As someone who strongly supports and advocates for the Second Amendment, if we talk long enough, we will definitely discuss firearms. What surprises me is that many gun owners need convincing about the importance of training. Think about it: would you jump out of a plane without proper instruction? Probably not. When your life is at stake, you might be willing to take the risk. But the chances of something going wrong are much higher. Using a firearm for self-defense without training is similar. The risk of harming yourself or a loved one is much greater without proper training.

I do not doubt that everyone has the right to defend themselves, and our Second Amendment protects that right, but that does not mean you do not have a responsibility to learn how to do it correctly. I just don't get the excuses I hear when the stakes are so high.

Just owning a firearm is not enough. While it can definitely boost your self-defense capabilities, it's crucial to understand that facing someone with malicious intentions or/and better firearm skills could put you in a vulnerable position. Given the unpredictable nature of challenges, it's vital to enhance your readiness. And let's not forget the emotional toll of being accountable for taking an innocent life.

Just think for a moment. Do you genuinely believe that you can come out victorious in a gunfight without any prior training? It's like expecting to effortlessly hop into a race car and triumph in the Grand Prix, without ever having driven one before. Is that even possible? The outcome, most likely, would be disastrous. However, I often come across individuals who confidently claim that, in a moment of crisis, they will rely on a firearm they have barely held before to protect their lives. Please, continue to contemplate that idea. Just remember, it's not only your life that is at stake.

Honestly, the situation becomes even more concerning when the state requires training. While some may argue that this training is better than nothing, it falls short of making you a truly proficient firearm owner. Instead, it merely instills a misguided sense of assurance in new owners, and this is something that deeply troubles me. While your state-mandated course will likely cover the basics, the quality of information you learn may vary depending on your instructor. These classes are normally designed to check all the required boxes in the least amount of time and nothing else. You must continue your journey to become a proficient and responsible gun owner. Just understand, that a single training session is never enough for any discipline.

So you got a firearm, what should you do now? It's important to familiarize yourself with your firearm. Understand how it functions and how to handle it safely. Taking a basic gun safety class is a crucial first step. Make a budget and a road map for training and be honest with yourself. Ask yourself these questions. Are you familiar with the fundamental rules of firearm handling? Do you feel confident operating your weapon, including loading and unloading it? Can you properly clean and maintain your firearm? Do you have a secure storage solution for when your firearm is not in use? Unauthorized access to firearms is the leading cause of accidental death by firearms, especially involving kids. Those are the most basic questions you need answers to as soon as possible when you own a firearm. If you do not have a firearm yet, but thinking of getting one. Get basic training first. Feeling uneasy or anxious when handling a firearm, increases the risk of danger. By learning and comprehending the fundamental rules and proper handling techniques, one can boost their confidence and minimize the likelihood of a negligent discharge.

Last but not least, it's also important to be aware of the laws regarding firearms in your state. Don't forget that you are liable for every round that comes out of your gun. And being ignorant of a law does not make a good defense in court. People get convicted of a crime while claiming self-defense more often than it should be. Just because they were ignorant of the law or not skilled enough to defend themself properly.

Here is a road map of the basic training every gun owner should budget and plan to take:

• Basic firearms safety and handling: How to handle your firearm safely.
• Basic handgun concealed carry: Selecting the right method of carrying, exploring options, and learning how to deploy your firearm. This is especially challenging for ladies. If you are one, you might want this class to be taught by a female instructor.
• Basic defensive gun use: This is not just a shooting class, but how to avoid the situations in the first place (situational awareness) and legally, when is appropriate to use lethal force and when is not.

Other non-firearm relates, but necessary:

• First aid/trauma medical response
• Hand-to-hand combat
• Basic outdoor survival techniques

Make it a habit to frequently visit the shooting range and carefully plan your trips. Don't waste your valuable time and money on aimless magazine dumps. The secret lies in practicing regularly and with a clear purpose. The more you commit yourself to consistent and focused practice, the better you will become, gaining proficiency and confidence. Additionally, you can find numerous free resources and drills online that can be easily performed at most ranges, enabling you to maintain and enhance your shooting skills.

After mastering the fundamentals and establishing a solid base, it's crucial to maintain your skills by practicing regularly and efficiently. Handling a firearm is a perishable skill that deteriorates if not exercised. Dry-fire training is an excellent way to keep your abilities sharp in between range sessions, without expending money. This type of training involves practicing the basics of marksmanship without live ammunition. We'll delve into this topic more in a future post but always remember to verify that your firearm is unloaded before engaging in dry fire.

Moving forward from the basics, here is a list of more advanced training to look at:

• Moving and shooting
• Shooting from cover
• Low light shooting
• Tactical/Advanced pistol
• Shooting from a vehicle
• Basic AR rifle
• Advance AR rifle
• Force-on-force scenario
• Room cleaning

Remember that acquiring the necessary training requires both time and financial investment, but there's no need to fret because you won't be forced to speed through it all. Think of it as an exciting journey. Just stay attentive, seize any opportunities that come your way, and devise a budget that aligns with your present circumstances.

Bonus round! Looking for a fun and exciting way to improve your shooting skills and boost your confidence? Consider participating in shooting sports! Competing in league matches from organizations like USPSA or IDPA can provide an extra challenge to your training routine and help you take your skills to the next level. Even if you don't come out on top, you'll still reap the benefits of the experience. While you'll need some equipment and ammunition to get started, the rewards are well worth the investment. Just remember that competitions should be used to supplement your training, not replace it entirely. By taking them seriously, you can push yourself to new heights and become a better shooter overall. While it's not the same as training for self-defense, it's a great way to test your limits and have some fun in the process!

Carry, Train, Protect!