Why Not Trick Out My Gun?

When owning a firearm, it is easy to get tempted by the myriad of “gadgets” and “improvements” that are available for you as enhancements. This is especially true for AR 15’s, certain shotguns and various handguns. However, it is not always a good idea or recommended that you augment your firearms with these devices no matter how “tacti-cool” or functional they may seem for your firearm of choice.

First, if you were to ever use your “enhanced” firearm in a defensive situation, the firearm could be used against you in a court of law - should the case go to trial. An aggressive prosecutor may use it as a reason for why you resorted to using your firearm instead of a lesser lethal means. In other words, the prosecutor will argue that you were anxiously seeking for an opportunity to use your “Tricked Out” firearm.

Second, many of the enhancements available on the market are not really enhancements at all. For example, putting a heat shield on a shot gun. Really? When will there be a need for this item? It is highly unlikely that enough rounds will be fired to require such a device. However, it does give the shotgun a “tacti-cool” aesthetic that many are looking for and enjoy.

Another example that comes to mind is the bump stock. There is sufficient data on-line that demonstrates considerable accuracy is lost when using a bump stock over just firing faster with a standard stock AR-15. Moreover, with the recent tragedy in Las Vegas, this is certainly an unnecessary risk that should be avoided. So, while it will provide shooting fun at the range, care should be taken to only utilize the firearm in that venue and not for self-defense scenarios.

While there are many other examples that come to mind, the aforementioned illustrations are sufficient to make the case for gun owners to be cognizant of what they are buying and why they are buying it.

Finally, the enhancements can be quite costly while providing no measurable benefit in functionality or other stated improvements. That being said, gun owners are encouraged to weigh the cost of the expenditure against the benefits touted – evening if only for aesthetic reasons.

Some question to ask are, Is the money better spent on the enhancement or more ammunition? After all, a firearm without ammunition is not very useful. Will this enhancement help improve accuracy, reduce reloading time, facilitate with certain required actions, etc.?

Certainly, there are products available that can provide measurable or perceivable improvements, but only when the decision to purchase is thoroughly thought thru should the decision be made.

In conclusion, as gun owners are bombarded with a plethora of “gadgets’ and so called “enhancements,” they should take the time to consider all the ramifications of purchasing any of these products. Doing so will help prevent potential legal problems, ensure the stated benefits are real and that money is spent wisely. In short, make gun ownership a more enjoyable and safe experience.

Why Take a CCW Class?

This is a question that surely many have asked themselves. Those who have knowledge of guns, or have more than a cursory exposure to them, will usually take a Concealed Carry Weapons (CCW) class to obtain a concealed carry license as required by law. Individuals with little to no knowledge of guns may not see the benefits of taking a CCW class for other than obtaining a concealed carry license. However, both types of gun owners will benefit from taking a CCW class for more than just getting a concealed carry license.

First, the most important thing that is taught in a CCW class is the attitude required for owning and using a firearm safely. Guns are neither safe nor unsafe by themselves.  Only when gun owners learn and practice responsible gun ownership are guns safe. 

Guns must be viewed as a tool and must be respected as such. They should not be feared; as inanimate objects they cannot cause harm if left alone. It is only when respect for them is lost or someone uses them erroneously, or for deliberate criminal action, that bad things happen. This is no different than a carpenter using an electric circular saw to cut lumber. A loss of respect for this tool may cause the carpenter to cut off a finger or worse. That is why carpenters follow strict safety protocols when using this very useful but dangerous tool. That is why having the correct attitude by learning gun safety and the proper use of a gun is so important.

Second, a CCW class will provide a primer on the laws governing the possession, conveyance, and use of guns for personal protection. Each of these topics have specific statues that must be known and understood to keep the gun owner from ending up on the wrong side of the law.

For example, if a gun owner uses a firearm in a defensive situation, there are three conditions under Ohio law that must be proven by a preponderance of the evidence to justify the use of deadly force. Moreover, it must be understood that ignorance of the law is not a defense.

The expectation is that if a person is going to own or even carry a gun, one will take the time to learn the laws and statutes governing guns. When you go to the Sheriff’s office to apply for your concealed carry license you will be asked if you have read the Ohio’s Concealed Carry Laws publication, which summarizes prevailing firearms and self-defense laws.

By attending a CCW class, you will learn the basic laws governing firearms and will where to get additional information. While it is not intended to be a substitute for advice from a competent attorney, it will provide an introduction to gun laws and some commons sense advice.

Finally, a CCW class will teach the basics of shooting. These include, but are not limited to, common pistol action types, explaining the difference between a revolver and a pistol and their corresponding parts, cartridge components, the three rules of safe gun handling, and the five fundamentals of shooting.

Then there is the fun, but sometimes nerve racking, range competency examination. While many think that the range portion of the course is just focused on the ability to shoot, it involves much more. The most important thing being tested is the individual’s attitude such as whether the shooter is following the three laws of proper gun handling, is demonstrating proper muzzle awareness, and is following commands, etc. Safety is the prime skill being tested during the range portion of the class. Only when a proper attitude is observed can shooting accuracy be tested.

In summary, it is recommended that all gun owners, or prospective gun owners, take a CCW class. Just like with anything else in life you want to pursue, learning more about it is the first step. Learning the basics is the first step towards a more enjoyable and effective experience. So don’t delay, make a decision today for acquiring knowledge that will take you to the next level of gun ownership, take a CCW class. You will not regret it.

Why Open Carry is Ineffective

Whether you are planning on carrying a gun to protect yourself and/or loved ones, you should still take a concealed carry class. Only by learning more about a subject can one be in a position to make an informed decision on such an important topic. The topic of guns is no different.

While it is true that Ohio is an open carry state, open carry provides no advantages over concealed carry. For one, it provides no tactical advantage against a threat. If a criminal sees that you are carrying a gun, his first reaction will be to disable you first. After all, even a criminal wants to get back home safe at the end of his "workday." 

A tactical advantage is only attained when it is coupled with a surprise response. Thinking that he has the advantage over his would-be victim(s) may cause a criminal to drop his guard, thereby providing the potential victim an opportunity to respond appropriately to prevent  bodily harm to himself and others.

Secondly, in many communities (i.e. Cleveland, Lorain, Columbus, etc.) open carry will cause unnecessary turmoil with those unfriendly to or afraid of guns. In most cases, the police will be called and you may be questioned or even be arrested for inciting panic or other disturbance. In the end, you will win, but it may cost you money in lost hours at work or attorneys fees to help you meander the legal hurdles.

Learning more about guns and the law will put you in a better position to make an informed decision concerning gun ownership and whether concealed carry is an option for you. Only when preconceived notions are scrutinized with truth can your decisions be knowledge based.

You are the only one responsible for your actions, so learn all you can about guns. Then make the decision that best suits your life and family circumstances.