Becoming A Firearm Owner, Part 1: The Attack

This is a 4-part series submitted by reader Steven, where he takes us through his journey to becoming a firearms owner.

Maybe you, or someone you know is considering becoming a gun owner for the first time. I very recently started to consider the idea of owning a firearm for home defense and personal protection. Over the course of the next few articles, I will share my journey – the initial event that sparked my desire to own a gun, decisions I had to wrestle with, discussions I had with my wife, and the outcome of my process. My hope is that my story may help you, or a friend who is in the same boat.

Part 1 – Another Attack

I don’t know what was different about this event, but somehow it hit me harder. Another attack. The news reel footage showed people running, police and first responders everywhere, families embracing, and others mourning. I’m still not sure why this particular event affected me so differently, but it did. I couldn’t help but wonder what I would do if facing an attacker. Would I run? Would I hide? How could I increase my chances of seeing my family again? Wait! My family! My wife and two young sons! What would I do if we were at the mall, or the grocery store, and someone launched some type of attack? What if someone invaded our home? Would I hide and hope for the best, or would I fight? My wheels were turning.

It might help to know a little about me. My father is a 30 year veteran law enforcement officer. Growing up, there was always a gun in our house, but it was nothing more than a tool my Dad carried to work. I shot a couple of times as a kid, and I had a couple of pellet guns. As far as firearms go, I guess you could say I had exposure, but no real experience. I knew the very basics of gun safety, and that’s about it.

On the other hand, my wife had zero exposure, zip, zilch – save for her brother’s Red Rider. She had always made it clear over the years that she was completely against owning a gun. They scared her.

Back to the news. I realized, sitting there watching reports of the senseless attack, that I was prepared – prepared to be a victim. As my wife and I discussed the tragedy unfolding before our eyes, I told her I was thinking about buying a firearm and training to fight and defend. I could tell by her body language that she was opposed to the idea. Completely opposed. She spouted off a few reasons for her feelings and I began to become uneasy about the idea as well. I dropped it.

Over the course of the next month, news reports of more attacks, home invasions, and robberies, as well as Concealed Nation articles led to more thoughts about owning a gun and more discussions with my wife. Stay with me over the next few articles to find out what happens…