4 Wilco Firearm Safety Rules
When it comes to firearms training, safety is never optional. At Wilco Training Solutions, we start every range day with a reminder that no matter your experience level, safety rules apply to everyone. Too often, experienced shooters get complacent, thinking the rules don’t apply after years of handling firearms. That mindset is dangerous—and it’s where accidents happen.
That’s why we emphasize the Four Wilco Firearm Safety Rules. They build upon the NRA and Department of Defense standards but go a step further to address real-world scenarios.
Rule 1: Know the Condition of Your Weapon at All Times
Instead of simply “treating every firearm as loaded,” Wilco goes further: always know the exact status of your weapon.
- Do you have a round chambered?
- Is your magazine loaded?
- Is the firearm cleared before storage?
If you’re not sure—check. Whether through a press check before each course of fire or a full clearing procedure when putting it away, this habit eliminates uncertainty and keeps you in control.
Rule 2: Keep Your Finger Straight and Off the Trigger Until Ready to Engage
New shooters naturally want to rest their finger on the trigger. But under stress, your body can betray you. During a fight-or-flight response, your hands may involuntarily clench, causing an accidental discharge.
By keeping your finger straight and indexed outside the trigger guard until you’ve made the conscious decision to fire, you avoid negligent discharges and gain better shot control.
Rule 3: Know the Background, Foreground, and Surroundings of Your Target
Bullets don’t always stop at the target. Even at short distances, rounds can penetrate walls, vehicles, or other barriers. Missing left, right, or low can also endanger unintended areas.
Always assess:
- What’s behind your target?
- What’s in front and to the sides?
- Could a missed or through-shot hit something unintended?
This awareness prevents tragic accidents and reinforces the need for precision marksmanship in real-world encounters.
Rule 4: Never Point Your Weapon at Anything You’re Not Willing to Destroy
It sounds simple, but muzzle awareness takes practice—often thousands of repetitions. Beginners frequently lose focus after shooting, turning with the firearm in unsafe directions.
Approved muzzle directions include:
- Downrange toward the target
- Down at the ground in front of you
- Straight up (in certain CQB situations)
The exception? In close quarters with a team, there may be times when your muzzle temporarily covers a teammate. The key difference: awareness. If you knowingly cover a teammate while maneuvering, it can be managed. If you don’t know—you’ve created a bigger problem.
Why These Rules Matter
Following the Four Wilco Firearm Safety Rules isn’t about formality—it’s about survival, responsibility, and accountability. In today’s world, reckless “spray and pray” shooting has no place. You must train to place surgical, precise shots into approved target zones—protecting yourself and preventing unintended harm.
By committing to these rules and reinforcing the seven firearm fundamentals, you not only improve your skills but also ensure safety for yourself and those around you.
Final Thoughts
Firearm safety is not just for beginners—it’s for everyone, every time. At Wilco Training Solutions, we believe the Four Wilco Firearm Safety Rules set the foundation for confident, capable, and responsible shooters.
What do you think? Drop your questions or experiences in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation.
