No training at all, huh? Hmm, ok.

Grew up around guns since I was knee high to a grasshopper. Military vet (USAF-Hoorah!) and former law enforcement.


In order to obtain a hunting license in the state of Mississippi you must attend and pass a Hunter's safety course taught by Fish & Game. You get caught hunting without a license and you are looking at one hefty fine and possible jail time along with having your gun or guns taken.

Not to own one, no. At least not in Texas. I can't speak to the process in other states.

But to have a carry permit you have to take a class that teaches you about the laws in your state that pertain to owning and carrying a handgun. and you have to pass a range examination.

I guess with all the talk about how properly educated gun owners would have less problems, I would have thought there would be some kind of training required. Thanks for answering.

(I know I can google this, I was just hoping those who own guns would speak up).

I see where you're coming from and I understand the, um, apprehension, but you'd be surprised how well the community polices itself. A serious gun owner understands that with the right comes a heavy responsibilty and for the most part, it's taken very seriously.

Like many others who have contributed here, I grew up in a family where hunting and firearms were a common thing. I was taught from an early age how deadly serious a business handling a firearm is. And my dad engrained in me a deep respect for the gun, he taught me the proper way to handle one, when and where it's to be used and for what purposes. It's served me well.

One thing many might not realize is that you can't have hardly anything on your record if you want to legally own a firearm. You can't have a DUI/DWI, any type of felony conviction, no arrest warrants, no history of spousal abuse, no drug convictions.. there are alot of things that can get your RTKBA revoked.. and if any of those things happen, you're required to give up your weapons..

Thanks for the info! I know very few people with guns. I've never shot one, or even held one, so I was just wondering.

If you want to go to the range sometime, I'd be glad to take you out and let you shoot any of my guns. You may not be anywhere close to where I am but someone is and if there's one thing for certain about gun people, it's that they love sharing their hobby with newbies..

It's really is alot of fun to spend time at the range and let loose. Given the proper safety precautions, it really can be fun for the whole family.. You'd be surprised how many fathers and sons you see out there, spending time together. Many regard it a right of passage..

for me training was the start,, i started at 5 with people who were ex military, and once i got into handguns, i started training with cops and people who shoot compitition. adn hunters saftey course before i could ever get my first hunting license.

Thanks for the offer! Unfortunately, you're on the wrong side of the country. I'll eventually find someone around here to go with, I'm sure.

Wow, started young. Good to know you got such good training!

people who shoot to eat know how to use the tools of the trade.

i would show you how to shoot,, but you wouldnt want to shoot what i shoot,,

I will find someone to go to a range with sometime .

I'm for the NRA I believe in the Constitution.
When I was growing up my Father had lots of guns, weapons etc. My parents made sure we knew not to handle them even if they were in sight(which they weren't)and that weapons are deadly. Parents need to step up!

not sure what the laws are in south carolina. but i live in the country. i admitt i keep my gun very handy. in theses hard times you never no when you will need it.

what about all the idiots who drive cars? easier to get a DL than a gun,and cars kill way more people than guns.actually idiots that shot guns and drive cars

My grandfather had his guns locked in a rack and put the bullets elsewhere. He was exceptionally tired from hunting one time and overlooked a bullet.

My Uncle had a bow and arrow and used a ruler for the arrow.
He shot the ruler through a hole in the screen door and the ruler went into the house and hit the gun. The gun was locked in the rack. The gun went off and hit my mother in the abdomen. She was a young child when it happened.

Yes, it was a freak accident.

Btw, my grandfather grew up with guns and was a hunter.

guns save lives. in some cases they take life. yes i agree. but if we did not have guns. we would be like the chinese people. unable to defend our self.

it should be mandatory that everybody carries a weapon.just think how much less crime we would have.

yes. when crooks see people packing. there not so brave.