The current political unrest regarding gun control is causing many people to purchase their first handgun. If you were to give one piece of advice to the brand new gun owner, what would that piece of advice be?
The one piece of advice we would give to a brand new gun owner would be to make training a priority. Remember what the late Colonel Jeff Cooper said, “Owning a handgun doesn’t make you armed any more than owning a guitar makes you a musician.”
What should that training look like? First, take a basic course that will emphasize safety. Even if you are one of those individuals that can say, “I have been around guns all my life,” you will nonetheless benefit. One cannot know too much or have too many reminders about basic gun handling, safe gun storage, and the fundamental safety rules.
After the basic course is under your belt, continue your training as much as your budget and time will reasonably allow. Without question, it would be very beneficial to take classes with The Firearms Academy of Seattle, Masaad Ayoob, Gunsite, Tom Givens, John Farnam, Tiger McKee and many other nationally recognized trainers.
However, some of us have budgets that will limit some or all of our training to quality local trainers. As a matter of fact, our budget may limit us to books and/or videos. Whatever your situation allows, do your due diligence by asking where your trainers or educators have trained and continue to train. Set a goal to be educated and trained in broad areas that include safety, marksmanship, gun handling, mindset, as well as avoidance and less lethal techniques.
Also, training and education regarding self-defense law and gun law for the concealed carry holder is highly recommended. You must understand the law when it comes to firearms and self defense. If you think you do not have the time and/or money to spend on training, ask yourself if you are willing to bet the life of a family member on your level of skill and knowledge–and then reconsider your budget and time constraints. Lastly, seriously consider joining ACLDN. The educational DVDs alone that you will receive as a new member have value that exceeds the cost of membership for many years.
Originally published at https://armedcitizensnetwork.org/en/june-2018-attorney-question