Life Skills

Red Ryder BB Gun = Win

In conversation the other day I explained to a friend that he should know how to operate a firearm: know how to use it in the event that someone handed it to him, or, more likely, how to unload and make it safe. It's an essential life skill, like knowing how to use a cellphone, drive a stick shift car or perform the Heimlich maneuver. And the knowledge, once acquired, lasts more or less forever.

Another friend questioned this basic philosophy. Why, he asked, does someone need to know how to use a firearm? He argued that it was extremely unlikely either of the scenarios I described would ever unfold (use or make safe), and he is right. So why bother?

I found the question vexing, not least because his argument is sound in that, practically speaking, it will never happen: there are almost no circumstances where the knowledge is required.


So: Why is knowing how to operate a firearm an essential life skill?

1. Knowledge is power. Knowing is half the battle. Whatever cliche you want to use, it's all the same. Empower yourself.

2. Self-reliance is important. If you don't know how to do something you have to ask someone else to help you. They may or may not be able to give you aid, but you will be at their mercy. That is not acceptable. Again: Empower yourself.

By way of example, I know how to change a flat tire. I wouldn't (I have AAA), but I do (and have done), and so should you. 

3. Safety is important. If you teach your kids to brush their teeth, learn to swim, wear a seatbelt, or look both ways before crossing the street then you should teach them what to do if they see a gun. You have a responsibility to them and, by extension, to yourself. Lead by example.

So that's why. As a bonus, the time investment is small. You can learn basic principles in 15 minutes and enough to make safe almost any gun in about an hour, including practice time. The knowledge lasts a lifetime.

See you out there.