Firearm Training and the Law

Guns tend to be stereotyped by many people for all the wrong reasons. Typically, it’s because those guns get into the hands of the wrong people. Unfortunately, that tends to put all gun owners in the spotlight, having to explain how firearm training works, and how it can even be beneficial in the eyes of the law. 

It’s important to note, first and foremost, that firearm training isn’t simply learning how to shoot a gun. There is so much more to it than that. That’s where individuals who don’t go through the proper training make mistakes. They don’t always know how to handle a gun safely or shoot effectively. 

So, what kind of firearm training does law enforcement, and even the court system recognize as beneficial in legal situations?

Gun Safety Training

Perhaps the most important type of training that law enforcement considers beneficial is gun safety training. You can learn the basics of gun safety at any recognized training facility, including the NRA. 

Safety training includes everything from safe handling and shooting to safe storage of your firearm. Understanding how to use your gun properly will help to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injuries. 

Training Courses

The legal industry will always find any type of professional firearm training beneficial over those who have received no professional training. The type of training you should receive depends on your gun of choice and what you plan on using it for. 

For example, you shouldn’t take pistol training if you plan on solely using a shotgun. 

Personal Protection

In most cases, a personal protection training course will be the most beneficial in the eyes of the law. If you end up having to shoot someone to protect yourself, your property, or someone else who may otherwise get injured or killed, showing that you have the right training to know how to handle such a situation can help you. 

Personal protection courses typically cover things like self-defense inside and outside the home, how to store, carry, and load your gun properly, and how to abide by the law while protecting yourself and those close to you. 

The NRA even offers a course that covers the legal aspects of self-defense. This part of their course is instructed by an attorney or a law enforcement officer. During the course, professionals familiar with the laws in your area will be able to give you more details on what you can and cannot do with a firearm to defend yourself in or outside your home. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions directly to those who have the answers. The last place you’ll ever want to find yourself is in a courtroom because you didn’t receive the proper firearm training to uphold the law. 

So, don’t allow yourself and your firearm to fall into the negative gun owner stereotypes. Instead, take the time to get the training you need. It doesn’t take long, it will keep you and those around you safe, and it will be beneficial if you ever find yourself in a legal situation.