What a way to grab attention on a very serious subject! Yet, it is a very serious issue that I do want to speak about. Many are thinking, "wait, aren't those three issues diametrically opposed to the whole idea of "safety"? In my view, no. The next question: "How can you have a discussion about handguns, safety and the disabled and not be considered insane. Allow me to explain how I come to that realization.
First of all, I am not talking about putting a handgun in the hands of children... ok, not just yet, but that part of the discussion will come later. I am also not talking about putting a handgun in the hands of a person with anger management issues. Those two groups are not my focus. I am focused on the individual that is dealing with a disability and trying to find a way to "cope" with some of it's limitations.
For example, a person born with a disability has a whole range of abilities that can sometimes be "untapped". Able-bodied people sometimes dismiss the disabled, saying, "oh, I don't think that is safe". Who are they to tell someone what is and is not safe, for them, when they do not know the individuals abilities; and/or more importantly; capabilities.
Having owned a number of weapons, the first thing that is taught is Safety First!!! Always treat a weapon as if it were loaded. Always point the weapon in a safe direction. etc. Acting irresponsibly with a weapon is not what this blog is about.
That being said, the disabled like to challenge themselves just like the able-bodied. Some of the disabled target shoot, not only for fun, but for sport. Yes, you can gain recognition. Disabled people like recognition, just like anyone else.
There is also the issue of personal safety. For instance, being in a wheelchair, miscreants love "easy targets". What is easier to take advantage of than a disabled person in a wheelchair! Oh, sure the elderly are also targets. But, that is also another blog entry. Let's just look at recent headlines, shall we. You have individuals that approaching complete strangers; coming up behind them and punching them in the head; in hopes of knocking them out. Why, for the "fun" of it. News outlets are calling it "a game". I don't. I call it assault and battery. An individual needs to be aware of their surroundings and know what to do to protect themselves. That comes with practice, practice, practice.
I am a HUGE advocate of handgun safety classes; and not just handgun safety classes; but, classes for obtaining Conceal Handgun Licence (or whatever it is called in your jurisdiction). The reason I prefer Conceal carry is because no one knows who is and who is NOT carrying. As the tee I have in my closet says: "An Armed Society Is A Polite Society".
Second, Safety is not attained by attending one class and then calling yourself an "expert marksman". Safety is a process, learned over time and practiced EVERY DAY!!! The way you handled the weapon yesterday may have changed. You have to change with it. You have to adapt. Practice different scenarios, in the safety of your own space. If you are a member of a target range, that is an excellent place to practice.
Third, just as there are a variety of abilities of able-bodied people, there are different levels of abilities of the disabled person. Would I want a handgun in the hands of someone with a "twitch", nope, especially not if they were thinking about handling an Uzi. Would I want a handgun in the hands of someone who has uncontrolled epileptic seizures, no way. Would I want a handgun in the hands of someone who has been drinking and then gets behind the wheel.... no brainer... NO WAY. I think you get my drift. I hope this blog was entertaining and informative.
