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

Red Dot Occlusion 4
Red Dot Occlusion 4

Red-Dot Occlusion Training: A Performance-Booster for You & Your Optic-Equipped Handgun

Red-dot occlusion is a passive technique that shooters can use to remain target-focused, thereby speeding up their performance with optic-equipped handguns.

New for 2026: Dead Air Nomad Ti Over-The-Barrel (OTB) Suppressor

The Dead Air Silencers Nomad Ti OTB is designed to be a compact and lightweight suppressor for the backcountry hunter.

I Carry: Diamondback SDR in a Galco Hornet Holster

For our latest "I Carry" episode above, we paired the six-round Diamondback SDR DA/SA snubnose revolver with a simple leather holster from Galco, along with one of the latest EDC flashlights from Streamlight.

The Armed Citizen® May 8, 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.

Creating the Ideal First-Time Shooting Experience

That first time behind a trigger can shape a newcomer’s attitude towards firearms. Here are five ways to make the experience a success.

Henry Repeating Arms Founder & CEO Honored as Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year

Henry Repeating Arms founder and CEO Anthony Imperato has been named Law Enforcement Supporter of the Year by New York State Fraternal Order of Police Memorial Lodge 100.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.