Should gun owners have a certain skill level before carrying it in public?

Question

Since, you know…you or me might be bystanders in the next shooting. Kinda like, I don't know, a drivers test? Cuz there’s other people out there.

Still-alive · Accepted Answer

they should basically emulate the way japan does it:

1. Join a hunting or shooting club.

2. Take a firearm class and pass a written exam, which is held up to three times a year.

3. Get a doctor’s note saying you are mentally fit and do not have a history of drug abuse.

4. Apply for a permit to take firing training, which may take up to a month.

5. Describe in a police interview why you need a gun.

6. Pass a review of your criminal history, gun possession record, employment, involvement with organized crime groups, personal debt and relationships with friends, family and neighbors.

7. Apply for a gunpowder permit.

8. Take a one-day training class and pass a firing test.

9. Obtain a certificate from a gun dealer describing the gun you want.

10. Buy a gun safe and an ammunition locker that meet safety regulations.

11. Allow the police to inspect your gun storage.

12. Pass an additional background review.

13. Buy a gun.

And after all that society thinks you are responsible enough to own a gun. just think of the weight of that. i would take the responsibility very seriously.

bolverk · Accepted Answer

The vast majority of those Law Abiding Members of the Public who open or concealed carry tend to put in more time training than the average police officer, when I lived in the US I concealed carried and I was at the range at least 3 times a week, no just shooting but running various drills.

I would be more concerned about the level of training that police officers have and how often they are at the range, consider this, police officers in New York had their firearms training time/budget cut because the bean counters in the NYPD considered it more efficient to pay out on wrongful death suits than to train their officers how to shoot to an acceptable level.

Aerissa_Jade · Accepted Answer

Sure, soon as someone can pass a basic knowledge test before being able to vote.

Otherwise no, as it is a right. That said, I'm 100% for someone being charged with a crime if they accidently hurt or kill someone else as they are all responsible for where a bullet ends up after fired, even if it goes through their target or they miss.

This includes the police if they shoot through a suspect and hit someone else. They should all get charged with manslaughter.

I am not opposed to free gun training though, just not required. Most reasonable people will do free classes. I would do them, simply to refresh skills if they were at convenient time and place.

JustMeL120 · Accepted Answer

Gun should only be allowed if you work in a proffession involving the need of guns. That my oppinion i am not americain. Here noone has guns not even the police so i dont know because we dont need them dbh they are scary and useless.

Leopard23 · Answer

You need a driving licence and pass a test to drive a car yet how many people are reckless, negligent or just shouldn't be allowed on to the highway yet more people die of car accidents than guns per year. Guns are no different, you can pass all the tests but may be negligent.

Regardless criminals don't use gin licenses or care about bystanders. A buddy of mine got caught in a crossfire in detroit visiting his mom after doing a tour of Iraq, he was safer in Iraq at the height of the war on terror than he was in detroit.

captain_voidwalker · Answer

In an unregulated sense yes they should. Anyone who wants to carry should at least put in a little time at the range and take a gun safety course. That said I oppose government regulation of guns in any way shape or form. Government has a bad habit of over regulation especially where guns are concerned.

Adam1978 · Answer

They shouldn't wear guns period. Unless we talk cops and they need month of training not only in how to use it but more importantly how to deescalate a situation.

MrOracle · Answer

I was a competition shooter and an instructor. You would be shocked at how bad the average cop is as a shooter. There are a few who are enthusiasts and are quite good, a few who are excellent, but most are abysmal.

We'd need to apply those standards to the police, and that will not go well for many of them.

jshm2 · Answer

Isn't that the point of a licence and test?  But I suppose Murica gives out firearm "licences" with every happy meal.

Telekinetic-Potato · Answer

I think every state should be allowing open carry. However due to the fact so many people are so anxious I think it should be required that you take a basic safety class and undergo some form of high stress training. So that they aren't just shooting randomly in all directions when they need to use it like so many people seem to.

WindAtMyBack · Answer

Everyone who owns a gun should have a certain level of competency. But I don't think it should be legislated.

The thing is that it takes very little training to be safe with a gun. It's not like it's dangerous like a car or anything. A half hour training with a gun is far safer than someone who has been driving a car for ten years.

Safety with a gun is pretty darn simple and easy. Safety with a car is never easy, no matter how much training you have, or how long you've driven.

lightbulb27 · Answer

Yea, I think ohio is nuts for relaxing this. These aren't muskets... and someone decides to use a weapon, others can get killed. it's for their own safety as well as others. Won't know what your skills are until in a stressful moment.

EmmaMary · Answer

They should first of all undertake a full and thorough psychiatric assessment.

UncleBilll · Answer

Should have the same skill level as police officers, along with knowing when to shoot and how not to get robbed of the gun in the first place.

call_me_scar · Answer

Yes just like driving you should be able to operate your device properly and effectively before potentially hurting others

NostalgiaSenpi · Answer

Well, as to my knowledge in where I live, Massachusetts, in accordance with MGL Ch. 140, Sec. 131P (a) all first time firearm license applicants must successfully complete a MA Certified Firearms Safety Course or a Basic Hunter Education Course and submit a certificate of completion with their firearms license application. That would indicate that said person would be trained at some level on how to properly handle a firearm.

exitseven · Answer

Yes , I don't think this is an unreasonable requirement

Massageman · Answer

Yes.

I was 9/10 in the orange in training a few years ago at our city's Citizen's Police Academy. Of course, it wasn't my gun- but one of the.38's of the officers, so it was somewhat heavy for me at full arm extension. It had some lateral pull on the trigger, so my shots clustered at "9-oclock", and one slipped into the light gray.

Jersey2 · Answer

Shall not be infringed… Florida will get rid of their mandatory training this year if DeSantis keeps his word. Other states have done the same. For me, no training should be required as that starts to infringe. The training could be months long and ridiculous tests as a way of denying some from owning guns. So, no.

Juxtapose · Answer

No. "Shall not be infringed." If you think it's about a militia, the courts disagree with you.

douride2 · Answer

Most definitely they should have some sort of safety & gun skills

WanderingLoveWizard · Answer

No one has the constitutional right to drive a car. You can't compare the two.

But yes, you can't get a CCW until you've proven a certain level of proficiency with a standard hand gun. That's already a thing

Anonymous · Answer

I realize this is a global site, but anyone who knows the US Constitution knows that there can be no limitations on gun ownership of law abiding citizens. 2nd Amendment "shall not be infringed" is clear enough even for dense leftists. Settled law by Heller and McDonald / NYRPA v Bruen.

notwoke · Answer

nope, this would seem like a good idea on the surface, but places like New York, California and Illinois would come up with a requirement that the navy seals couldn't pass so they could ensure that only criminals have guns. Do people need a license to make a baby?

888theGreat · Answer

The Constitution says you may bear arms. It doesn't say bear arms only if you are trained. So no. Might be smart to train. At least practice. Amazing how you liberals can't read simple English and add to to what you think the Constitution should say. The more degrees you people have the more problems with simple English you have.

ThomasDavid1989 · Answer

Yes. I also think they need to pass a mental test. For mental health

jongreat46 · Answer

they should have certain skills like passing 5th grade.

Nikki1989 · Answer

They should have to undergo a mental health assessment.

msc545 · Answer

They need to know which end the bullet comes out of.

Anonymous · Answer

In New York they do have to take a safety class to make sure they know how to handle it properly and shoot decently

QuietRunner · Answer

Yes, their should be qualifications to join a well regulated Militia.

Jamie05rhs · Answer

Yes. They should. Every gun owner should be trained.

najekim · Answer

If one takes the responsibility to carry in public, either open or concealed, one would be wise to be well-practiced with the firearm and be aware of shoot, no-shoot scenarios.

Anonymous · Answer

Wait how is this not already a thing? You can literally carry a gun around without training? WTF!!

Jerre · Answer

Anyone carrying a gun in public should be licensed and trained in firearms use

Sevenpointfive · Answer

i'm pretty sure that's standard for conceal and carry.

gorydetails · Answer

Wait, so I can legally shoot people when I’m on the road?

DarkLegacy · Answer

I was looking for the option for them not being allowed a gun in public in the first place.

CoolCatMar1 · Answer

Of course because otherwise it won't save them

Dargil · Answer

I'll get my "OO" when I dispatch a  bad guy.  Unlike Bond, one will do.

genericname85 · Answer

so the next nut case who decides to go on a killing spree can be more effective? xD

Anonymous · Answer

Oh boy, your 5,728th post about why people just GOTTA disarm. 🙄 Heaven forbid a woman shoots her rapist. 🤦‍♂️

LiamJHayden · Answer

Should, yes. Be required to, no.

BLP11520 · Answer

Be able to shoot like me

WowwGirl · Answer

Sure why not

Should gun owners have a certain skill level before carrying it in public?

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