A few years ago, Representative Pam Snyder hosted a Greene County event in which locals gathered to apply for and receive (in the same night) their concealed carry permit. It was one of the most progressive events that I have had the privilege of attending. Sherriff Marcus Simms talked about the process for applying for a concealed carry permit and answered a lot of frequently asked questions. After making applications with the sheriff, speakers were on hand to discuss different topics, including the Pennsylvania Castle Doctrine and one’s right to protect one’s self both in and away from the home. Kim Stolfer, a leader in the Castle Doctrine movement, talked about the legislation and its importance. During the time it took to facilitate the process, folks had the opportunity to listen to some of the most knowledgeable sources in our area regarding all things firearms. It was a great way to fill the waiting time during the interim.
During this waiting period, I spoke to the audience regarding the need for safety training. I began my talk with what was meant to be a joke… and it backfired royally! The first thing I did was to make mention of “the fact” that as citizens of Greene County, we grew up with guns! We have hunted since we could walk, we have been around guns our entire lives, we wear camouflage as a fashion statement, and some of us have even been in the military. Gun oil practically flows through our veins. Why would we need training? As I continued in the opposite direction of this vein, teasingly, I noticed several of those in attendance rise from their seats and make their way outside to wait. I had struck a nerve! I stated that I would not dream of turning my kid loose with a vehicle until she had spent some time in driver’s training. Then and only then would I ease her into the responsibility that accompanies operating a vehicle. Mom and Dad are not always the best venue for such training and that professional driving instructors are, sometimes, a positive alternative.
Okay. I said it! The elephant is no longer in the room. We don’t know much about the safe handling of weapons until we receive some training. Whether that training comes from Mom or Dad, Grandpap or Uncle Charlie, it is necessary. We know less about technical marksmanship and even less about tactics for self-defense. I won’t even venture into the clearing of jams and malfunctions, which is where things get really sticky. For most of us, simply buying a handgun and bringing it home is the farthest we go in our firearms related education. We don’t practice. We don’t familiarize ourselves with the componentry. We know precious little about the machinations of the firearm, and we neglect our weapon until we need it most. Somehow, this makes us feel implicitly safer. Be advised, this does not make one safer!
Imagine if we did the same thing with an automobile, something more expensive and inherently more dangerous when you consider how much time we spend driving this vehicle annually. Bring it home, park her in the driveway and let the kids look at her for five years. Don’t drive it. Don’t even get in and start her up. But one night when it’s time to deliver a baby and Mom has to get to the hospital quickly, fire that rig up and drive ninety miles per hour. What do you think the liability looks like now?
This month’s column isn’t an attempt to drum up training (although I’d welcome you at my school.) It is some good, free advice. Get some training. There are several great shooting schools/instructors in southwestern Pennsylvania. Talk with an instructor about your unique needs and experience. Put together a plan to help you stay safe and keep your family safe. For goodness’ sake, don’t wait twenty-four years, like I did, to right this wrong. Call me if you need assistance in finding the right fit for you and we’ll get started today.
