People often ask me what worries me most about the firearms "situation." I know they are referring to our 2nd Amendment rights and the ability to purchase/own certain type weapons, limits on magazine capacity and these type issues. "My main concern," I reply, "is that the vast majority of people who own firearms never learn how to use them safely and properly." Usually their response is a sort of blank look on their face, or as they say, "Mind blown." (For full effect you have to use your hands and fingers to simulate the brain exploding out of the skull.) The skills necessary to operate a firearm are not something we're born with. There's very little that is "natural" about using firearms. In fact, a lot of our natural instincts are counterproductive if not downright detrimental to performing safely and efficiently with a firearm. Rule III, "Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target" - Morrison, The Modern Technique of the Pistol, page 7 - is a prime example of how our "natural" instincts are dangerous. Give a firearm to anyone who hasn't been taught basic safety. The very first thing they do is put their finger on the trigger. They haven't been taught otherwise, and this is where it feels "natural" for the finger to be when gripping the weapon. Add a little stress to the situation and even people who know better have that finger on the trigger when it shouldn't be. Rule II: Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. This makes common sense, but you see people breaking it all the time. Our body tends to follow the head. When someone is holding a firearm and they look in one direction - like at you - watch out. An untrained person, and even those that know better, will cover you with the weapon. Weapon manipulations are another skill that doesn't come natural. To unload a semi-auto pistol you need to remove the magazine, cycle the slide – three times is best – and finish by visually inspecting the camber to ensure it's clear. Of course during all this the muzzle must be pointing in a safe direction and finger off the trigger. It's not unusual for someone cycle the slide, see a round ejected, then remove the magazine without realizing there is still a round in the chamber. Safety Rule I: All guns are always loaded. This is one that even trained shooters get wrong, all the time. I recently taught a short session for a group of law-enforcement instructors. These people know the safety rules, yet while getting ready for carbine training their muzzles were pointing every direction except a "safe" direction. Their carbines, and minds, were "unloaded." The majority of guns owners, especially those that are newer to the sport, get too caught up in buying stuff instead of learning how to use it. The older and more experienced gunmen I know don't have that many different firearms, but you can be double sure they know how to use the ones they have in a safe and exceptional manner. Keep in mind training is only part of the process. Afterwards it's on you to practice the skills you were introduced to in training until through repetition you actually learn them. Should we be concerned and involved with the political and cultural issues concerning firearms ownership? Yes! Just keep in mind this is involvement on a macro level, the big picture. At the micro level we have to be just as concerned with the ability as an individual to handle firearms properly. This applies regardless of the application, but particularly when it comes to defensive use of firearms. I know that I'm preaching to the choir here. So, I'm asking you to print this out on paper and personally hand it to your friends or family who own firearms. It doesn't matter whether they are hunters, plinkers or have a weapon for self-defense. Have them read it, and then help get them get started in the right direction. The more firearms owners who have training, and practice, the less we all have to worry. Tiger McKee is director of Shootrite Firearms Academy, located in northern Alabama. He is the author of "The Book of Two Guns" - http://shootrite.org/book/book.html writes for several firearms/tactical publications, and is featured on GunTalk's DVD, "Fighting With The 1911 - http://shootrite.org/dvd/dvd.html Website: www.shootrite.org http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shootrite-Firearms-Academy/156608611038230?ref=ts