Greg Lickenbrock - Safe Gun Ownership For Dummies

Safe Gun Ownership For Dummies

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Published simultaneously in Canada

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Library of Congress Control Number: 2022941234

ISBN: 978-1-119-89484-1 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-89485-8 (epdf); ISBN 978-1-119-89486-5 (epub)

1. Chapter 4
2. Chapter 9
3. Chapter 12

1. Chapter 2
2. Chapter 3
3. Chapter 6
4. Chapter 8
5. Chapter 9
6. Chapter 10
7. Chapter 11
8. Chapter 13
9. Chapter 14
10. Chapter 15
11. Chapter 16
12. Chapter 18

Americans own an estimated 400 million firearms. Theyre deeply engrained in U.S. culture and theyre deeply polarizing. Think of all the history and politics wrapped around guns. But regardless of whether you love them or hate them, or whether you grew up around guns or didnt, I bet that if you take a step back from those experiences and perspectives, youll agree that the United States has a serious problem.

In 2020 alone, more than 45,000 Americans died from firearms. That sobering figure includes homicides, suicides, and accidental shootings, many of which were probably preventable.

Call me an idealist, but I believe gun owners ultimately have the biggest role to play in bringing that number down to zero. Its up to us to practice gun safety, preach gun safety to others, and hold each other accountable. Thats why Ive written this book, and Im glad youre joining me on this journey.

Safe Gun Ownership For Dummies is dedicated to helping you become a safe, responsible gun owner, whether youre brand new to firearms, considering owning one, or already have a few. It covers gun safety rules, the laws and regulations surrounding gun ownership, secure storage requirements, shooting tips, and much more.

Want to learn how guns and ammunition work? This is the book for you. I also take you through the buying process, help you sign up for a high-quality firearms training course near you, and explain how to handle guns in the safest way possible. This book can also give you a leg up in sifting through some of the misinformation about firearms perpetuated in news stories, movies, TV shows, and every corner of the internet.

I guarantee that everyone can learn something from this book even old pros who could use some refreshers when it comes to safe gun handling.

Finally, because the gun world uses a lot of jargon that developed centuries ago including quite a few misnomers as you read, pay attention to any words that appear in italics. These are gun-centric terms that I define along the way to make your life easier. (Dont worry, there wont be a vocabulary quiz at the end. Or will there?!)

You know what happens when you assume But for this book, I had to make some assumptions about you without even knowing you. Sorry!

The first assumption is that you dont have much experience with firearms. This is a way to reach as many readers as possible; the book would look very different and be its own special kind of boring if I were only writing for retired military or law enforcement personnel, for example, or those who have extensive firearms experience.

However, if you do know your way around guns, my next assumption is that youre willing to listen. You might learn a few things in the pages ahead.

My last assumption is that youre a thoughtful, caring person who can legally own a firearm and will do whatever is necessary to safely handle that firearm, secure it when it isnt being used, and wont let it fall into the wrong hands. Im assuming that youre a good, responsible person and dont ever want to see anyone hurt. Prove me right.