Owning a gun is not just a right; it is a responsibility. Guns are an effective way of protecting yourself, your loved ones and your property, but they are also dangerous if misused, uncared for or improperly stored. Before you ever set foot in a gun store to buy a handgun, you need to be ready to commit to a few basic rules of gun ownership. Fortunately, a gun dealer does not just handle handgun sales; the dealer is often a gunsmith who can point you in the direction of where you need to go for proper training whether it is signing up for a course for a concealed hand gun license or a shooting range that offers classes.

The first thing every gun owner needs to know is how to properly make their firearm safe for storage when not being used. For a revolver, that means no ammo in the cylinders and the gun pointing in the direction where an accidental misfire will cause the least chance of harm. Companies like Colt have developed additional safety features over the years to prevent accidental misfires in the event of dropping the gun, but because revolvers lack a true safety, it is even more important to handle them carefully. For pistols, the clip should be out of the gun, the barrel should be pointing away from others, and the slide should be pulled back to show an empty chamber. With Ruger dominating the .22 rimfire pistol market, their target pistols are some of the most commonly encountered handguns on the range, and the company has invested heavily in safety. Trigger guards are also available to make the trigger of a gun inoperable.

A responsible gun owner should also know how to properly clean and store their firearms. For those who find the process of cleaning their firearm daunting, a revolver may be a better choice as revolvers will typically require less care and are less prone to jamming. Begin by removing any ammunition from the gun and the area. With no bullets lying around, it will be far less likely that an accident will occur. Next, inspect the gun for signs of rust. Check the outside first, and then disassemble the gun to check the internal components. Clean out hard-to-reach places with a cotton swab, and use a cleaner approved by your local gun store. You can also buy kits with all the picks, brushes, cleaners and cloths included. Handguns should be cleaned from time to time to prevent deterioration and should also be cleaned after use. After cleaning, store the handgun in a proper location, free from moisture and at the security level necessary for your household.

A gun owner should know is how to fire their weapon. Part of gun ownership is respecting the weapon for what it is, and that means caring for it, acknowledging the threat it presents and understanding how to use it. New gun owners may find revolvers an easier choice because loading and unloading is relatively simple. A .22 LR revolver is an excellent option for those new to gun ownership. The kick will be minimal, meaning you will be able to fire a box of ammo without any fatigue. Ammunition will also be inexpensive, so you will be able to practice more often. The kick when firing a gun is often intimidating to new gun users, but it is important to not anticipate it as this can cause you to jerk your hand back, making your shots less steady and will affect accuracy. Many gun ranges will have guns available for rental, so you can try out different models before making the purchase that is right for you. Regardless of what gun you decide to go with, be a responsible gun owner. A gun can save a life as easily as it can take one, but with proper respect and care, a gun can be a comforting investment.

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Most Americans visualize Texans wearing pistols on their sides just like John Wayne in the old Westerns. However, not every Stetson comes with a Smith and Wesson. Texas is actually not an open-carry state, but they do allow residents to carry concealed weapons if properly permitted to do so. It is actually illegal to carry a firearm in plain view unless they are on their own property or other private property and for the purposes of transporting the firearm to and from a dwelling or for hunting purposes.

Requirements for a Concealed Handgun License

Although Texas authorities cannot deny issuing a carry permit to qualifying individuals, there are certain requirements that must be met before an applicant can be approved to carry a concealed weapon.

• 21 years of age or active U.S. military status
• Completion of a state-certified training program
• Proper application through the Texas Department of Safety
• Payment of $140 ($70 for senior citizens, $25 for active or retired law enforcement officers)

Persons automatically excluded from approval include those who have the following:
• Felony convictions
• Class A or B misdemeanors
• Pending criminal charges
• Unsound mind as defined by Texas Penal Code
• Chemical dependency
• Delinquent child support payments
• Outstanding fines or other payments
• Active order of protection against the applicant

Background Check Provisions

To qualify for a concealed carry license, a background check must be obtained. The Department of Public Safety conducts criminal history record checks on all applicants within sixty days of receipt of the completed application. The applicant must provide the DPS with proof of age and residency, fingerprints, two recent color passport photographs, and an authorization to access records, among other documentation stating they have met the requirements of the application.

Texas has no official waiting period to buy a hand gun. The FBI has created a National Instant Criminal Background Check System that allows officials to instantly obtain a background check for applicants. If the background check comes back clean, the applicant is approved. If the background check is returned with a “delayed” status, the applicant may have to wait only minutes or could wait up to three business days to be approved to buy a gun.

Other Laws

The Legislature of the State of Texas by law retains the sole power to create and amend the laws pertaining to its residents’ Second Amendment right to “keep and bear arms in lawful defense.” Cities, counties and other municipalities are not allowed to enact laws more restrictive than the state’s gun laws.

The Castle Doctrine provides civil immunity to persons using deadly force against attackers under certain circumstances. Referred to as the “stand your ground” clause, those people who are defending themselves either in their home, at work or in their car against someone committing a crime against them are considered within their rights to use their handgun against the attacker.

Texas has made provisions in their laws that protect gun firing ranges as well as gun suppliers and those owning a gun store and selling ammo. However, if it is known that a person intends to use a firearm unlawfully, it is illegal to sell or offer to sell, rent, loan or give any firearm to that person. This also includes individuals under eighteen years of age, whether parental consent is acquired or not. It is also unlawful to conduct gun sales with an intoxicated person.

While the Constitution provides a “right to keep and bear arms,” the Texas Legislature has put realistic restrictions on its residents for the protection of everyone. The application process and laws pertaining to concealed carry are straightforward in their intent to allow only those who would safely and appropriately use guns be permitted to carry them in public.

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When it comes to gun control, the dividing line is clear. Some favor banning all guns while others believe the best protection from a gun is another gun. The fact is, the gun screening process is fairly tight in most places in the country, especially when buying from a gun dealer. Anyone wishing to buy a handgun must submit to a background check, which includes screening for past criminal history and mental illness. In many states, this process can take up to three days. Restrictions may also apply on what kind of model is available for purchase. Some states also have residency laws and will not allow a person to purchase a gun if they are from out of state.

It is important to note that firearms owners are bound by the laws of the state they are in, not necessarily the state that they live in. Many states have laws that allow for permit holders in one state to carry a firearm in their state, but sometimes, these laws are not mutual. Beyond state regulations, there are also federal regulations that may be even stricter than state policies. With so many regulations in place, it is unlikely that most criminals purchase their firearms legally, and since criminals are generally unconcerned with the law in the first place, stronger regulations do little to discourage those who are already apt to commit crimes.

The best way to protect the populace is through education and safety. Teaching people to respect guns and proper storage of ammunition goes a long way towards keeping accidental shootings down and imparts the severity of the consequences of using a gun in the first place. After shootings, handgun sales generally spike, demonstrating that even in a climate full of concern over stronger gun control, the populace still views a gun as the best form of protection against potential incidents.

In San Antonio, a recent shooting stopped short when the assailant was shot by an off-duty deputy. The assailant attempted to shoot several people as they fled from one building to another, and the gunfire drew the attention of the deputy, who used her own gun to incapacitate the assailant, putting an end to the assault. While the story got little media attention, it serves to highlight the fact that a gun carries only the intentions of its wielder.

For those looking to defend themselves, a trip to a local gun store offers more than just guns or the opportunity to buy gun supplies. The resident gunsmith can teach people how to care for their guns and can make repairs if necessary. Many gun stores have ranges and may even offer courses such as those necessary to obtain a concealed hand gun license. These courses can help long-time marksmen improve their skills and also introduce new shooters to proper techniques and safety as well as familiarize them with the laws in their state.

For those new to firearms, a few names stand out above the rest. Colt enjoys a long history dating back to the 19th century and has been instrumental in the development of the semi-automatic pistol and the production of popular semi-automatic rifles like the M16 and AR-15. One branch of the company focuses on civilian production while the other branch sells to the military and law enforcement agencies. While younger than Colt, Ruger is the fourth largest producer of firearms, and they enjoy a long and noteworthy reputation in the .22 rimfire market.

When it comes to gun safety, the answer is not stricter laws. An unarmed populace is easy pickings for criminals who do not obey laws in the first place. The way to improve gun safety is through education, through teaching others to respect firearms and determining when action is necessary.

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Red Alert, Red Alert…ch 39′s NewsFix, a revolutionary news format, will debut on Channel 39 Saturday night at 5 & 9pm and everynight thereafter.  Three days out of the week see me Jim Pruett hosting “Bullet Points”, a three minute segment about guns, tasers, concealed handgun licenses, gun safety, emergency preparation, tactical toasters and just plain fun with guns.  A lot of it has been shot (so to speak) in Jim Pruett’s Guns & Ammo and at live fire ranges.  I plan to expand the locations to helicopters, C-130′s, submersibles and just about anywhere tools of defense can
be used.  It will be informative, cutting edge and above all FUN! FYI:  Sneak Preview on CH 39, Houston, Friday night at 5:45pm! WATCH TV (39) NewsFix, Friday, Mar. 18th and Saturday March 19th at 5pm & 9pm AND THEN FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE!!!

thanks, jim pruett

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Houston radio icon Jim Pruett and his wife Joy Pruett had a quite lovely night while celebrating their 46th wedding anniversary on Feb. 1, but the night ended when their Houston gun store “Alarm Company” phoned.

Jim Pruett’s Guns and Ammo in Northwest Houston was hit by 3 suspected burglars at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Feb. 2.

Jim said the Houston police had identified as well as apprehended three suspects believed to have been involved. The first two men involved were apprehended a few blocks away from the gun store. The third man involved was found hiding on the other side of the wall of the gun store’s neighboring unit.

“This is the best anniversary present we could have gotten,” Jim said. “It’s a good day. The Harris County Sherriff’s Office did an outstanding job. They caught these guys, and hopefully they will be off the streets for many years. There’s a happy ending here.”

According to Mr. Pruett,  it appeared that one of the suspects gained access through the roof while the other two waited outside in a truck. The suspects hammered their way through a special-grade, shatter-resistant glass at the front door, but the metal security bars kept the crew from meeting inside the store.

“It looks like their plan was to have one of them on the inside handing off guns to the outside,” Jim said. “According to police, that’s what they were doing, but got caught in the act. The two outside ran.”

According to Joy Pruett, Jim Pruett’s wife,  said a security officer from the North Cypress Medical Center across the street, noticed the alarm and contacted the police.

“The patrol officer said he saw two of them run into the wooded area nearby. But after police took a look at the scene, they suspected a third person was involved,” Joy said. “…and that this third suspect was still in the building. The whole thing was like a movie. It was unreal.”

Jim Pruett mentioned that the K-9 units played a huge role in tracking down the suspects. “The third guy was holed up in the vacant space next to us,” Jim said. “As soon as the dog stepped inside, he knew the guy was in there.”

Upon the K-9 units’ insistence that something usual was going on next door to the Houston gun store, police double check and a third intruder was found just where the dog suspected.

“They brought out several officers, set up a perimeter, had a fire truck to get access to the roof, then the K-9 units. I was very impressed,” Jim said. “And it doesn’t look like anything was stolen or lost. We are very proud of what our law enforcement accomplished tonight,” Joy said.

The new gun store opened in October 2010 and had no issues until last night. According to Mr. and Mrs. Pruett, they will be hiring a night guard to keep a watchful eye on the family business.

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