Safe & Responsible Gun Ownership Does Not Start With Simply Owning a Gun

While owning a firearm is a Constitutional right, don’t be fooled into thinking you can just pick one up at your local gun store and instinctively shoot like a pro, let alone be a safe and responsible gun owner. Basic firearm training is an absolute essential for anyone who intends to be a safe and responsible gun owner.

The first step in safe and responsible firearm ownership is to accept that you need a fundamental understanding of the 4 Basic Rules of Gun Safety, how to safely handle a gun, their mechanical function, and how to properly maintain a firearm. Without these fundamentals the basic “gun owner” will most certainly be a menace to themselves, their family, their neighbors, fellow shooters at the gun range, and that poor guy behind the counter at the local gun shop.

Firearm safety and a healthy respect for them is paramount. Far too often we hear stories of firearm accidents that were 100% avoidable had the 4 Fundamental Rules of Gun Safety been applied.

1. Treat all guns as if they are loaded
2. Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target and you are ready to fire.
4. Be sure of your target AND what’s beyond it.

Owning a gun is completely different than being a responsible gun owner. The difference starts with learning and practicing these fundamental gun safety rules.

Proper handling includes how to hold the pistol, how to load and unload it, how to aim it, how to shoot it, all while applying principles of gun safety. It is essential to learn how to handle a pistol safely to avoid accidents that may result in injuries or death.

Understanding all the parts and pieces of a firearm and their designed function is much like knowing the difference between the steering wheel, break pedal and dip stick in your car. Having fundamental knowledge of mechanical functions of a firearm will help a gun owner shoot better, troubleshoot malfunctions and maintain their firearm for years of safe and fun shooting.

Proper maintenance of a pistol is also crucial. Pistol maintenance includes proper cleaning, lubricating, and inspecting the pistol regularly. Proper maintenance ensures that the pistol functions safely and without malfunctions.

In conclusion, basic pistol training is essential for anyone who intends to own a pistol or firearm of any kind. Once you are familiar with the basics of firearm handling, mechanical function, maintenance, and safety, you are ready to start learning how to shoot a pistol. By doing so you will become what you set out to be, whether you consciously recognized it or not, a safe and responsible gun owner.