To many people, guns are scary and dangerous. They believe firearms are only useful for violence and killing. However, this popular opinion is just that: an opinion. There are many reasons to own a gun, such as hunting for food or defending yourself against an attacker. In this article, we’ll debunk six common misconceptions about owning a firearm.
1. Gun Owners Don’t Care About Safety
Firearm owners are some of the most safety-conscious people in our society today. They take their responsibility as a firearm owner seriously and do everything they can to keep themselves and those around them safe while using their guns responsibly. Many firearm enthusiasts voluntarily take gun safety classes every year. Others even do their part by teaching gun safety classes in their community. Try this simple experiment: ask a firearm owner what their top priority is while operating a gun. You’ll get the same answer every time: safety.
2. Gun Ammunition Is Expensive
Gun ammunition prices have steadily risen throughout the last few years, leading many people to believe that owning a firearm is an expensive undertaking. However, there are many options for reducing your ammunition costs. Consider your intended use of the ammunition. If you are shooting targets, you don’t need to pay the premium for hollow-point rounds. Another option is to buy once-fired brass casings and reload the brass yourself. Getting started with reloading brass might seem expensive up front, but it will save you a fortune in the long run.
3. Owning a Firearm Will Make My Home More Secure
Just owning a firearm does nothing to make your home more secure. The best path to home security is preparedness. The world will throw a lot at you and your family, so the more prepared you are to deal with the challenges of life, the better. Firearms can be excellent tools to help you protect against intruders. Still, without the proper training and a plan of action for emergencies, guns are more dangerous than helpful.
4. Only Criminals Own Guns
With the prevalence of gun violence today, many people believe that only criminals and murderers use guns. They couldn’t be any more wrong. Thousands of law enforcement officers, military personnel, and security professionals use their firearms to protect and serve. On the civilian side, many people own guns to protect their homes, hunt for food, and shoot targets for recreation.
5. Owning and Operating a Firearm Is Easy
Owning and operating a firearm takes a lot of time and training to be done correctly. Training and education are not discussed by the media very frequently, but firearm owners will be quick to tell you about their importance. Proper gun maintenance, storage, and safe operation are critical aspects of owning a firearm, and you shouldn’t neglect them.
6. Anyone Can Own a Firearm
Contrary to popular belief, not everyone can legally own a firearm. The ATF lists certain categories of people who cannot own firearms or ammunition. Convicted felons, illegal aliens, and anyone dishonorably discharged from the Armed Forces cannot own a firearm.
Owning a gun doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, and it can help you ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.