Guns 101
General
- FOR PERSONAL PROTECTION/SELF DEFENSE
Self defense is the most universal and basic human right. Denying one the means to defend one’s self could be the most grievous crime
against humanity imaginable. Human enslavement? Genocide? Terrible, yes, but much less likely against an armed populace. Hitler’s Holocaust
(and a world war) both began by disarming the German people. Coupled with the knowledge and ability to use them properly, gun ownership
is the only single human right that ensures all other human rights will not be violated.
-BECAUSE THE FOUNDING FATHERS WANTED ME TO
Another excellent reason to be well-versed in in the use of guns is that our Founding Fathers wanted Americans armed, skilled and ready to
use them at any time - more for protection against a totalitarian government than anything else. An armed citizenry is a powerful force that
can’t easily be forced to concede its freedoms of speech, property, or worship to any power, foreign or domestic. See the second amendment in the Bill of Rights: View the Bill of Rights
- BECAUSE IT LOWERS CRIME
Time after time, studies show that when legal gun ownership increases, crime decreases and that many, if not most, instances of self defense
don’t even require the firing of a gun - its presence is usually enough. Police cannot protect all citizens, and even if they could, they’re not
obligated to do so. Ultimately, one must accept responsibility for one’s own security. No one’s going to do it for you.
- FOR HUNTING/SPORT SHOOTING
Hunting is a great reason to own a gun - or several. Different game calls for different firearms, so there’s good reason to own a number of
shootin’ irons, if you hunt various game. Owning guns only for hunting is pretty common in the US... though many hunters, through exposure to
and experience with firearms, become comfortable with them and often own guns for other purposes as well. When someone is just beginning
to hunt, it’s best for that person to have every ethical advantage, so hunting doesn’t become boring or tedious.
- FOR COMPETITIVE OR SPORT SHOOTING
Some folks just enjoy the challenge of punching paper with their guns. Shooting accurately is a challenge, and many create a sense of achievement
from being able to put their shots exactly where they want them to go. Competitive shooting helps some shooters improve focus and gives
them a sense of belonging, as well as a sense of achievement when they are able to shoot better than their fellow competitors.
- BECAUSE IT’S COOL
A weak reason, but true nonetheless. Guns really are kinda cool.
- BECAUSE MY PARENTS OWNED GUNS
A family legacy of gun ownership is often a factor in gun ownership. Many of us got our first guns as gifts from parents. When parents exemplify
proper gun-handling and firearms knowledge, there is a much greater chance that the recipient of this legacy will embrace it.
- FOR SOCIAL REASONS
Some gun owners own guns simply so to take part in social shooting activities, such as sporting clays, cowboy action shooting, and the like.
This type of “social shooting” can become an enjoyable hobby in lieu of golf or traditional team or individual sports, except it’s a lot louder.
- AS AN INVESTMENT
Guns rarely decline in value, provided they are bought at a non-inflated price and are not abused or heavily used... and some poppers may rise
dramatically in value over just a few years’ time. Some folks see certain guns as an investment, and are content to prop them in a corner and
let their value grow.
- FOR HISTORICAL REASONS
Some owners like guns merely for their historical value. Perhaps a certain gun which has been celebrated in history, such as the old Kentucky
rifle or the original Colt Peacemaker revolver, may pique a collector’s sense of history. Others prefer military arms, with definite significance to
those of us whose families have served in the military during wartime. Many guns are pieces of history as much as they are tools for gamegetting
or self-preservation. It’s important to preserve that history, lest we forget.
- MECHANICAL ENGINEERING INTERESTS
Most firearms are mechanical marvels. They are fine machines, which, like any other machine, perform a job. Like a fine car, they often
combine engineering genius with raw power, with results that many people would consider beautiful... even while others shake their heads in
wonder because they just don’t get it.
- MY OWN REASONS
No matter what you do, there will be people in the world who hate you for doing it, whether it’s owning a gun, drinking coffee, or growing a beard.
Let your reasons be your own... (for now) we Americans are still free to do as we choose. At KCR, we naturally recommend gun ownership, but
make your own choice. Don’t let politicians, TV news anchors, or anyone else do your thinking for you.
AND THE FINAL REASON: JUST BECAUSE DEMOCRATS DON’T WANT YOU TO!
What are the basics I need to know before owning a gun?
Different states have different laws; you need to check with your local police or sheriff’s office as to the laws in your area. Do not carry concealed unless you have a valid concealed carry permit. Kentucky does have open carry, but be careful, some officials might not think to highly of you packing a pistol out in the open. Remember that there are certain places where you cannot bring your firearm so check local ordinances before carrying your handgun there.
Gun safety basics:
- Treat every firearm as if it were loaded.
- Keep muzzle of gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Never hand a loaded firearm to anyone.
- Remove the magazine from semi autos and check the chamber to see if it is loaded.
- Know your target and what’s beyond.
- Keep ammo and firearm separate where children can't reach them and always use a trigger lock.
- Never horseplay with firearms.
- Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Always check the barrel for any obstructions before firing.
- No alcohol or drugs ever with guns or anything else for that matter. Clean your firearm after every use to keep them in top working condition.
- Always use hearing and eye protection when shooting.
Taking care of your gun:
- Firearms must be cleaned after every use.
- For the most thorough cleaning, field strip the firearm following the owner’s manual and clean each part separately.
- If possible clean the barrel from the breech end of the firearm using a bore guide.
- Clean your firearm on a cleared table or bench.
- Keep your attention solely on cleaning your gun.
- When using cleaning solvents make sure to use them in a well ventilated area.
The different basic types of guns:
- Handguns are revolvers or semi auto pistols
- Rifles are single shot, bolt action, pump action, semi auto and full auto which are also known as machine guns
- Shotguns are single shot, pump action, bolt action and semi auto.
Do I need a high capacity firearm?
That is just a personal thing. Most of the high capacity guns have larger grips and are usually hard for small hands to hold.
What’s the difference between personal protection firearms and target shooting firearms?
For personal protection look for a firearm you can use easily. Again smaller framed guns are usually more desirable for concealed carry purposes. Revolvers, being the easiest guns to function, are highly recommended for first time gun owners.
Are you looking for a personal protection gun, target practice or something for competitive shooting? Stop by our store and we will be happy to show you guns that fit your personal needs.
When I get my concealed carry license can I shoot anybody and not get in trouble?
No. Concealed deadly weapon (CCDW) license are for self defense. The CCDW class spends a considerable amount of time discussing when use of deadly force is justifiable.
What caliber firearm do I need?
Most women and smaller framed shooters prefer a caliber with less recoil. That would be .22 lr., .32 acp, .380, 9mm and .38 special.
What gun do I need for Concealed carry?
Most always a smaller gun is preferred for concealed carry. They are available in most calibers and its best if you hold several different ones to see which one is more comfortable in your hand.
How do I store it safely as I have young children in the house?
Unload it and lock it up. Consider a gun safe and / or gun lock. Always store the ammunition separately from the gun. Talk to your children about guns. For information on how to talk to your children about guns look at the site http://www.kidsandguns.org
Stainless steel is less subject to wear and corrosion. Blue steel is less noticeable and it is less reflective which reduces the glare when using the site.
Do I need a long barrel gun or a short one?
This depends on how you intend to use the gun. The longer the barrel the more accurate the gun will be. The shorter the barrel the easier the gun is to conceal. Ultimately, you will have to decide if you want to have a gun that is a balance of the two or have different guns for different activities.
What gun is not so loud when it is fired?
Generally smaller caliber ammunition is quieter
Where can I get firearms training?
The instructors that do our CCDW classes are also available for personal firearms training. You need to contact one of them to schedule a time for your training. We also have a company called Iron Sight Group that is usually available on the weekends for training. Their phone number is 270-668-7345.
What is a good starter gun for an adult/child?
Smaller caliber guns with less recoil are better starter guns. We recommend that you spend time on the range to find what feels best.
What is considered a concealed weapon?
Firearms, knives, batons, throwing stars and other items that could cause injury or even death to another person.
Classes for being issued a Concealed Weapon permit are required by Kentucky law. We offer the CCDW classes here at the range on the 3rd Saturday and Sunday of the month starting at 9am, and the last Saturday of the month too.
What type of safety features do guns have?
There are several safety features on guns and some have more than one. The most common is a safety lever or button that will lock the trigger. Another feature is a “grip safety” that ensures the gun cannot be fired unless it is being held properly. Some models also have the "Ultra Safety Assurance" or "USA" trigger system that requires a proper finger position on the trigger to avoid accidental discharge.
Which guns don't have any kick, jump or recoil?
There are three basic rules that determine recoil:
1.The mass of the gun – All things being equal, a heavier gun will have softer recoil.
2. The mass of the projectile – All things being equal, a lighter bullet/shot will have softer recoil.
3.The speed of the projectile – All other things being equal, a faster bullet will have heavier recoil, and the recoil will feel subjectively ’sharper’, since the recoil happens more quickly.
Generally a lower caliber gun will have less recoil. We recommend handling several guns to see what feels comfortable and best fits your hand. Once you have narrowed down your choices we have rentals available to allow you to try similar guns.
We sell a wide variety of guns here at Knob Creek. Stop in and have our staff show you our selection.
If you have a revolver you need to push the cylinder release forward or back, depending on what brand revolver you own and swing the cylinder out to the left side of the gun. Put your ammo into each cylinder hole. Push the cylinder back into the revolver and you are ready to fire. If you have a semi auto magazine fed pistol you need to remove the magazine, load the ammo into the magazine by pushing the ammo down into the magazine with slight pressure to the rear. Repeat until magazine is full. Insert magazine into the pistol and you are ready to fire. If you have a derringer, most of those have barrels that hinge up or down. Release barrel and open, insert ammo into the open chambers and close the barrels up. You are ready to fire.
What kind of pistol is good for a woman?
Guns in the 38 cal. to 9mm are popular with most women. Of course the most important issue is to practice with it and feel comfortable and confidant handling your firearm.
GOT A QUESTION?
