I have been doing a lot of research lately about guns, mostly because gun control is such a popular topic in the media these days…  Maybe if we would just be responsible with guns, those who want to take our right to own firearms away wouldn’t have so much “ammo” to do so.  I’ve put together this list…

People purchase guns primarily for hunting or self-defense. Owning a gun for self-defense means taking on important responsibilities. Keep in mind the important tips discussed below if you own or plan to own a handgun to be used for the purpose of self-defense for you or your family.

1. Be Prepared

It is vitally important to have a safety plan set up. This means that all the adults in the home should be trained to fire the gun if necessary. It should also mean that children within the home understand the necessity of having a gun for self-defense and also the seriousness of the firearm. Children should always be educated on gun safety and the potential dangers of firing a weapon. A safety plan should be in place in every responsible gun owners home to deal with intruders or other emergency situations.

2. Get Trained

Training is vitally important for gun owners. A standard firearm safety class should be taken by all family members when a gun will be used for self-defense in the home. Other classes that focus on more developed skills including marksmanship or possibly a conceal carry class are also beneficial for the adult who will primarily be responsible for the gun. Either way, owning a gun is an important commitment and training is an absolute necessity in order to keep the family safe and use the firearm effectively as needed.

3. Choose the Right Gun

This is an important step that many people overlook who purchase a gun for self-defense. It is important to find a gun that is right for you and your family. Oftentimes, the mistake of purchasing a very low priced gun is made and this can cause serious problems such as the gun jamming or misfiring which renders it useless in an emergency situation. Seek out the professional advice of gun owners and never go with a gun solely based upon price or style. When it comes to safety cost should not be a significant factor.

4. Maintain the Gun and Your Training

Another significant mistake that many gun owners make when it comes to self-defense is that they purchase the gun, learn how to use it, and then forget it. It is vitally important to maintain the gun with regular cleaning and maintenance in order to keep it in proper working order. In addition, it is equally as important to keep up training. If you have not fired the gun in a long time it means that you are out of practice and require a refresher class. Always keep up with maintenance of both the gun and your skills.