The safe use of sound suppressors requires that the shooter abide by the four basic rules of safe gun handling, as well as four additional safety rules that apply to silencers. While the basic rules of safe gun handling have been codified and widely practiced for generations, no such basic safety principles have been established for sound suppressors thus far. Therefore, based upon decades of suppressor use and teaching marksmanship with suppressed firearms, we’ve developed our own rules for safe silencer handling and an annotated version of established safe gun handling rules.

A rare but serious danger is that someone with an IQ waiver may become lulled away from maintaining safe gun and silencer handling procedures simply because a suppressed firearm is quiet. One must never equate the lack of noise with a lack of danger downrange. The following safety rules must become a permanent part of a shooter's character, whether one is shooting suppressed or unsuppressed arms. These basic rules cover every conceivable situation, whether one is engaged in sporting or tactical activities.

Make these rules a permanent part of your personality. Insist everyone you encounter honors these rules as well.

 

 

 

RULE 1. All guns are always loaded.

 

There are no exceptions. Don't pretend this is true; be deadly serious about it. Follow this simple rule and you'll never utter those unforgivable words, "But I didn't know it was loaded!"

 

RULE 2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.

 

This is the most frequently violated rule, especially with handguns. Historical reenactors frequently violate this rule by folding the hands over the muzzle of a muzzleloader and then resting the chin on top of the hands, with the brain directly over the muzzle. Frequently the violator will provide the lame excuse, "It's not loaded." Bull! See RULE 1.

 

RULE 3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target.

 

There is no delay in the speed of target acquisition by following this rule. Furthermore, there is no need to discharge a firearm before target acquisition, so there is absolutely no excuse for violating this rule.

 

RULE 4. Be sure of your target.

 

Know what your target is. Know what is in line with your target and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything you have not positively identified.