Gun rights advocacy starts over the backyard grill

We all like talking about guns at the gun show. We are comfortable when surrounded by friends and family who share our passion and enthusiasm for collecting and shooting. It’s easy and enjoyable to “preach to the choir,” but we need to reach out to the “non-believers.”

Too many gun owners shy away from discussing Second Amendment issues with their neighbor, school teachers, friends at church, or other people who may not share our knowledge of firearms. This is where we can make the biggest difference and this is where we must each strive to do a better job educating those who don’t understand why the Second Amendment is so important.

Michael Bloomberg is anti-gun because he is a narcissistic control freak. He may be the voice, spokesperson, and money behind the anti-gun movement, but he is not representative of the average anti-gun person.

Most “anti-gun” people fall into one of two main categories: they are afraid of guns, or they misunderstand guns. Without a family or other supporting structure teaching us the truth about guns, any of us could fall victim to the constant misinformation presented in the movies and media. It is up to each of us to help these people understand the truth about firearms and gun owners.

In order to educate others, we must first educate ourselves. Read your NRA magazine. Sign up for free email alerts with Buckeye Firearms Association. Understand the current political battles.

We all need to be able to explain that “closing the gun show loophole” is not about gun shows but about restricting private transfers, including instructors allowing students to try a gun on the range. “Universal background checks” really means “universal gun registration” and “people registration.” If World War II taught us anything, it is that registering people will not solve our problems.

Many non-gun owners do not understand the difference between fully automatic and semi-automatic firearms. They think the standard capacity 30 round magazines for an AR 15 is “high-capacity,” but no one believes replacing all of the 30 gallon fuel tanks in their trucks and SUVs with “standard capacity” 10 gallon fuel tanks would reduce traffic deaths. It is no different with our guns.

“Military style assault weapon” and “modern sporting rifle” both refer to the same group of semi-automatic guns. One label sounds scarier than the other, and that is why it is used. The intention is to scare people who don’t know any better. And that is why you must help people who have no interest in ever owning a gun to at least understand the basic issues so that that they can see through the anti-gun rhetoric.

As a pilot, I frequently see people who are afraid of flying. I talk with them and answer questions. Their fears subside when I am able to replace ignorance, with knowledge and understanding. I help them feel comfortable about flying by addressing their fears.

Hoplophobia is the irrational fear of firearms. Like other fears, it can be overcome with knowledge and positive exposure. There are many sources of misinformation regarding firearms but you may be the only good source of information a friend or neighbor has. Use your relationship to bridge the gap and help others understand the truth about guns.

Volunteer to take them shooting. Emphasize safety and good shooting habits. Supply eye and ear protection. Have them shoot a .22. This outing is about introducing someone to firearms and safety in a fun environment. They are nervous and expect to be overwhelmed, so underwhelm them instead. Place targets at a close distance to ensure success. Then watch as the feelings of fear and anxiety are replaced with accomplishment and empowerment. Replacing negative emotions with positive ones will turn adversaries into proponents yielding lifelong benefits.

None of us rejoice at the stories of accidental shootings or criminal attacks. We want safety and peace. This is our common ground, even with the anti-gun person. It is incumbent on each of us to explain to the non-gun-owner why our methods work better at accomplishing these goals than the gun ban extremists. We need to explain this truth to others who pursue well-meaning, but misguided agendas regarding guns and crime.

Never get angry or upset when advocating for firearm ownership, as that feeds the anti-gun fear and stereotype. But it’s okay to smile at their anger, which may be an indication you have popped their denial bubble. This is an important step in helping them understand the truth about guns.

As you enjoy the summer weather and frequent interaction with others, embrace the opportunity to discuss guns with as many people as possible. Help others overcome fear and ignorance by providing wisdom and understanding. If we all bring a few converts along, we will make a big difference this election season.

Jim Irvine is the Buckeye Firearms Association President, BFA PAC Chairman and recipient of the NRA-ILA's 2011 "Jay M. Littlefield Volunteer of the Year Award" and the CCRKBA's 2012 "Gun Rights Defender of the Year Award."