Personal Protection - Firearms 101

Whether you are looking to carry a firearm to protect yourself or your family, choosing a handgun, shotgun or rifle for protection requires some research. I knew someone who was in the military for a while and never owned a gun. Now married and with a family, there are at least two guns in that household. The following are just a few checklist items that were followed.

Check 1: Research your state gun laws. A good place to start is your local law enforcement department, whether it’s the Police or Sheriff’s department. You can check online, but things in cyberspace sometimes are not updated – local law enforcement is your best bet!

Check 2: Your gun of choice. That is a personal preference. Revolvers are almost always reliable alongside shotguns. In this day and age there are semi-automatic handguns and different type of caliber guns! Getting comfortable and knowing the pros and cons of the weapon is a plus!

Check 3: Training and gun safety. Taking a gun course that covers everything from your state gun laws, gun safety, and shooting is the right way to go to cover your basis. a concealed weapons class and permit may be the right thing to do - expose yourself to other people concerned enough to own and carry guns as well as get some extra training.

Check 4: Maintenance. This requires proper cleaning and firing of your gun. This is best taught by somebody knowledgable.

Check 5: Fire your weapon. Go to a local gun range and fire your gun! The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel with it and become better equipped to handle a dangerous situation like a home invasion. Seek some competent training. Some gun clubs offer friendly practical shooting competition for all skill levels - this is a great place to learn.

There are many programs and to start visit the NRA website or its blog site, http://nrablog.com.