Recent Gun Owner: Safety Tips & Classes

May 26, 2020

So you’re a recent gun owner…

In recent months, many people have become firearms owners for the first time. Many of these customers have never before thought of purchasing a gun. They want it for home defense, and not necessarily for concealed carry. As such, Bill Jackson’s is developing a new firearms safety and maintenance class for new owners.

It will be of shorter duration and different from the gun safety class required to obtain a concealed weapons permit. Only the most basic information will be taught. Until it is possible for us to offer this class, we give you a glimpse into what it will entail with this blog. If you don’t get anything else out of this, know the following 4 rules (we added one to the NRA list).

Firearms Safety for a Recent Gun Owner:

1. Treat all guns as though they are always loaded, and always perform a clearance check every time you pick it up!
2. Never point your gun at anything that you are not willing to destroy!
3. Keep your finger OFF the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are on target and have made the decision to shoot!
4. Always be sure of your target and beyond!

As a new gun owner, you are responsible for the safe storage and use of that gun. Many of the skills necessary are best taught in person. Read on to the learn more about the upcoming class which will be designed to cover three main areas: Types of Firearms, Function of Firearms, and Maintenance of your firearms.

Type of Firearms section

We will cover the various types of handguns – Semi Automatic and Revolvers.

Semi Automatic guns use the energy of the fired cartridge to clear the spent shell and load the next round. There are three versions: Double Action/Single action, Double action only, and Single action pistols.

• Single action – There is only when one action happens with the pulling of the trigger. In fact, the hammer releases to fire the weapon.
• Double action – The trigger performs two actions which include pulling back of the hammer and its release.
• Double Action/Single Action – This version allows the user to choose which action to take.

Revolvers have a cylinder which mechanically revolves to align the round with the barrel. With respect to revolvers, there are Double Action/Single action and Single Action only.

Function of firearms

We will demonstrate how each of the above firearms functions, how to load, clearing procedures (mentioned in safety rule 1), loading of magazines and cylinders, and use of the various types of safeties found on modern firearms. With the variety of guns available, to expand on this section in such a short blog would be impossible.

Maintenance of firearms

Finally, we will discuss proper maintenance and cleaning of firearms. All firearms regardless of type need proper maintenance to be able to function properly when required. We will discuss field stripping of your firearm, to include videos, and cleaning of pistols and revolvers. In addition, we will also demonstrate the wide assortment of cleaning products, and the required tools and lubricants.

Class to follow for a recent gun owner…

We know this blog does not provide all the detailed information needed for first time gun owners, but know this. There are things you need to know if you are a recent gun owner.  The Second Amendment guarantees our rights to “keep and bear arms.” It does not remove your obligation to obtain professional firearms training.

Update edit:  Classes have started again. Click here to view.

Time allocated for the course will be approximately 2 hours versus about 8 hours for the “Concealed Weapons Class: Novice Shooter”. Classes have a limit of 15 students. There may be multiple classes per day depending on customer interest. Above all, watch our website and social media for the class’s announcement.