Articles

6/5/2025

 "The Difference Between Knowing Rules and Understanding Safety"

I started teaching firearms safety because I was frustrated. Too many gun owners in our community knew what to do but had no idea why they were doing it. They'd follow the basic rules in class, then make dangerous decisions the moment they encountered a new situation.

Real firearms education isn't about memorizing a checklist. It's about understanding the principles behind every safety rule so you can make smart decisions whether you're at the range, in the field, or in your home.

Take the fundamental rule "never point the muzzle at anything you don't intend to destroy." Most instructors teach this as a simple rule to follow. But here's what I make sure every student understands: even an "unloaded" gun can kill someone. Mechanical failures happen. Ammunition gets forgotten in chambers. Human error is inevitable.

When you truly understand that ANY gun can fire at ANY time, you naturally treat every firearm with the respect it deserves. You don't just point it in a "safe" direction because it's a rule - you do it because you understand the consequences of mechanical failure or human error.

This is why my students don't just leave with a certificate. They leave with confidence that comes from real understanding. They know how to think through new situations because they understand the reasoning behind every safety principle.

That's the standard our community deserves. Not just compliance, but true competence.

Ready to move beyond basic rules to real understanding? Contact us to learn more about our comprehensive safety training.

*Ethan Harvey has been providing firearms education in Northwest Montana to Law Enforcement and Civilians since 2015, focusing on building true understanding rather than just rule compliance.*