New Year’s Resolutions for Gun Owners
We're a little over a month into the new year and new decade. Are you on track with your New Year’s resolutions?
If you’ve already fallen off track or haven’t made any yet, there’s still plenty of time left in 2020. Might we suggest some related to your favorite firearm or gun ownership? Different gun owners need different resolutions, so we’ve compiled resolutions that any gun owner is able to keep into 2020 and beyond.
Carry consistently. The saying goes, “It’s better to have it and not need than to need it and not have it” and holds true for gun owners - especially if you are truly committed to the concealed carry lifestyle. Unfortunately, we live in a day and age where an attack or act of violence can happen at any time, so it’s always best to be prepared and protected. Preparedness doesn’t necessarily mean a full-size gun; it can be as simple as carrying a .380 in your pocket.
Be situationally aware. Being observant of your surroundings is essential to being and staying safe, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing. Instead of burying your head in your mobile phone, be present and pay attention to what is going on around you. If you practice situational awareness, you’ll pick up clues to avoid a bad situation and avoid having to use your firearm in self-defense in the first place.
Stay educated. Keeping up to date on local and national gun legislation is one of the best things you can do to support and maintain Second Amendment rights. Another option is to join a gun rights organization. By being educated and keeping current on laws and regulations, you can make a difference within the gun community.
Invite someone shooting. Over the years, guns and gun owners have fallen under a lot of scrutiny. To help continue to support the right to keep and bear arms, invite a friend or family member to shoot with you at the range. By showing others the safe and responsible use of firearms, you help educate others and show them not all guns and shootings “are the devil.” Who knows? Your friend may become hooked on the sport and you’ll have a new range buddy.
Take care of your guns. Cleaning your firearms is a tedious yet necessary aspect of gun ownership. Guns should be cleaned after each use. Additionally, make sure your ammo and gear are well-kept in the event you have to use them. Caring for your firearms means more than maintenance. All guns and ammo should be stored safely and securely in a locked safe. This also means keeping guns from unauthorized users, especially children.
Practice self-care. Some simple things you can for physical wellness are using earplugs to protect (what’s left of) your hearing and washing off excess lead debris after shooting. However, mental wellness is also essential. Make sure you have the proper mindset to be a safe and responsible firearm owner. By taking care of yourself, you will be able to train more effectively as well as be able to better protect yourself.
Train more often. Shooting is a skill; a skill that is maintained through training and practice. Ideally, you should strive to go to the shooting range weekly, monthly at a minimum. The best way to commit yourself to a practice schedule is to add it to your calendar like you would any other appointment. When it’s written down, you’ll have a better chance of going and are less likely to make excuses not to go. Dry firing between range days can also help improve your skill and accuracy. If you’re looking to acquire a new skill such as defensive firearms, seek out classes to fit your schedule and budget.
It is vitally important to train often to prepare oneself for the unthinkable life or death confrontation. That is why we offer this essential training course:
Intro to Defensive Handgun
Now that you have received your Illinois Concealed Carry permit, you must continue to train and practice with your firearm. It cannot be over-emphasized that the difference between marksmanship and combat marksmanship is truly the difference between practicing against paper and fighting for your life. This course details the use of the pistol in the development of your skills to improve combat marksmanship, not bulls-eye shooting. Students will need their firearm, a good holster, a minimum of 4 magazines and a magazine carrier and minimum of 300 rounds of quality ammunition. Be prepared to spend the entire day on the range. Everything you will be taught in this class will be utilized in the shooting drills at the end of the course.
USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Course is a 16-hour course and meets the Illinois State Police requirements for the Illinois Concealed Carry Permit. Upon completion of the course, students will receive a certificate that is required when renewing their Illinois Concealed Carry Permit. Visit us online to learn more, or call us at 815-501-9421 with any questions.
Sources
AdobeStock_311208492
Comments
Post a Comment