Are Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper’s Teachings Still Relevant?

[HansGruber]

He said a handguns main purpose is to give you time to get to your rifle.

I think that was Clint Smith.

Either way, though—it’s correct.

 

[Bassbob]

Yes.

 

[SimonRL]

I have one rule about alcohol and firearms. You touch one you don’t touch the other.

Heck, some of the best guns in my collection wouldn’t be there if I hadn’t had a drink! Nothing like stopping at the LGS after a couple of pints!

 

[fordag]

$60 a glass?! 12 or 18 year old?

12…seriously.

That's almost half the price of the damn bottle!

 

[Bassbob]

Missouri law says no carrying while intoxicated. This is not an issue for me. Class A CDL says .04. Also not a problem for me. I can’t recall the last time I drank more than one beer or drink at a time.

Nevertheless, if I go out to dinner and I’m carrying I may have 1 beer but I won’t have a drink. Which in my case means a martini.

 

[HansGruber]

Heck, some of the best guns in my collection wouldn’t be there if I hadn’t had a drink! Nothing like stopping at the LGS after a couple of pints!

That’s why I have a P226 Legion.

And a Prodigy.

 

[SimonRL]

226 and 229 Legion both bought under the influence!

 

[somorris]

Jeff Cooper’s 4 rules (actually, they aren’t “his” rules) were taught to me by my Dad a long time ago, way before I ever heard of Jeff Cooper. Not to diminish Jeff Cooper in any way, though.

 

[ECS686]

I emphasize a 5th rule in my classes. #5 if you start to drop your handgun LET IT GO! More folks have shot themselves or others trying to catch the firearm they are dropping than just letting it hit the deck!

(And save the Sig 320 comments being serious here)

 

[The Night Rider]

It will be an enormous legal issue should you need to use your pistol in self defense shortly after lunch.

Can you cite some specific examples ?

 

[The Night Rider]

Any firearms dealer that lets anyone with any sign of alcohol or drugs will lose his license.

any sign of alcohol or drugs what?

 

[The Night Rider]

I think the title of the article is a little bit misleading because we're not talking about "The Teachings of Jeff Cooper" we're talking about four specific rules that he came up with.

Short answer, yes the four rules are still relevant.

The problem is when people try to overcomplicate them or ignore them completely.

 

[Mr. Untactical]

Hello all, here is today's article posted on TheArmoryLife.com. It is titled “Are Lt. Col. Jeff Cooper’s Teachings Still Relevant?” and can be found at https://www.thearmorylife.com/4-rules-of-gun-safety/.

This is the way.

 

[BigO824]

I remember reading Col. Coopers rules in Guns and Ammo when I was a kid. Nobody in my family was interested in firearms for the most part. His 4 rules will ALWAYS be relevant and effective. From my first BB gun to the time I could purchase my first pistol, I always remembered the 4 rules. 30 plus years later, 4 years in the military and well over 50,000 rounds fired, I have always remembered those rules. They will be as relevant in 100 years as they are today. I think every firearm sold today should have those four rules on an insert with the weapon.

 

[Recusant]

I tend to party like a gangster, so it would be a waste of expensive ammo for me to shoot at anything after I've been drinking!

 

[Bassbob]

This is the way.

AR-15 Dust Cover - The Mandalorian This is the Way - Phosphate Black

Cold stamped steel Manganese phosphate finish Laser engraved to expose the underlying metal ensuring a virtually indestructible etching

tactical-expressions.com

 

[TidalWave]

Heck, some of the best guns in my collection wouldn’t be there if I hadn’t had a drink! Nothing like stopping at the LGS after a couple of pints!

Nevermind the LGS - gotta keep me off the internet sales…

 

[TidalWave]

I tend to party like a gangster, so it would be a waste of expensive ammo for me to shoot at anything after I've been drinking!

At least for you the excuse is there, Rec…. some of my ‘friends’ say it’s a waste of expensive ammo for me to shoot cold sober.

 

[KillerFord1977]

It will be an enormous legal issue should you need to use your pistol in self defense shortly after lunch. This is why I only drink alcohol when I'm at home for the night and I'm not going anywhere that evening.

Besides the price they charge for an ounce and a half or so of good single malt Scotch in bars and restaurants is absolutely robbery.

So you had your single malt scotch or a few and someone kicks in your front door .. then what ?

 

[TidalWave]

So you had your single malt scotch or a few and someone kicks in your front door .. then what ?

Interesting question there, KF…

I’m gonna say it’s no issue, on the strength that you weren’t in the position of being a “public danger” or public nuisance, while inside your own home….esp. if you didn’t open the door.