Firearms Safety Policy

SAFETY POLICY

When it comes to firearms and the learning environment we want to create, safety is always our number one concern. At Gunjock we expect everyone on the range, students and Instructors alike, to keep safety at the top of their minds. We also expect everyone on the range to adhere to our safety policy.

Safety Rules

At Gunjock, we adhere to 5 foundational safety rules. The first is a great safety rule, and also a good rule for life. The others were initially brought to the firearms community by one of the greats, and we’ve adapted it just a bit for our purposes. The first rule:

Don’t Panic, Have a Plan

In the history of the world, no positive outcome has come from panic. When it comes to firearms and firearms safety, having a solid plan can mean the difference between demonstrating top-notch safety awareness and gun handling, versus performing very unsafe acts. Planning for safety ahead of time ensures that when unforeseen situations arise, one can avoid panicking and act accordingly.

For the remaining 4 rules, we adhere to a slightly-modified version of “Cooper’s Rules” introduced to the firearms world by Col. Jeff Cooper, circa 1979. These rules, when followed accordingly, will greatly reduce the chances of unsafe gun handling or an incident involving a firearm that results in injury or death to you or another person.

Our modified version of “Cooper’s Rules” are shown below:

Treat All Guns as if They are Loaded, Even When You Know They're Not

Treat every firearm as if it is loaded, even if you believe otherwise. Never assume a gun is unloaded based on someone else's word—always verify its condition safely and carefully. Safety rules must never be ignored, even if you think a firearm is empty. By treating every gun as loaded, we reduce the risk of complacency and maintain constant vigilance. Consistently applying the highest safety standards is essential, regardless of the firearm’s condition.

Never Point a Firearms at Anything You Aren’t Willing to Destroy

It's simple: never point a gun at anything you don't intend to destroy. Always be aware of where your muzzle is directed, and make it a habit to ensure it never points at anything or anyone you wouldn't want to shoot. This rule applies not only to firearms in your hands but also to any gun under your control—whether in a bag, a holster, or elsewhere. Be constantly vigilant and even obsessive about muzzle awareness at all times.

Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Your Sights Are on the Target

When you are shooting, your finger is on the trigger. At all other times, your finger is off the trigger, out of the trigger guard, and resting up high along the frame or slide (as high as your trigger finger can physically reach). Just keep saying to yourself, “On target: on trigger… Off target: off trigger.” As soon as your muzzle moves off the target, your trigger finger should be straight along the frame, nowhere near the trigger or the trigger guard.

Be Certain of Your Target and What is Around and Behind It

Always be aware of your target's environment. Bullets can pass through objects and continue traveling—pistol rounds can reach up to a mile, and rifle rounds can go even farther. This makes it essential to know not just your target but also what is around and behind it. Always confirm the environment before firing. While this isn't one of the NRA's three fundamental safety rules, it is the first precaution listed on their guidelines, underscoring its importance.

Our Safety Policy on The Range

We are committed to maintaining a safe learning environment. To ensure this, all students must agree to follow our Safety Policy and accept the consequences for non-compliance. Prior to any shooting activities, every student will receive a comprehensive safety briefing in all classes or private training sessions.

Any student who commits one or more of the following safety infractions during a group class or private training session may be prohibited from participating in firearms handling or live-fire activities for the remainder of the class or session. Safety infractions include, but are not limited to:

Pointing a firearm, loaded or unloaded, at another person.
Pointing a firearm, loaded or unloaded, at oneself.
Handling a loaded firearm without the immediate supervision of the Instructor(s).
Handling a loaded firearm or ammunition in the designated “Safe Area.”
Pointing a firearm, loaded or unloaded, outside of the immediate 180-degree downrange area of the shooter (typically parallel to the back of the berm).
Intentionally firing at something other than the designated target.
Firing a round over the berm.
Bending over on the firing line while live-fire activities are in progress.
Leaving the firing line without Instructor approval while live-fire activities are ongoing.
Repeatedly failing to follow range commands.
Any other unsafe act deemed unsafe by the Instructor for the student or others in the class.

Students removed from shooting activities due to safety violations are encouraged to remain in class and use the experience as a learning opportunity. There is valuable training to be gained from observing and participating in classroom instruction, even without live-fire activities.

Please note that removal from shooting activities for a safety violation does not qualify for a refund of the class fee, nor does it provide the option to “make up” the class at a future date at no cost.