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

FN 309 01
FN 309 01

New For 2026: FN 309 MRD

For 2026, FN is seeking to bring its handguns to a wider market with the FN 309 MRD, a no-frills affordable pistol that the company says is “easy to shoot, easy to use and easy to own.”

Handloads: A Cheap .38 Special Target Load

These times of sparsely available handloading components require scrimping here and there in order to continue shooting, and the .38 Special provides a lot of bang for the buck.

Jack O'Connor Guns, Books & Art Up For Auction

A number of books and firearms, along with some art pieces, that have a direct connection to famed outdoor writer Jack O'Connor are up for auction at GunBroker.

Building Christensen Rifles: A Hands-On View

A cutting-edge enterprise takes on the lightweight-hunting-rifle market with models that defy expectations—all without flinching.

New For 2026: 25 WBY RPM

The 25 WBY RPM is the 17th proprietary cartridge developed by Weatherby, a company whose name is synonymous with magnum cartridges and bullet speed.

The Armed Citizen® Jan. 12, 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.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.