by Bryce Eddy

In keeping with my theme of self defense, it’s time to consider the firearm.

The last two years of disquieting upheaval in our cities and general uncertainty has resulted in record firearm sales including an incredible number of first time buyers.  Anecdotally, this has also expanded to many new buyers who never considered gun ownership before.

All this being said, should EVERYONE own a gun? Definitely not.  Should MOST people own a gun? Probably not.  I personally don’t believe that they’re the answer for most people.

What about you? Should YOU own a gun?  Let’s consider what it means and the questions you need to ask yourself before heading to the gun store.

First, are you capable of defending your life or another’s using deadly force?  This needs to be considered.  There are other less-lethal choices and deterrents that may be a much better fit. Many very capable people freeze and panic in situations where they would have to make this life-altering decision.  You need to know yourself and rehearse in your mind what it would mean to take a life in a clear case of self-defense. Are you wired for it?  Can you handle the adrenaline of a scenario like this and make good decisions?

Secondly, firearm safety is your responsibility.  That means any firearm, in your care, under any circumstances (even on a film set) needs to be handled safely and stored appropriately when not in your hand. There are 4 fundament safety rules; learn them before you make the purchase. All firearms come with tremendous moral and legal liability.  This means that older children and spouses in your orbit also need to learn these rules and should be trained to safely handle a firearm.

Third, the gun is not a holy talisman. You aren’t automatically safe and capable merely by owning one.  If you are going to have a firearm, it is your responsibility to find a training facility and the right experts to teach you the best practices and techniques. Then, you must practice, practice, practice. It is a skill that can diminish over time. If you take on the responsibility, training needs to be part of your life.

In many areas, the only option is tightly controlled indoor shooting ranges.  They can be excellent for getting familiar with basic firearm operation and learning how to shoot for the first time. However, an indoor range will not prepare you for a life and death battle with an intruder in your home.  Most indoor ranges lack the dynamic flexibility or instructors to train you in basic tactical firearm principles.

This starts with understanding the legal principles. Most people don’t realize that you have the right to defend yourself or others from great bodily harm but NOT the right to defend property with deadly force.  This means learning skills such as drawing from a holster or concealment, moving while shooting, reloading under pressure, slide alignment vs sight alignment, etc.  In home defense, you’ll need to learn additional elements that include clearing rooms safely, communicating with your spouse or children, drilling with them where to go and where to hide, who calls the police and what to say and what to do when they arrive.  In short, there is a lot to learn and it’s a big responsibility.

If this all sounds overwhelming, purchase a Taser or a family Rottweiler. However, if you are willing to put in the work and train to competently use your firearm, then it can be a great tool for keeping you and your family safe.