I do a lot of dangerous stuff that I never had paid training to do. I've never been in a car accident, never cut my arm off, never electrocuted myself, and I have two kids. Apparently I didn't need professional training.
I thought we were all in agreement that practice is cheating...
I offer free training at the gun club I am on the board of, and get very few takers even though I know there are many there who carry with no training and /or practice. Of course in MI you have to take a class to get your CPL so you are good after that.
People that don't understand the basics can't practice. Practicing bad habits or practicing without any training base to work from most likely will be counterproductive and could be dangerous. IMHO irresponsible is putting it mildly. Don't want to "jack" the thread but it gives me an idea for another thread..Just to be clear the question was not about being trained, but practicing with the gun you carry.
To answer Coach, I think it can be irresponsible.
You in Michigan? I was wanting to take the Steve Fisher RDS class up there next month but can't... I will say though my brother in law had zero experience with shooting anything much less a pistol and he went through the Michigan class and I was honestly impressed with him when he came back and we went shooting. I don't know about all instructors but his was obviously squared away.
Yup, lots of people do it and if the time came to use it, it would be about as useful as a brick. But it sure does make them feel safer carrying it. False sense of security.Is it responsible to carry a gun if you do not practice with that gun?
Is it responsible to only practice enough to hit the X ring at 3 yards 1/10 times? Is dry fire practice sufficient?
My issue with the "practice/training is necessary to be a responsible gun carrier" is that it is elitist. The "carry is only for people with the resources to practice/train" is elitist.
SHOULD gun carriers do both? Sure. It is fun and rewarding.
SHOULD gun rights supporters accept that not everyone will do that? IMHO yes. And practice/training should be encouraged. (KF's long-argued position that such training should be tax deductible is brilliant.) But, saying or implying that the lack of such practice/training makes one irresponsible - while a fair opinion - is insulting to those who don't "have enough" practice/training.
I could really care less if I insult someone that wants to own/carry and refuses to become familiar and proficient with the gun. It is irresponsible. Period.
We all have our opinions on this. Well founded as we see the world. But just go stand at the range and watch. Then try and help those who really are lost and see what the reaction is.
More or less responsible than not being able to defend oneself with a firearm at all?
No thanks. I stopped trying to help (unless that's what I'm there to do for family/friends).
If they are at the range, are they not practicing? Isn't that the definition of "responsible" being proposed?
Or does are we really talking about proficiency?
Like Denny said........No better than a brick if you are not proficient with it. People hurt innocents or themselves far to often due to lack of proficiency. That is my point. It is not a Talisman.
This is a jump I'm not prepared to make.Yes they are. But again, as has been mentioned, repeated.......ingraining bad habits.
Yes, becoming comfortable with our side arm of choice. Putting some effort into owning/carrying so as to not cause harm to innocents.
Same applies to other rights... like parenthood.Just like we see on the roads. So many idiots with cars. When asked they are all great drivers.....
Well, I think there is a talismanic quality to mine, but that's probably for a different thread.
This is a jump I'm not prepared to make.
Telling an abused woman that it is irresponsible for her to have/carry a firearm RIGHT NOW WHEN SHE NEEDS IT MOST until after she gets proficient with it obviates the natural right aspect of gun possession.
Operating a firearm (nowadays) isn't rocket science. You point the thing at the thing and pull the thing.
Again, my argument is not about the "should." People should want to be proficient in all sorts of things that they're not. Firemaking is another good one.
As a member of the gun culture who doesn't practice as often as I probably should, I do take exception to being labeled "irresponsible."
Same applies to other rights... like parenthood.