I often have people tell me that “I own a gun, but I haven’t shot it in years, but I know how to shoot”. As a long time, gun owner and Firearms Instructor, well, that does concern me A LOT! For two reasons, first not practicing means that no matter what you might have known, you might not remember it, especially when you need it the most! Secondly, is your gun in proper working order? Forget that it might not fire, when you need it, it might just blow up in your hand when you try to use it!
Those who own a gun for “protection” that is great! But how much protection is it, if you have only shot it a few times and it sits in your closet? How good of a shot are you or more over how much do you really know not to shoot the wrong person? Now, perhaps you are thinking, when was the last time I cleaned my gun, or some may be thinking have I ever cleaned my gun?
We live in a great country, you have the right either to own and keep a firearm for protection or not, that is your choice. A choice that other countries around the world don’t have. But simply owning a gun for protection isn’t enough, knowing how to use it, when to use it and making sure that it is ready to use it when you need it the most, well to me that is the most important thing.
Being a gun owner, you are ALWAYS responsible for your gun! Be a smart gun owner, remember you have that gun for your protection and to protect those you love. A gun is a deadly weapon, it’s more deadly when you don’t know what you are doing!