Gun ownership has taken center stage in some arenas, citing an increased ownership amongst women. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the way the worlds culture has changed and not always for the betterment of society.
A firearm itself is simply a tool and requires the action of having ammunition inserted and the trigger pulled. We all know that firearms are inherently dangerous and extreme caution should be exercised at all times. The information shared here is a baseline minimum when it comes to gun safety. Some of you may be familiar with these rules, please feel free to share with a new shooter or anyone that could simply use a refresher.
The rise in crime and uncertainty of when or if law enforcement will arrive. We as women must have the confidence that we can keep ourselves and our families safe, coupled with the competency in basic shooting fundamentals which includes skills, knowledge and the proper attitude required to handle a firearm for concealed carry, home and or self-defense purposes.
Whatever the reason for taking on the responsibility of gun ownership, developing the proper skillset is paramount. Here we’ll share the basic yet most important Universal Safety Rules:
Treat all guns as though they are loaded - Guns demand the highest level of respect any and every time you are in the presence of one. All guns are always loaded, anytime you physically handle a firearm you must do a clearance check first, to clear a semi-automatic - remove the magazine and lock the action back, check the barrel visually and physically to ensure no ammunition is loaded in the firearm. To clear a revolver, open the cylinder latch and remove all ammunition.
Never point your firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy - This is where you understand what your tool/gun's job is, and that is to either put holes in paper during practice or holes in a person during a dynamic critical incident to stop a deadly threat on your life or the lives of your loved ones.
Keep your finger OFF the trigger and outside of the trigger guard until you are on target and have a conscious decision to shoot- I like to use the phrase high and tight when speaking of finger placement on the outside of the trigger guard and on frame, by keeping for finger high and tight in the event you are startled your body’s natural reaction will be to grasp or clinch your hands into a closed fisted position. Remember to “only put your finger on the trigger when you have made a decision to shoot and have your sights on your target”.
Always be sure of your target and what's beyond - Imagine ten thousand dollars being attached to every round that leaves your firearm. Remember the old saying we used to hear back in the day on New Year's Eve, when people would shoot guns into the air, that bullets don't have any names attached to it? You will be held accountable for every round that leaves your gun.
Make a pledge to yourself that you will follow the universal safety rules and that you will practice good communication with others as you witness them breaking the rules, the life you save could be your own. Commit to a comprehensive safety plan for your home and make a point to review it often.
Empowered Personal Protection, LLC was founded simply because during my training, I never had a female instructor, if memory serves me well, there was one female instructor who was sitting in on a class in Arizona. Race car or football analogies are often used and since I do not follow sports, I wished for someone to share linguistic expressions that I could better relate.
Shooting is my passion and self-defense is our right. I want every person who makes a conscious decision to embrace the second amendment including the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. We exist to empower women, men and children (parental participation required) on their personal protection journey.