Opinion articles provide independent perspectives on key community issues, separate from our newsroom reporting.

Letters to the Editor

Gun owners need proper training to carry firearm

People look at handguns at a gun show Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Chantilly, Va.
People look at handguns at a gun show Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, in Chantilly, Va. Jabin Botsford The Washington Post

I wish to applaud Mike McLeod for his insightful perspective on carrying a gun, whether open or concealed. I am fortunate to come from an era when every able-bodied man served in the military and therefore had extensive training.

I would not drive a car, fly a plane nor operate a railway engine without first being well prepared.

Cocking a trigger and pointing a weapon is at the bottom of the list of things a gun owner should learn to do. Mind set, feet set, hold set, eyes set and safety (for all) established is just the beginning.

Experience, experience, experience and then more experience. Those things will help make you an asset. Without them, you may wind up an ...?

George King Bradenton

This story was originally published October 31, 2015 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Gun owners need proper training to carry firearm ."

Get unlimited digital access
#ReadLocal

Try 1 month for $1

CLAIM OFFER