The Four Rules

This week was Spring Break for the SCSon. We took the opportunity to trek to NorCal to visit the SCDad. We learned my nephew and namesake is entering BoyScouts/Cubscouts/Tigerscouts or what ever is age appropriate for a 6YO. He's attending camp soon and especially excited that he will get to shoot an airgun. The SCSon seized upon the learning opportunity to introduce the four rules.

The SCSon drew up a paper gun and a sight picture as training aids. He then instructed the nephew in the four rules and brought him up to demonstrate his understanding. He also gave him a crash course in Eddie Eagle (What should you do if you come across a gun? Stop, don't touch, leave the area and tell an adult).

Unfortunately the nephew was unable to recite the four rules when prompted. But no matter... Many need to hear something several times for it to sink in. The SCNephew has now heard the four rules (and associated consequences for failure to abide) at least twice so he's pre-exposed.

We've also promised to take him shooting next time he's in town. Of course that means Mom & Dad will also shoot and that will also be a new experience for them, making two more Californians against gun control.

For the sake of completeness, here are the four rules:
1. The gun is always loaded. That means...
2. We never point the gun at anything we do not intend to destroy. Also..
3. Finger off the trigger until the sights are on the target. And...
4. Be sure of your target and what is beyond.