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

Staccato P4x Review 1
Staccato P4x Review 1

First Impressions of the Staccato P4X

Down in Texas, Staccato launched a new pistol to celebrate America's 250th anniversary: the P4X. One can hardly blame them considering that the company's entire product line is based on the 1911, arguably the most American of handguns.

A Big Third Circuit Ruling on America’s Rifle

In an appeal of a case the NRA filed in 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit struck down New Jersey’s ban on “assault weapons” and “large capacity” ammunition magazines as unconstitutional.

Top Cop: How an Armed American Saved President Trump’s Life

An NRA Benefactor Member and NRA Certified Law Enforcement Patrol Rifle Instructor, Sergeant Aaron Zaliponi likely saved the life of President Trump in Butler, Pa. For these reasons, the NRA has selected him as the 2025 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Review: Rock River Arms A1 Carbine SBR

The Rock River Arms A1 SBR is just plain cool, and there’s little justification needed beyond that for picking up a new gun. It’s a mixture of throwback, retro and nostalgia with a bayonet lug, and you just can’t go wrong there.

The Armed Citizen® July 20, 2026

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Plinking Perfect: 5 Must-Haves for Your Next Rimfire Shoot

What better way to celebrate 250 years of freedom than to go out plinking this summer? Here are five great products that will make your next rimfire range trip better than ever before.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.