My Fathers Lifelong Gun Ownership Lessons
Michigan –-(AmmoLand.com)-I stand steadfast and firm for the rights of all law-abiding Americans to own guns and to enjoy the great hunting traditions that have been passed down to us for many generations. I genuinely believe responsible young people can enjoy and learn valuable lessons from gun ownership that will serve them well throughout their entire life.
I have owned and responsibly used these magnificent tools called guns for the vast majority of my life. .Growing up on a farm, dad presented me with my first gun when I was eight years old. However, before dad turned the responsibility of gun ownership over to me, we had a father/son talk setting down several specific rules I must never violate. He specifically told me in his no nonsense fashion that if I ever violated any one of these commandments I would immediately lose my prized possession. I knew from the beginning dad always meant what he said, so I listened carefully before I agreed to his requirements
Dad’s rules included:
- Never pointing a gun at anyone. Dad did not care if the gun was loaded or unloaded. Dad was adamant in his statement “guns are not toys to be played with.” Gun ownership is a serious responsibility and he strongly emphasized that I was never to let that thought lapse from my mind.
- Guns must be respected and cared for properly. Guns must be cleaned and oiled on a regular basis, and in order for guns to provide the reliable and safe service they were designed to provide, they must be kept in a safe and dry location.
- I must always know what I was shooting at. It was my foremost responsibility to know where my projectile would hit before squeezing the trigger. I was instructed not to take the shot if I was not certain of the intended hit.
- Respect for wildlife was a must. I was not allowed to shoot everything that moved. I must be prepared to clean and eat anything that I set my site on.
- I must work to earn the money necessary to purchase my own shells. Dad in his fatherly wisdom knew if I was required to buy my own ammunition I would be careful not to be wasteful. Since our involvement in farming provided mostly just the basics of life; and not the frills of excess, we had to make every penny count. This simple requirement from my father served to teach me the responsible attitudes and strong work habits that have served me well throughout my life.
After I agreed to these instructions, my dad turned the prized ownership of his 22 bolt action rifle over to me. Immediately upon taking possession, I felt great pride and knew my dad was confident I would respect his wishes and enjoy the countless joys of responsible gun ownership. My father knew his instructions, if followed, would serve as a foundation that would benefit me throughout my personal and professional life.
I am grateful to my dad for these valuable insights, and the values he instilled in me as a result of gun ownership.
I still own and use the Remington dad gave me over a half a century ago. Even though it shows the dings and the dents of its years, I still value and remember the day my dad handed the gun with the maple stock over to me. Even though I have added more than twenty guns with more monetary value to my collection, I still prize this gun above all of my others because of what it represents. It represents my dad’s belief and full support of the second amendment, and his belief I would always be responsible to do the right thing.
Michael Trebesh CPACandidate for the 33rd District Michigan State Senate seat.
About:
The mission of the Second Amendment March is to galvanize the courage and resolve of Americans; to petition our elected officials against establishing anti-gun legislation; and to remind America that the Second Amendment is necessary to maintain our right to self defense.