Sir, I must respectfully disagree. I would argue that Cooper's formulation is the simplest yet devised that covers the broadest range of circumstances, with particular relevance to those, like CCW holders or police officers who, while not living in free-fire zones, carry a hot weapon on a daily basis. They apply in administrative settings (ie, changing ammuntion, clearing a weapon etc.), while training, when the weapon must be presented, and during a firefight. The mental reminder "all guns are loaded" has saved more than a few ND's. One needn't quibble that this is an illogical, or even factually untrue assertion; it serves as a simplified mental "safety" when one is tired, distracted, or otherwise not at the top of one's game.
And in such real-world situations, the final reminder, to be aware of one's target and background, is perhaps the most important, and should not be conflated into a "safe direction" phrase. Indeed, CCW holders must on occasion point their weapons in directions that are inherently unsafe from someone's perspective, as, for instance, at an armed assailant.
There is nothing wrong with the NRA rules, but historically, and practically, they are directed at a recreational or training environment where one might argue that it is acceptable to holster a cold pistol, and one need not worry about the target or ballistic integrity of the backstop.
Sir, I must respectfully disagree. I would argue that Cooper's formulation is the simplest yet devised that covers the broadest range of circumstances, with particular relevance to those, like CCW holders or police officers who, while not living in free-fire zones, carry a hot weapon on a daily basis. They apply in administrative settings (ie, changing ammuntion, clearing a weapon etc.), while training, when the weapon must be presented, and during a firefight. The mental reminder "all guns are loaded" has saved more than a few ND's. One needn't quibble that this is an illogical, or even factually untrue assertion; it serves as a simplified mental "safety" when one is tired, distracted, or otherwise not at the top of one's game.
And in such real-world situations, the final reminder, to be aware of one's target and background, is perhaps the most important, and should not be conflated into a "safe direction" phrase. Indeed, CCW holders must on occasion point their weapons in directions that are inherently unsafe from someone's perspective, as, for instance, at an armed assailant.
There is nothing wrong with the NRA rules, but historically, and practically, they are directed at a recreational or training environment where one might argue that it is acceptable to holster a cold pistol, and one need not worry about the target or ballistic integrity of the backstop.
They have value for dogfaces and grunts. However they have proven to be unsafe. Police Officer Safety Training (POST) train with Cooper rules. Many years ago the NRA used the Cooper rules; They are much safer because: Why do I point the gun in a safe direction? Why do I keep my finger off the trigger? I don't load a gun until I plan to use it. I train and certify NRA Certified Instructors in all disciplines I'm a Chief Range Safety Officer training NRA Certified Range Safety Officers Here are the rules which are safer than Cooper rules:
Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot Always keep the gun unloaded until ready to use
1. Know your target and what is beyond. 2. Be sure the gun is safe to operate. 3. Know how to use the gun safely. 4. Use only the correct ammunition for your gun. 5. Wear eye and ear protection. 6. NEVER use alcohol or drugs before or while shooting. 7. Store guns so they are NOT accessible to unauthorized persons. 8. Be aware that certain types of guns and many shooting activities require additional safety precautions. I am quite familiar with Col. Cooper's rules.
When you plan to shoot or store , the following rules come into effect:
Which is where they were developed during WWII.
The NRA Training Department has developed Police Firearms training
based on NRA Safety rules in hope of reducing NDs by LEOs
His rules proved to be unsafe as NDs did not decrease,
the NRA training dept spent years developing safer rules.
Since the introduction of the new rules NDs among
those trained with the new rules have dramatically decreased
Because until I inspect the chamber, I assume it is loaded.
Because I assume that it is loaded until I inspect the chamber.
including Personal Protection both in and outside the Home.
and I also teach the development of Standard Operating Procedures for the operation of
both indoor and outdoor ranges in all disciplines. Always keep the gun pointed in a safe direction
NRA Eight Rules for Using or Storing A Gun
There are many more training rules for both concealed and open carry.
However the three fundamental rules apply in all circumstances.
I hope that I have made it very clear why Cooper rules have failed to protect the shooter.
If you rely only on the Cooper rules you have placed yourself at greater risk.