I am providing a forum for voicing your opinions.  I claim no 
responsibility for any opinions expressed here.



KIDS AND GUNS



It is commonly stated "Keep guns away from kids".  While this is generally true,
it is not complete by itself and must be elaborated upon.

"Keep guns away from kids" or "Keep kids away from guns" are great statements, 
but here's the problem:  There's no mention of how to do it.  Most people simply
think they will keep their gun hidden and their kids will never find it.  Guns 
that are not in use should be locked up, not "hidden".  This also applies for 
hiding guns to keep them safe from burglars.  If you can think of a good hiding 
place, so can a burglar (to quote Joe Friday, actually).

Another problem with the statement is guns must be kept away from not just children,
but anyone who is untrained and/or unknowledgeable about guns.  The problem with 
this is, most people are untrained and/or unknowledgeable.  "Being around" guns does
not automatically make you knowlegeable.  Being a hunter does not necessarily make 
you knowlegeable either.  There are some that are, but most are not.  A gun in the 
hand of a 35 year old idiot is just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than a gun 
in the hands of a child.

Another thing to think about is not all kids are dangerous with guns.  Some children
know more about gun safety than some adults.  It's scary, but it is absolutely true.

I assure you, most people are not knowledgeable about guns.  I hope you're not 
offended by this statement, but if you are, you're probably who I'm talking about.  

Have you ever said "Don't worry, it ain't loaded?" or "It's ok, I'm a cop/hunter/
shooter/etc." or anything similar when you point a gun at someone for no good reason
and they call you on it?  Have you ever pointed a gun at someone for no reason even
if they didn't say anything?  If so, you're that person.

Do you think it's no big deal to point a gun at someone for no reason?  If so, you're
the person I mean.

Have you ever had an "accidental" discharge and all you could say was "I didn't know
it was loaded!" (by the way, it's irrelevant whether you knew it was loaded, you are
responsible for the gun if it is in your hands) or "You should have told me it was 
loaded!"  If so, you're the person I mean.

Have you ever picked up a gun and put your finger on the trigger for no reason?  Are
you offended when someone says something to you?  If so, you're the person I mean.

Have you ever handed a gun to a person without clearing it first?  If so, you're him.

Are you offended if someone won't show you their gun or if they clear it before they 
hand it to you?  If so, you're the person I mean.

Do you, in general, think you know everything there is to know about guns and nobody
can tell you anything because of this?  If so, you're the person I mean.

The problem is, as I stated, most people are not knowledgeable about guns.  The more 
they think they know, the less they usually actually know.

If you are this person, you are just as dangerous as a child.  Don't handle guns.

I am a state certified instructor, NRA certified instructor, an IALEFI instructor, among
others, and I have several hundred hours of training, and I never assume I know anything.

A more correct statement would be "We should keep guns away from anyone who is not 
properly trained or knowlegeable."  Never assume anyone is competent.  Most aren't.

Robert "Robbie" Robinson
My Experience and Training: