The Rise of Gun Ownership and the Quest for Responsible Training

A confluence of factors, including rising crime rates, anxieties surrounding defunding the police, and the pervasive fear of uncertainty following natural disasters and potential future pandemics, are driving a significant surge in gun ownership across the United States. This increased interest in firearms has also spurred a parallel demand for professional gun training, as individuals recognize the importance of responsible gun handling and proficiency.

Eric Stieber, who attended a week-long handgun course at Gunsite Academy, a prominent gun training facility near Prescott, Arizona, encapsulates this sentiment: "There’s a lot of things, a lot of chaos that happens, especially like big cities, and, you know, people don’t want to be the victim anymore."

According to statistics, over 40% of American households possess firearms, and the annual sales of guns outpace those of new cars. However, experts emphasize that simply owning a firearm does not equate to knowing how to use it effectively and safely.

Kevin Regan, a Maryland real estate executive, aptly illustrates this point: "If you buy a piano, you’re not Billy Joel. If you buy a gun, you’re not Wyatt Earp. If you buy a gun, you need to practice."

The importance of proper training is further underscored by Texas trauma surgeon Bill Morgan, who recently completed a simulation exercise at the Playhouse, an indoor training facility that mimics real-life scenarios. Morgan warns, "The number one takeaway I got from this experience is – don’t go out and buy a gun and just go down to the shooting range and think that you’re trained, because you are not."

The Playhouse environment presents participants with challenging situations, requiring them to differentiate between threats and non-threats within a simulated environment. Participants must navigate the concrete block house, confronting cardboard targets while distinguishing between armed individuals and innocent bystanders.

Ari Paul, a Miami investor who participated in the simulation, highlights the stress and complexity involved: "I live in Florida, where I think something like a third of all households have a firearm. So it’s not a terrible skill to have. No one should buy a firearm unless they were prepared to train intensely and treat it seriously. Because I think without proper training, you’re more likely to do harm than good."

The training regimen at Gunsite Academy includes a variety of drills designed to enhance accuracy and decision-making skills. Students practice shooting at human silhouettes that spin on a wooden frame, requiring them to quickly acquire targets and deliver accurate shots to vital areas such as the head and heart from varying distances.

Another exercise involves navigating a ravine with concealed steel targets, challenging students to identify and engage targets with speed and precision.

Eric Stieber, reflecting on the training, acknowledges the gravity of the responsibility that comes with firearm ownership: "This part was fun, but there’s all the things you have to think about of real-life situations, of it’s not going to be a steel target. It’s going to be a human being behind that. And that’s a lot of responsibility to take with you."

Gunsite Academy also offers training in combat tactics using AR-15 and bolt-action rifles, expanding the scope of instruction beyond handguns.

Interestingly, there is a noticeable increase in the number of women participating in gun training programs. According to Buz Mills, the owner of Gunsite Academy, more than 10% of their students are women.

Cindy Hartin, a retiree attending a course, shares her perspective: "I think there are a lot more, especially women who are interested in shooting and handguns and protecting themselves. I’m a little cautious when I mention it to friends and family, but most people are really excited to hear and ask me lots of questions."

Mills observes that the stigma associated with gun ownership has diminished significantly in recent years. "That’s different from 10 or even 20 years ago when Mills says there was more of a stigma attached with gun ownership. Today, that isn’t so much the case in most of America, where Supreme Court decisions and state laws are more friendly to gun rights."

He attributes this shift in attitude to evolving societal perceptions and legal developments that have broadened gun rights. Mills states, "Are people in general, becoming more comfortable being associated with firearms than they had in the past? Yes, and that is absolutely the truth. Because firearms are becoming more mainstream."

The increasing interest in firearms and the emphasis on responsible training reflect a growing desire among Americans to protect themselves and their families in an increasingly uncertain world. While debates surrounding gun control continue, the importance of proper training and responsible gun ownership is becoming increasingly recognized as a crucial aspect of ensuring public safety. The shift in perception, especially among women, signals a change toward proactive self-defense strategies amidst feelings of vulnerability. As firearms become more mainstream, the focus on comprehensive training is imperative to mitigate risks and promote responsible gun handling practices across the nation.