First things first: I am as pro-gun as one can get. I oppose all infringement upon the rights to property and self-defense, [including where they intersect on the subject of firearms.](https://steemit.com/guns/@jacobtothe/guns-suppressors-and-the-law) I have written at length about [the popular misconceptions that surround firearms and violence in society.](https://steemit.com/liberty/@jacobtothe/fake-news-and-guns) However, there are still some matters that deserve some consideration before I would encourage someone to buy or carry a firearm.

<center>![gun store](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Welcome_to_America_-_Supermarket_with_guns.jpg/1024px-Welcome_to_America_-_Supermarket_with_guns.jpg)
[Wikimedia](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Welcome_to_America_-_Supermarket_with_guns.jpg)</center>

# Gun Laws

[No, I am not arguing that legality defines morality.](https://steemit.com/philosophy/@jacobtothe/obedience-and-the-law) However, it is foolish to disregard the very real possibility that government goons will use immoral laws to justify violation of your rights. 

There are even many places in the USA where it is "illegal" to carry a firearm at all, much less without a "permit," or to even own firearms with unapproved cosmetic features or magazine capacities. You need to know the laws, and then choose whether to bend or break them only after careful consideration.

Even if you act entirely within the "law," there is no guarantee the police will respect it. You need to make a realistic cost/benefit analysis of being armed against threats to your life, liberty, and property versus facing extra governmental threats against the same.

# Responsibility

Owning a gun is a massive responsibility. You are carrying the potential to end lives. My very first Steemit post was [on the subject of gun safety.](https://steemit.com/firearms/@jacobtothe/basic-firearm-safety) If you plan to own a gun, you must follow these rules at all times, and never let down your guard. You can't allow your firearm to get into the hands of others who may be irresponsible, either. You must accept responsibility for the consequences of each bullet that leaves the muzzle. Are you really ready to carry this burden?

# Temperament

Are you cool-headed, or prone to flying off the handle? Only you can really know your own temperament and make a realistic determination here. Don't lie to yourself. Is road rage a problem for you? Do you get drunk, and if so, are you prone to belligerence or braggadocio? Do you use violence against your family members now? If you have any question about yourself on this matter, perhaps you shouldn't carry a gun.

# Training

Are you ready to spend the time and money to become proficient with a firearm? If you don't know how to use it, it isn't really going to be useful to you, and you could in fact increase the danger to yourself and to others if you are not ready to invest the practice required. This doesn't necessarily mean taking a combat training course, but it probably means taking a basic firearm safety course and firing thousands of rounds while practicing good firearm handling fundamentals every time to build muscle memory.

# Maintenance

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<center>![Guns and Ammo](http://www.gunsandammo.com/files/2012/10/Cleaning-pistol-300x199.jpg)
[G&A Basics: How to Clean Your Handgun](http://www.gunsandammo.com/home-featured/ga-basics-how-to-clean-your-handgun/)</center>

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Even the notoriously-reliable AK-pattern rifle requires cleaning and care. Are you prepared to learn how to maintain your weapon? this means handling toxic chemicals, disassembling machined parts using various tools, checking for wear, and potentially replacing parts. If you aren't prepared to learn how to maintain your firearm, you shouldn't own a firearm.

# Conclusion

I certainly don't want to give the impression that I have the authority to dictate who may or may not own firearms. All I want to do is give prospective firearm owners some food for thought.

I may not be a good pacifist Quaker, but I remember to consider firearms within the scope of the non-aggression principle. I likewise wish to encourage the reader to not initiate coercive force against others, but do consider measures you can take to resist aggression others may initiate against you, and be prepared to protect the defenseless.

https://youtu.be/GZ_jKCrQvnw

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![SteemVerify](http://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh141/lordtothe/jacobtothe1_zpsai6oygyj.png)

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