Firearms - Are you thinking of buying one?

Recently, both 20/20 ABC and 60 Minutes have aired shows about gun ownership and self protection. To say the least, both shows were high on negativity and low on information. Neither show addressed the realistic concerns of Americans on the responsibilities of firearm ownership.

The access of weapons by children are an ongoing concern, not only with the gun control crowd, but with any parent whose children might come into contact with firearms. The media's presentation showed a class of children finding firearms in a toy box, and then, playing with them. The show did this to discredit the idea that watching the NRA's Eddie Eagle video will protect them. However, no further reinforcement of the lessons was available.

Self defense by adults was also shown in a bad light. In another presentation, students were given an artificial scenario, in which one student was supposed to use a weapon to defend against an "active shooter" in a class. In both cases the scenarios were designed to fail.

My daughter is growing up with access to firearms. She may also encounter firearms at the homes of others and in public places. One cannot "child proof" a gun without making it useless for its intended purpose. However, one can "gun proof" a child. Or an adult. Many adults would have no clue on the proper actions when encountering a firearm. Training is the only way to teach someone to safely handle a firearm. Watching a safety video is but the first step. Unless reinforced, its training will do nothing to safeguard anyone, especially children. My child would have known what to do when those kids pulled out the gun in the toy box as I have been reviewing the proper actions since she was three years old and she went to her first gun show.

STOP. DON'T TOUCH. LEAVE THE AREA. TELL AN ADULT.

For basic safety lessons, the NRA Eddie Eagle program cannot be surpassed. It does not promote NRA membership, nor does it make distinctions on whether guns are right or wrong. It focuses only on accident prevention. For more information, Women of Caliber has a four part series on the concerns of mixing firearms and childhood. Children and Guns I, II, III, and IV.

Once the prevention of accidents has been covered, the next step is to determine what your own level of exposure to firearms is to be. Do you want to be a "firearms enthusiast?" Do you want to carry a weapon? Do you only want a firearm in the home? Or do you just want to be able to safely handle a firearm when one is encountered?

The rules of handling firearms are simple but deadly important and can never be broken.
Xavier at Xavier's Thoughts goes into greater detail on the thinking behind each Rule.

The Four Rules
1. All firearms are always loaded
2. Never let the muzzle of a firearm point at anything you are not willing to destroy
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
4. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it

If you wish have a closer relationship with firearms and decide to carry, Xavier lists the rules of carrying a firearm and discusses in detail those rules at the link.

The Five Rules of Concealed Carry
1. Your concealed handgun is for protection of life only.
2. Know exactly when you can use your gun.
3. If you can run away -- RUN!
4. Display your gun, be prepared to go to jail.
5. Don't let your emotions get the best of you.

Many well-intentioned adults say that children and firearms don't mix. Then again, many adults state that women and firearms don't mix. Women and children are more vulnerable to violence then are men. Children, on the main, are too immature to carry firearms and will not be the one using them for defense. Women, however, are perfectly capable of using any firearm being employed today. Women of Caliber, Home on the Range, and Cornered Cat have very good sites, and are but a few of the blogs that concern guns from a woman's point of view, that explore self defense, firearms and the mindset necessary for survival. Cornered Cat has a great site:

"articles dealing with gun safety, kids, mindset, and much more. There are glossaries and step-by-step instructions on the shooting basics. If you've ever wondered about the legal or social or practical or ethical aspects of owning a gun or carrying it, or wonder if carrying a gun is right for you, you've come to the right place."

The NRA has a great program, Refuse to Be a Victim. It is taught throughout the country.

Brigid, at Home on the Range, covers the Five Rules of Staying Alive. Xavier, yet again, comes through with a brilliant illustration on the need to have the right mindset.

1. Be aware of yourself and your surroundings. Don't be concentrating on work, your love life or school. When you're on the street you need to be alert. Walk with head up. Walk strong.
2. If you feel afraid DO SOMETHING. Fear warns you.
3. When it is obvious that you are going to be attacked, take action at the first sign of threat.
4. If there is not time to flee, fight until you know you are safe.
5. If you carry a weapon. Know how to use it. Practice with it. Have it in easy reach.

While most parents will not be training their children to this extent, this child is a perfect example of what children are capable of, with the proper training and supervision:



Mckensie has two other videos in this series, here and here. I'll be honest. She shoots better than I do. I'd like my daughter to be that proficient.

Training, however, is useless without the appropriate mindset. One should examine their motivations and any possible emotional, mental, or physical limitations or reservations. If you want to own a firearm for defense, you should understand what what that entails. Xavier's youngest daughter has figured it out for herself:

Ker-chunk Bam! ker-chunk Bam!

"Why do you have your target so close? Seven yards is too close. If you are going to pattern that gun....."

"I'm training to defend myself."

"You planning on shootin' somebody?"

"No, I'm planning to defend myself."

"From what?"

"Whatever I need to."

A firearm owner needs to also understand the local laws. Each locality will be different. Any competent firearms training school should educate about the local laws concerning firearm ownership and carry. In Virginia, the Virginia Citizen Defense League is a good resource and starting point for information about gun ownership. However, any questions should be addressed to local law enforcement.

Many still have questions about the proper role of firearms in the United States. However, this post is not to explore those questions except in the role of self defense.

Self Defense. The ultimate human right.

If you are thinking about owning a firearm of any sort, I hope this post helps. Remember, guns are tools similar to fire extinguishers. If you need one RIGHT NOW, then nothing else will do. Please educate yourself and your children, even if you don't plan to own one. Not owning one will not prevent you are your children from encountering one.

Ignorance can mean death.