Byko: The Gun Rules

Jeff Bloovman is an NRA-certified gun instructor who also owns Armed Dynamics, which teaches self and home defense. He was mentioned in my recent column on the Pink Pistols,  self-defense for gays.

Something important, but that could not be included for reasons of space, was information on gun safety and when lethal force can be used.

Here are Bloovman's Top 3 rules for gun safety, plus advice on how to protect your home.

1. Treat all guns as if they are always loaded.

2. Keep your finger off the trigger until your muzzle is on the threat and you've made a conscious decision to shoot.

3. Never cross your muzzle over anything you don't wish to kill, destroy or buy (if accidently destroyed).

If you are confronted on the street, first try to avoid the threat, retreat, try to de-escalate, employ less than lethal force (such as pepper spray, which Bloovman carries), use the appropriate level of force to solve the problem.

If Bloovman heard someone breaking into his home, he says he would call police on his cell phone, get his gun and hunker down in a shooting position. He would not try to clear the house himself.

"I don't need to kill someone over my property," he says. "The last thing you want to do is shoot someone."

You shoot only when "there is imminent threat of great bodily harm to ourselves or loved ones."

When you shoot, "You shoot so you can live, not to kill him. There is a difference."