Were you trained to use a gun?

Question

Here in the UK guns are mostly limited to Hunters, farmers, clay pigeon shooters etc. People don't buy them for self defence. Normally people who want to take up shooting move in certain circles and are taken under the wing of a more experienced person who trains them. People don't just buy guns at the supermarket then wander into the woods to have a go at hunting.

But in America where guns are common are most people actually trained how to use them or is it just a case of figure it out for yourself?

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

At the beginning about 50 years ago NRA was big into training. You couldn't get a hunting license unless you were trained and how to utilize firearms. I was fortunate enough to have a father that love to hunt. He taught me a lot of safety. You can never have enough safety he said. After graduating high school a lot of us was lucky to get to play the draft lottery. I was one of the fortunate ones that got the draw. I took this opportunity to learn more about weapons. I found that I loved the smell of gunpowder. I spent 30 years in the military. Now that I have left the military. I see stupidity all over the place. I think before a person can acquire a weapon they need to go through a series of training. The sad thing is the bad guys come up with guns that are unregistered or registered that they have stolen over a period of time. These people are the ones that are dangerous to our society. These people are the ones that are causing a lot of issues for most of us Americans and causes us to go out and purchase something that we have no idea how to handle.

bayoubob · Accepted Answer

A and B. Of course. But to say you can just enter Walmart and buy a gun is mental. Media does this. They make it seem as if any fucktard that wants to just enter a store can walk out with one. What we say to that? Stop listening to Democrats, hop in your car and enter any place you choose. Try to buy one. You will be laughed out on the spot. You think you can do the most Libtarded lie of all? Where you can show up at a gun show and walk out with one no questions asked? Try it. You will be laughed out. You are lead to believe we are evil. Do the prerequisites. You will find out you are being lied to 8 ways till Sunday. They tell you common sense gun laws do not exist. It's just another lie to get your vote.

SaoirseS · Accepted Answer

I grew up with guns, and often went bird hunting with my dad and his cronies. Then as a teen, I started clay target shooting and rifle shooting. I trained with handguns since being a late teen. I also spent four years in the Army National Guard. I've had both experienced shooters train me in safe firearms handling, and have taken several courses. I live in a constitutional carry state in the United States, but I don't know anyone who handles firearms that hasn't had some training or instruction.

Bee-Hatch · Accepted Answer

I think I disagree with you on this one. The majority of people trained in the use of weapons in the uk are serving and ex military. By a significant amount. People who use them recreationally are a minority within the minority. Pest controllers and farmers probably sit somewhere in the middle.

ChrisMaster69 · Answer

Yes was trained to use various firearms and I am a member of a couple of shooting clubs.

I also find it funny how people use the Home defence thing and then have an impractical home defence firearm, or they quote militia and have an inadequate firearm for that.

Also from witnessing US military on ranges 🤦 training can leave a lot to be desired as does marksmanship.

DJB72 · Answer

I grew up in the UK and as a cadet was taught to fire a Lee-Enfield.303 bolt action rifle, a martini action.22, an SLR and the SA80. I could also disassemble a LMG/Bren gun in 35 seconds but as an under 18 wasn't allowed to fire it as it's fully automatic.

I was also an instructor by 18 on the Lee-Enfield.

Great fun

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

I was taught by my father how to maintain, store, handle and shoot rifles, shotguns, pistols and respective ammunition. I have dozens of family members and friends who are firearms enthusiasts and outdoorsmen. I know more people who shoot than i know people who don’t. I’ve never been shooting with an untrained or undisciplined person. I don’t know anyone who has. Most gun owners are responsible, law abiding citizens.

Lliam · Answer

'B'. Experienced friends and relatives. Also reading.

The safe use and handling of a firearm isn't rocket science. Beyond that, accuracy and proficiency just takes lots of practice.

I did take a lesson in hitting moving targets with a shotgun at a trap and skeet range.

20yearsolder · Answer

I was trained, I took a hunter's safety course. My father was a law enforcement officer that took me out shooting. Taught me the proper way to handle, shoot and store a firearm. Unfortunately I would guess that the majority of gun owners in the US are not trained properly

Th3ft · Answer

My dad took all of us hunting and target practice since we could hold a gun straight. I almost shot him a couple of times but just last Christmas we were all at my brother and had a laser target set up for practicing with guns so all the grandkids and grandparents could also shoot. I had the second best cluster! So that was nice!!

Crafteroon · Answer

We had an air gun at summer cabin, so learned to shoot targets and guns and proper gun and trigger discipline since I was a kid. Mandatory military service upgraded that to assault rifles and heavier weapons. Still don't feel the need to own one myself, but knowing how to properly operate one has prevented all accidents so far. That and keeping all weapons away from kids and locked away.

TCredo · Answer

From US. I don't own a gun. Have only ever fired a BB gun and paintball gun. Most of the people I know do not own a gun but those that do, it seems most of them did get at least a little bit of training.

I am pretty sure in the troublesome city areas with gun problems (i. e. Chicago, NY, Baltimore, LA) - those folks are not getting training except for what they learn on the streets.

Adronicus · Answer

My Grandfather was a Marine, fought in WW2, Omaha beach. He made sure we could all shoot as well as teaching us how to forage. I was around 5 years old the first time I shot a gun. I'm also the best shot I know by far with a rifle or pistol. He also taught us how to wield a blade if needed (vital areas / basic human anatomy).

jamesgoldman · Answer

I'm British but yeah my first (legal but that's a different story) firearms experience and first time firing a gun was on a family friends farm shooting pests with his nephew on afternoon... finished the day barbecuing some other meat obtained in the same way (some venison, bit of rabbit, pheasant and pigeon)

AFretiredTXn · Answer

Yes I was trained. Trained by my father, We grew up as hunters and learned the use of several different guns. When I bought my 1st pistol a 9mm , I was professionally trained and received a Concealed Carry License. I was also trained when I bought an AR 15.

Jaximus-Lion · Answer

I did military service and worked with American troops in Baghdad where i learned even more. I have been trained how to handle different firearms. I never hold a gun/rifle since i left Iraq but i still remember how to handle it.

Aerissa_Jade · Answer

Was taught starting at 8 how to shoot, how to clean, safety measures and all of it. Also done official classes but they didn't add much to what I already knew.

ethanallen · Answer

If you are asking about my gun between my legs, no, I was not trained to use it. If you are asking about my rifle in my closet, yes, i was trained to use.

Prof_Don · Answer

My dad and my grandfather got into the gun culture during mid 2020 when riots were going on at the beginning of the pandemic. They showed me the ropes and we went out shooting a few times.

MrOracle · Answer

I had to train myself, with the help of books, because of a lack of other resources near me. I eventually got certified and I have trained several hundred people over the years.

Bratsondanielle · Answer

I grew up with a 2nd amendment dad who took me shooting since I could walk. He gave me a cute little purple girly gun on my 17th birthday

TheMajesticKing777 · Answer

Yep I technically trained myself, since I was 14 but I'm 21 now and I took a course for my carry conceal so it's enough training for the government so why not for others ha

bolverk · Answer

I learned to shoot curtsey of the RAF and the British Army, did more training when working in the US, had a concealed carry permit, and carried a Browning High Power every day until I returned to the UK, then I took up.22 target shooting.

mmaaaa · Answer

went to an actual instructor, but first learned from friends and family

Bluemax · Answer

From the U. S.  I was trained by a friend. He was a marine. He taught me how to field strip and clean my rifles. Taught me how to shoot.

FreyaRed · Answer

I started with airguns and.22LR rifles, then I trained on my father's.308 and 8mm Mauser. I prefer rifles and didn't shot much with pistols

bean2k21 · Answer

I started going to the police training academy with my father when I was really young, and could should a man between the eyes at the age of 10. I had a.22 and he had a.38.

Anonymous · Answer

In fairness that self training looks pretty effective to me.

I did read on the Darwin Awards about people playing Russian Roulette with semi automatic, magazine fed pistols. Again an effective training method in a sense.

Pete671 · Answer

UK here, trained on handguns, high capacity shotguns both semi and slide action, L1A1 rifle in the army,,,

by the way you can't buy any firearm for self-defence here, you have to give another reason if you get my drift,,,

NathanDavis · Answer

first, I was trained about gun safety for years and years, and years... gun safety

DCooper · Answer

Everyone I know learned from their dads, at least the basics. Half or so learned a lot more in basic training.

ShadezMcgee · Answer

Military training and basic pistol course. So yes.

EmmaMary · Answer

I have absolutely no intentions whatsoever of ever using a gun.

andreasderjuengere · Answer

During my (then obligatory) military service.  It did not excite me in any way. But I know the do's and don'ts now.

Jessica405 · Answer

Never used a gun. Never needed one. Just not necessary.

Oigit · Answer

I was trained by the hunters and competition shooters in my family growing up.

exitseven · Answer

I recently had training on how to use a handgun, gun safety and tactical shotgun. I have visited a local range as well.

mstbooblover · Answer

I was trained to use guns properly during my military service.

Rangers · Answer

I love shooting guns but ammo costs along with land use restrictions make me unable to do it as often as I'd like

Anonymous · Answer

I've never even touched a gun. In my country is not common for regular citizens to own guns, but I'd like to learn how to use one.

FilmGuy93 · Answer

No, I figured out a lot of things on my own, but I want to be properly trained.

Dargil · Answer

I trained on the M-16, M-60 machine gun and a. M-1911 .45 service pistol in the army.

HippieVeganJewslim · Answer

I used a gun to shoot a foam plate for fun, but I ain’t that good at it. I better stay away from guns.

douride2 · Answer

My dad taught me how to safely use a rifle when I was a teen.

driven159 · Answer

Born out in the country learned how to use and respect a weapon then was in the Military and they learned how good of a shot I was

tony_love_girls · Answer

Yeah I used Air Gun so there is no training needed.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Most responsible gun owners were trained by another responsible gun owner.

OnTheLevel · Answer

Yes, I've been trained. I'm a fairly good shot too

MrTaboo · Answer

Grew up with guns. Went on to be a military weapons instructor.

Twalli · Answer

Guns aren't quite that easy and the average person has never needed a gun for self defense.

Jerre · Answer

I was taught by the military to use all types of guns

Anonymous · Answer

I’ve used one for target practice so I don’t need training on how to use one for self defense.

Guy13 · Answer

Trained by family…

TwoToTooTutu2 · Answer

Yeah. Part of my military training.

Pterodon · Answer

D plus I was in the military

Zolly99999 · Answer

No. but I have fired many

LoyalAffectionate · Answer

Mostly, I leaned by experience.

jimmy2 · Answer

In my job 38, police shotguns and A45

Luopio27 · Answer

On the army.

BLP11520 · Answer

Military

eagle1951 · Answer

US Army and Vietnam

panamared1 · Answer

military

Were you trained to use a gun?

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