Fear & Loading: Teach them Young

by
posted on October 31, 2016
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
gsagi2015_fs.jpg (1)

There are good reasons my children and grandchildren were taught firearm handling and safety at a young age. To date (knock on wood) I haven’t had a problem and the way they handle any gun makes me proud.

More than likely you’ve also dispelled the mystique with family members and their close—often too curious—friends. Choir members know the advantages, so I’ll suspend preaching long enough to share an example for those who don’t believe .

A home invader last week in Idaho opened fire without warning on the father and son who discovered him in the house. He shot six times, thankfully without connecting.

Sometime during the one-sided gunfight the son retrieved a shotgun, loaded and neutralized the threat. The criminal is in the hospital with stomach wounds.

“He really stepped up and saved us,” the father said. The video makes it obvious the “hero” was hoping the sight of a shotgun would stop the assault. Instead it resulted in three more incoming rounds, leaving no other choice than to pull the trigger. 

Latest

Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special 1
Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special 1

The Model 87 Ultra Special: A Rare Survivor of Ithaca's Final Gamble

In the spring of 1990, an 18-year-old received a shotgun he didn't order. The Ithaca Model 87 Ultra Special he got instead was the last gasp of one of America's most iconic shotgun makers.

As Gun Sales Stay High, Violent Crime Hits a Historic Low

According to a recent report from the FBI on national crime statistics, violent crime has decreased 9.3 percent from 2024, marking the largest year-to-year drop since the 1930s.

Five Million Friends

From one room of friends in Missouri to a nationwide movement, Friends of NRA celebrates more than five million lives touched through community, volunteerism, and a shared commitment to the future of the shooting sports.

Federal to Provide Rifle Ammunition to Top Nordic Police Agencies

The Nordic Police, comprised of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland, recently selected two Federal Ammunition rifle loads for duty and training use.

New For 2026: Beretta APX A1 Ported

Beretta first entered the polymer-frame, striker-fired pistol market in 2017 with its APX, and nearly 10 years later, the company has added the APX A1 Ported to the lineup.

CDC Restores Basic Armed Citizen Data

As of Aug. 24, 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s webpage is again providing defensive-gun-use data.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.