Firearms Safety Policy

At Gideon Training Solutions, the four cardinal rules of firearm safety are non-negotiable. Every student, instructor, and visitor must adhere to these rules at all times without exception:

RULE 1 — TREAT EVERY FIREARM AS IF IT IS LOADED. Always assume a firearm is loaded, regardless of what you believe about its condition. Never take anyone's word that a firearm is unloaded. Check it yourself every time you pick it up or receive it from another person.

RULE 2 — NEVER POINT A FIREARM AT ANYTHING YOU ARE NOT WILLING TO DESTROY. Always be aware of where your muzzle is pointing. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times. A safe direction is one where an accidental discharge would cause minimal injury or property damage.

RULE 3 — KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL YOU ARE ON TARGET AND READY TO FIRE. Keep your trigger finger indexed along the side of the frame or receiver until you have made the conscious decision to fire. This is the single most important rule for preventing accidental discharges.

RULE 4 — BE SURE OF YOUR TARGET AND WHAT IS BEYOND IT. Before firing, positively identify your target and be aware of what is behind and around it. Bullets can penetrate targets and continue traveling, causing injury or damage beyond the intended target.

All participants in Gideon Training Solutions programs must: arrive sober and free from the influence of alcohol, drugs, or any substance that impairs judgment or coordination; wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes during all range activities; wear eye and ear protection at all times while on the firing line; follow all instructions from instructors and range staff immediately and without argument; report any unsafe behavior, conditions, or equipment to an instructor immediately; handle firearms only when and where instructed by an instructor; and keep all firearms unloaded, actions open, and muzzles pointed in a safe direction when not actively firing. Violation of any safety rule may result in immediate removal from the training session without refund.

When training at any range facility, all Gideon Training Solutions participants must: comply with all posted range rules in addition to our own safety policies; cease fire immediately when a cease-fire command is given; not handle firearms during cease-fire periods; stay behind the firing line unless instructed otherwise; not move forward of the firing line for any reason without explicit instructor permission; and ensure all firearms are cleared and verified safe before leaving the firing line. Cold range procedures must be followed at all times unless hot-range protocols have been explicitly authorized by the lead instructor.

Only factory-loaded, commercial ammunition in the correct caliber for the firearm being used is permitted on the range. Reloaded ammunition is not permitted in Gideon Training Solutions classes unless specifically authorized by the lead instructor. Armor-piercing, incendiary, tracer, and steel-core ammunition is prohibited unless required for a specific training purpose and authorized by the range facility. Students must not bring more ammunition than necessary for the training session. All ammunition must be inspected by an instructor before use.

All firearms must be transported unloaded in a closed case or holster. Firearms must remain cased and unloaded until instructed otherwise by an instructor. Vehicles used to transport firearms to and from training must comply with all applicable Texas transportation laws. Students are responsible for the safe and legal storage of their firearms when not in use at the range or training facility. We recommend using a locked container or gun safe for storage at home, separate from ammunition.

All Gideon Training Solutions instructors are trained in basic first aid and emergency response. A first aid kit and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) are available at all training locations. In the event of an injury or medical emergency: immediately call for the instructor's attention; apply basic first aid if trained to do so; call 911 if the situation warrants emergency medical services; and do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger. All injuries, no matter how minor, must be reported to an instructor before leaving the training facility.

Firearms training involves exposure to lead and high-decibel noise. All students must wear appropriate hearing protection (earmuffs and/or earplugs) at all times while on the firing line. Eye protection must be worn at all times while on the range. We recommend washing hands thoroughly after handling firearms and ammunition, and before eating or drinking. Pregnant women and individuals with lead sensitivity should consult their physician before participating in firearms training activities.

Firearms laws and training requirements vary by state, county, and municipality. Gideon Training Solutions does not provide legal advice. Students should consult official government sources or a qualified attorney for legal questions.

If you have questions about our Firearms Safety Policy, please contact us at:

Gideon Training Solutions Arlington, Texas, USA Phone: 817-683-3282 Email: hj@gideontrainingsolutions.com