Reports based on background checks for new gun purchases through FFL Holders stating the total number of firearms in Montana are most certainly wrong. It is much higher than that and we plan to keep it that way. Of the estimated 60%- 90% or more of homes with guns, the average number of firearms owned is likely around six. With some, many, many more! Do you only have one tool in your toolbox? Of course not. Guns are tools with different jobs to perform. Remember that as you drive down the street here. Nine out of ten of the homes you pass have them. Thousands and often tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition in storage is certainly not uncommon.
Gun ownership for hunting, self defense, investment collection and shooting sports are simply standard operating procedures in Montana.
It is mission critical to teach your kids about firearms safety and overall handling as early and responsibly as you can! Kids are curious, that’s all there is to it. If you have children it is highly recommended that you teach them how to handle the possibility that they will interact with firearms and even ammunition unless you plan to lock them in their room. Especially when visiting their friends at their homes!
Firearms are a tool we use to protect our families and property from predators of all types. It is also a necessary tool to help provide food for our families, as well as being a popular form of competition, recreation and collection. Guns can even be a great investment. An investment that requires considerable responsibility to own and most Montanans do just that.
Gun Logic: As soon as your child can physically pull a trigger, is it not time to teach them safe gun handling?
Procrastination in teaching your kids or securing your firearms can easily end in tragedy whether at home or at their friends. If you have kids too young to teach gun safety, be sure to use a gun vault or similar storage device for your smaller weapons and handguns next to the bed, etc. These make them secure and reasonably accessible to you. They also aren’t that expensive. Certainly cheaper than the potential consequences. Practice testing them weekly and replace batteries as needed. Rifles should be locked in a gun cabinet or secured with other types of gun locks to help keep curious little fingers away.
NRA is a great place to start for resources: http://eddieeagle.nra.org/
Be Safe Brochure From the MTSSA: http://progunleaders.org/BeSafe/
A great article at Field & Stream: http://www.fieldandstream.com/node/1005010563
Share links, resources and opinions about living in Firearms Friendly States like Montana in the comments below.
