Ahh, a new relationship. The excitement, the long talks, spending as much time together as you possibly can. These things are all part of any new significant relationship. You explore each other, learn everything you can about the other and eventually know everything there is to know. People begin to say the two of you look alike, act alike, talk alike and, as years pass, even dress alike! I know you know what I am talking about: you have seen couples wearing basically the same outfits, most of them don’t even know they have done it. It just happens. They have grown so much together that they seem to meld into one.
Yes.... I know I am writing a gun blog and am sure you are wondering “what does this have to do with guns”?
Many women and perhaps men, purchase a firearm for self-protection. They want to feel safe and have the means to protect themselves and those they love. So they make the purchase, perhaps even glance through the owner's manual, load it with ammunition and put it in a safe place. Only to be left there, until the day they need it. The honeymoon is over, and so is the relationship.
What’s missing here? Yes: the romance. Every relationship needs attention and some quality time spent together. For a relationship to work, this is required on a regular basis. Otherwise, you will grow apart and become like strangers.
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| (photo courtesy of Bouf.com) |
Spending some quality time with your firearm is one of the most important things you can do, not only when you first purchase your gun, but on an ongoing basis. This firearm is extremely important to you: this piece of metal (or plastic, in some cases) will become a part of your body. Heaven forbid the time comes when you must rely on it to save your life, you need to know it, really know it. You need to know how to get it to do what you need it to do, under incredible stress I might add. The level with which you and your firearm are “one” in a life threatening situation will seriously contribute to the outcome.
Hold it, wear it and work it. (UNLOADED OF COURSE). Regular safe dry-fire practice is a great way to get acquainted and stay acquainted. Take your firearm on a date - go to the range and spend some quality time together. Owning a gun is a long term and committed relationship, one you must actively spend time on and invest yourself in. The rewards? A long, healthy happily-ever-after life together.
I expect you will have some interesting comments on this one! In the meantime, I will leave you with some famous love song lyrics.
“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.” - The Beatles, The End
“The greatest thing you'll ever learn, is to love and be loved in return.” - Nat King Cole, Nature Boy
Carrie Lightfoot is owner of The Well Armed Woman and guest contributor for the Beretta Blog. She can be reached on Facebook orTwitter
This post and its contents are the views and opinions of the author only, and do not necessarily represent those of Beretta.
Sigh. Will you marry me?
ReplyDeleteAs long as you aren't jealous of my firearms! :)
DeleteWell done. A firearm has a soul, and it will speak to you if you listen.
ReplyDeleteIt's a sweet sound...
DeleteThanks.
Hahaha...Love it! I too believe the relationship you have with your firearm or weapon of choice for safety molds your comfort and molds how you and the family surrounding it feel. It makes no sense to own a weapon that you just store away without giving it a little TLC. It helps, psychologically to be one with your weapon for in the hour or minutes or fractions of seconds of need, you will be able to handle the situation the best possible way.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rob. We have great confidence in our ability to protect ourselves, homes and families when we are "close" to our firearm. We all are more safe when the "relationship" with our guns is healthy, strong and well fed!
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