As some body who has been working with guns for nearly 20 years I have seen many mistakes regarding gun use and ownership. Though I believe every law-abiding citizen should have guns for recreational shooting, hunting, and home defense, I also believe that everybody who owns a gun should seek out training to help them reach some level of proficiency with it. More often than not, especially here in Georgia where it is not required, people just buy guns, go to the range once or twice and call it quits. After they hit a bullseye or two, they consider themselves proficient, and entirely forget about the chaotic reality of an armed confrontation.
The truth is that without some realistic firearms training, there is a serious potential of doing more harm than good. During a home invasion, or armed robbery, an individuals heart rate and adrenaline increases significantly, which inhibit your ability and judgement. There are laws to consider, and situations which require a specific response, but that absolute biggest failure I regularly see, is that many people buy a gun as their first line of defense. I cannot explain how many times I have spoken with somebody who was burglarized and the very next day they were at the gun store, buying guns for home defense. Securing yourself or your home should start from the outside. If your first line of defense is already inside your home, you have already lost the battle. Guns can be a good final layer of protection with training, and when used in conjunction with an overall security plan which starts outside of the home. The most important detail to know is that you can't go to the hardware store, buy a hammer, and expect that when you walk out of the store, you are a carpenter. Becoming a carpenter takes time and experience, just like being an effective gun owner. Training and practice is the first step. The next step is to build up secure layers that will prevent you from being required to use a gun at all.
Guns for Home Protection & Self Defense
by
Jake Perez
of Everything Home Protection LLC
(
4-Feb-2013
)