well as any other attempt to understand a subject). This one has a double meaning – (1) always check an “unloaded” firearm yourself and (2) once you’ve checked, still follow all the other rules as though it was loaded. Jeff passed away September 25, 2006 at the age of 86. Jeff Cooper's Rules of Gun Safety RULE I: ALL GUNS ARE ALWAYS LOADED RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY RULE III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET With a plan, you can see how much you have progressed towards your goal and how far on your map to the next destination. The name came about when it was incorporated into USPSA/IPSC as a standardized stage. This rule applies to fighting as well as to daily handling. Rule III is violated most anytime the uneducated person handles a firearm. Later he served during the Korean War reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Janelle passed away July 28th, 2019. Know what you are doing. 1. Dry-practice in the home is a worthwhile habit and it will result in more deeply programmed reflexes. BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET. “Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target.” It should take a conscious effort to … When searching for knowledge and understanding it’s not just the destination that’s important but the journey also. Improper gunhandling results from ignorance and improper role modeling, such as handling your gun like your favorite actor does. Only hits count. If you are going to launch a projectile, it had best be directed purposely. Jeff Cooper: Four Basic Rules of Firearms Safety. Following it ensures one retains knowledge that is widely applicable and helps one avoid fads or solutions to only specific circumstances. Speed cannot be gained from such a premature placement of the trigger-finger. A... double mistake often seen with newbies: gun pointed at the shooter's own forearm and finger on … He is credited with creating modern defensive pistol technique, firearm conditions and the color code governing one’s situational awareness mindset. Jeff Cooper came up with to define the essential elements of combat shooting when he was putting together an organization to govern realistic competition in combat shooting skills worldwide. Cooper discusses the vital elements of defensive mental conditioning, including alertness, decisiveness, aggressiveness, speed, coolness, ruthlessness and surprise. If someone hands you a firearm and says, "Don't worry, it's not loaded," you do not dare believe him. Jeff Cooper’s words are in bold. The book is extremely short at 79 pages, a reason in of itself for those who have an interest in defensive pistol to read it. Since the hand normally prefers to work as a unit - as in grasping - separating the function of the trigger-finger from the rest of the hand takes effort. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting twice. #People #Trying #Criminals “It is true that a victim who fights back may suffer for it, but one who does not almost certainly will suffer for it.”-- Jeff Cooper Col. Cooper is noted for his no-nonsense quotations about guns and personal defense. You need not be impolite, but check it yourself. Learn how your comment data is processed. Never stand or walk around with your finger on the trigger. -- Jeff Cooper . Later he served during the Korean War reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Gunsite instructor Bob Whaley shares with NSSF’s Mark Thomas Gunsite’s 4 rules of firearm safety that when followed will help ensure the highest level of safety. *The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. If you are not willing to take a human life, do not cover a person with the muzzle. There are many more widgets of wisdom in Cooper’s book. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Spotter Up Magazine, the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site. If you let your muzzle cover anything like … Do not allow the muzzle to cover your extremities, e.g. In a self-defense scenario, this can be difficult to apply, but it's critical. Jeff Cooper was an American Marine credited with creating the modern technique of handgun shooting. After, he founded what would later become the Gunsite Academy in Arizona. This practice is unsound, both procedurally and tactically. 1: Treat every gun as if it were loaded. When discussing the principle of “aggressiveness” Cooper says, “You are no more armed because you are wearing a pistol than you are a musician because you own a guitar.”  The quote is entertaining and commonly used. Colonel Jeff Cooper. You can make a difference by following these gunhandling rules and insisting that those around you do the same. Cooper’s wisdom has been heavily integrated into modern shooting and today we’ll look at a few things you should commit to memory if you own or carry a gun. (Even if they are not, treat them as if they are.) ", RULE II: NEVER LET THE MUZZLE COVER ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY, Conspicuously and continuously violated, especially with pistols, Rule II applies whether you are involved in range practice, daily carry, or examination. Bring all of your friends who have guns. Colonel Jeff Cooper’s Rules of Firearm Safety. Anonymous. Never point a gun at anything you aren’t willing to destroy. Through the 1960s and into the 1970s, Col. Jeff Cooper began to develop a discipline for the fighting pistol that came to be called The Modern Technique of the Pistol. As soon as the sights leave the target, the trigger-finger leaves the trigger and straightens alongside the frame. If you believe that the defensive pistol is only an intimidation tool - not something to be used - carry blanks, or better yet, reevaluate having one around. John Dean "Jeff" Cooper was a United States Marine, the creator of the "modern technique" of handgun shooting, and an expert on the use and history of small arms. 1. All guns are always loaded. As Jeff Cooper so expertly explains in this book "Principles do not change according to geography, history, or sociological whim. Make these rules a part of your character. Find out how to recognize a holy grail setup and how it asks traders to break the rules. (Note: It is dangerous to push the muzzle against the inside edge of the holster nearest the body to "open" it since this results in your pointing the pistol at your midsection.) Several years ago, a famous gun writer named Jeff Cooper opened an amazing training school for pistol and riflemen at his home in Arizona. It is the motto LtCol. There are no exceptions. Criminals we can do without.”-- Jeff Cooper . Most of the reflexes involved in the Modern Technique do not require that a shot be fired. The five-finger grasp is a deeply programmed reflex. Be aware of your surroundings, whether on the range or in a fight. All guns are always loaded (until you establish whether they are or not). He pursued his graduation from Stanford University in political science. Rule #1 – All guns are always loaded. Firing an unaligned pistol in a fight gains nothing. jeff cooper's rules of gun safety ----- rule i: all guns are always loaded rule ii: never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy rule iii: keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target If the weapon is assembled and in someone's hands, it is capable of being discharged. John Dean "Jeff" Cooper (May 10, 1920 - September 25, 2006) is known as father of the "Modern Technique" of handgun shooting. Some people and organizations take this rule and weaken it;e.g. If you know of a gun quote from Col. Jeff Cooper’s vision of the general-purpose Scout Rifle has inspired manufacturers other than Steyr as well as a host of custom makers to develop rifles which partake to greater or lesser degrees of the Scout concept and which may or may not meet Cooper’s uncompromising definition of … Do not let yourself fall prey to a situation where you might feel compelled to squeal, "I didn't know it was loaded! In the most basic way, situational awareness is about being plugged into your environment and the people in it. Never compromise them. Source: Jeff Cooper, The Art of the Rifle Published by Paladin Press IMO, the book is outstanding, and highly recommended for anyone that may ever have a reason to use a firearm. LTC Jeff Cooper is considered the founder and patron saint of the modern combat pistol school. Gunsite Academy is now the curator of Jeff’s library and their home is a museum. Jeff Cooper On M1911 Springs “Taking A Set” ... Rules for a Gunfight. Let it suffice for now that you do not dry-fire using a "target" that you wish not to see destroyed. 3. using both hands to reholster the pistol. Never let the muzzle … He graduated from Stanford, served as Marine Lieutenant during WWII earning the rank of Major. Set the example. No good! In actuality though, firearms are not always loaded, and the letter of this rule is frequently violated by every person who handles a firearm. Every gun deserves an air of respect, … Unfortunately, the "as if" compromises the directness of the statement by implying that they are unloaded, but we will treat them as though they are loaded. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 2. You may need a free hand for something important. Proper holster design should provide for one-handed holstering, so avoid holsters which collapse after withdrawing the pistol. Shoot for the center of mass. Know what it is, what is in line with it, and what is behind it. Most people know the four rules of firearm safety popularized by Colonel Jeff Cooper: 1.) Your email address will not be published. Safety rules must be worded forcefully so that they are never treated lightly or reduced to partial compliance. After, he founded what would later become the Gunsite Academy in Arizona. The only exception to this occurs when you have a firearm in your hands and you have personally unloaded it for checking. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. Ammo is cheap – life is expensive. I also believe one should always attempt to read the source versus rely on someone else’s interpretation. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Required fields are marked *. Many trainers today credit Cooper with the creation of the Four Basic Rules of Firearms Safety: All guns are ALWAYS loaded and you should treat them as such. "Treat all guns as if they were loaded." Cooper uses down to earth English and while the book is focused on mindset much of it also applies to situational awareness. Excerpted from: The Modern Technique of the Pistol, by Greg Morrison, Gunsite Press, Paulden, Arizona, ISBN 0-9621342-3-6, Library of Congress Number 91-72644, $40. A fundamental part of intelligent behavior is planning. Jeff Cooper's Four Rules are: All guns are always loaded. (Recall RULE I as well. Who knows what tragedies you, or someone you influence, may prevent? ... jeff cooper 4 rules, jeff coopers 4 rules. The world is full of decent people. This must be your mind-set. Never let the muzzle cover anything that you don’t wish to destroy. Danger abounds if you allow your finger to dawdle inside the trigger guard. This revised edition of Jeff Cooper's classic on personal defence is the best study of the guiding principles of survival in the face of unprovoked violence by human assailants. This rule also applies to your own person. If a principle exists it must be immutable, for that is what a principle is —a truth standing apart from the mood of the times" Wow - think about that for a minute. Jeff Cooper had a storied life. Remember, there are no accidents, only negligent acts. He reduced the NRA’s Ten Commandments of Gun Safety to Four Rules of Safety. #Military #Men #Evil “Don't try to be fancy. ), Rule III: KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOUR SIGHTS ARE ON THE TARGET. MartialTalk.Com - Friendly Martial Arts Forum Community. Those who are serious students of the martial art that is modern defensive pistol (I call “gunjitsu”), are quite familiar with Cooper’s ideas and much of what he has brought to the subject. Education can cure this. Preferably, bring at least two guns. Do not assume anything. Whether on TV, in the theaters, or at the range, people seem fascinated with having their finger on the trigger. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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