Every gun owner, whether they are new or experienced, is responsible for using safe practices every time they handle a firearm. Negligent discharges should never occur. Understanding the reasons why they occur and how to avoid them can help you be a responsible firearm owner. Go One Step at a Time Negligent discharges are often wrongly referred to as “accidents” by beginners who are injured or who harm someone else. However, accidents are things that are typically out of our control. Lightning striking you is an accident. Handling a weapon like it is unloaded and pulling the trigger is active ..read more

When you have a concealed carry permit, you can carry your firearm with you throughout your daily life. However, in an anxious world where regular citizens have no way of knowing the difference between people who have a CCW permit and people who might be looking to do harm, someone spotting your weapon could lead to panic. Accidentally revealing that you’re carrying a concealed weapon happens, but there are steps you can take to avoid doing so. Checking and Adjusting Your Weapon If you are new to concealed carry, it can be an adjustment to carry every day. Many new concealed carry permit holde ..read more

Many people know that criminal convictions can lead to the loss of a variety of rights, including the ability to vote in elections and the ability to own a firearm. However, there are some things that don’t even involve a criminal conviction that could cause you to lose gun rights in Maryland. What are some of the factors that might affect your ability to be approved for the purchase of a firearm or a concealed carry permit? What Factors on a Background Check Could Prevent You From Getting a Gun in Maryland? Maryland law requires you to have a handgun qualification permit before being able to ..read more

When you first get your concealed carry permit, you’re probably excited about completing your training and being able to protect yourself and your community wherever you go. However, that excitement can lead to making some concealed carry mistakes that put you at risk and create unsafe situations. What are some of the most common errors that beginners make?  Not Investing in a Holster Carrying every day is an adjustment, and a low-quality holster that does not fit your needs well is a surefire way to make the adjustment as hard as possible. One of the most common concealed carry mistakes ..read more

Whether you carry concealed daily or simply want to stay safe when you’re out and about, situational awareness is critical. Being aware of your surroundings is not just a one-time lesson. Instead, it’s something that you must practice daily until it becomes second nature. In today’s modern world, it seems like there are infinite things that can disrupt your situational awareness, but knowing the most common distractions is the first step to overcoming them. Electronics How many smart devices do you have on yourself at any given time? Depending on how much of a techie you are, you could be wear ..read more

Just like time spent practicing many skills and interests, time on the gun range is what you make of it. Some people show up prepared with specific skills to work on, while others simply want to improve their comfort level with their firearms. What are some of the ways to get the most out of your range sessions? Come With an Intention Any time you show up for scheduled range sessions, ensure that you have an intention. Are you interested in getting more familiar with a new firearm? Do you primarily want to focus on your accuracy? Are there basic skills, like your trigger press, that you could ..read more

As a parent, it is your responsibility to educate your child and equip them with the knowledge necessary to stay safe in today’s world. As a gun owner, it’s also important to talk to your kids about gun safety. Especially if you have guns in the home or carry daily, your children must understand how to properly act around a firearm and what to do if they encounter one. How can you educate your children about gun safety? When Should You Talk to Your Kids About Gun Safety? Some people who do not carry daily assume that their child doesn’t notice them cleaning their gun, storing it in a safe, or ..read more

There are a variety of ways that you can travel with your weapon depending on why you are carrying it in the first place. Some drivers stash their firearms in the trunk on the way to the range, while others carry for self-protection. How should you secure your weapon during a car accident? If First Responders Are on the Scene If there are police on the scene and you need medical attention, inform the officer that you are armed and they can secure the weapon for you while you receive medical treatment. EMTs are not taught to engage with a firearm, but they might ask you to leave it behind in yo ..read more

Did you know that someone who is bleeding severely could bleed to death in as little as five minutes? That’s often too short for first responders to arrive on the scene, which means that citizens like you could be given the opportunity to save a life. A Stop the Bleed class is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and your community and understand how to rapidly respond to life-threatening bleeding. What Is a Stop the Bleed Class? Stop the Bleed is a national awareness campaign dedicated to educating everyone, regardless of age or occupation, on the best practices to help in a bleedin ..read more

There are countless reasons why people purchase firearms, including everything from self-defense to sport. Regardless of what type of gun you own and how you use it, one thing is universal—the need to maintain your weapon properly. Cleaning your gun is vital to keep the firearm in good condition and avoid issues. What are some of the reasons why cleaning your gun is so important? Understand Your Firearm The routine of disassembling your weapon to clean it can help you gain a better understanding of how it works and what condition it is in. Cleaning your gun gives you insight into the condition ..read more