With all the recent events involving firearms, are you being a responsible gun owner? Are your firearms in a secure location? Is the ammunition in a separate location? Is your firearms unloaded? Do you keep your firearms in good functioning condition? Do you continue to get training on the safe handling and use of your firearms? Do you teach your family members the safe handling of your firearms? Do you practice?
Today, more and more people are getting their concealed carry permit. For those of you who are concealed carry permit holder’s, are you being responsible with how you carry? What do you do with your firearm when not carrying? Is it actually concealed? Can someone get it away from you? Is it locked up and unloaded when not in use?
In the world we live in, it is all gun owner’s responsibility to ensure that their firearms are unloaded, clean and secured in a location separate from the ammunition when not in use. A responsible gun owner is also someone who trains and practices the safe handling and use of their firearms.
Today’s society seems more concerned about the well being of their mobile electronic devices than their firearms. People spend hundreds of dollars on the latest mobile device and how to protect it, but will put a firearm in a closet or drawer. Uncertain if it’s unloaded. Making it accessible to anyone who happens to go searching. This could be your children, grandchildren or a friend of your children. Some people get their concealed carry permit and think they are properly trained. Some believe they do not need to practice or get advanced training because they have been shooting for years.
Take the time to be a responsible gun owner. Make sure firearms are unloaded, install some kind of locking device and put it in a secure location when not in use. If you are a concealed carry person, carry it properly and secure it when not in use. Take the time to get training with your firearms and then hit the range for practice. Then, rinse and repeat.
There are several ranges in our area. Take the time to research what each one has to offer. You will find something that will fit your interest and needs. Area ranges hold events that are open to the public to participate. These clubs welcome people that just want to observe. The member’s of these clubs will take the time to answer your questions and explain their programs.
–Gary Mabis (POTACC)
President of the Antwerp Conservation Club
