Overcoming Fear of Firearms

How to Overcome Fear of Guns

Written by: Jay Chambers 6/12/19 Minutemanreview.com

Fear of guns is surely not something pleasant to experience, especially if you live in a country where people are allowed to carry guns. Although fear is a normal human emotion to experience, it’s important to overcome it.

Firearms are dangerous, so being afraid of what they can do is not surprising, given that they may end up in the wrong hands. In spite of that, overcoming your fear could bring you closer to living with peace of mind and not be afraid every time you hear the word “gun”.

So, how do you do that? How can you get over the fear of firearms? Here are some tips that can help you out:

1. Identify Why You’re Afraid

What is the one thing that comes to your mind when you think about firearms? What causes you so much anxiety? Is it the fact that someone on the street could mass-shoot people at any time, or that you would accidentally shoot someone when you’re trying to use a gun? Or is it the fact that the gun may fire when you drop it?

Whichever the reason is, identifying it is the prime step towards moving forward and trying to get over your fear of guns.

2. Accept Your Fear

You must understand that there’s nothing wrong with being afraid. Just because you’re becoming nervous around guns while others are able to live worry-free doesn’t make you abnormal. Survival is our prime instinct, and since weapons can take someone’s life, it’s normal that fear will be triggered when you use or see a firearm.

It takes some time until you’ll be able to hold a gun without your hands shaking out of nervousness. Accept your fear and be patient. Solving this issue won’t happen overnight.

3. Read and Watch Gun Related Stuff

Baby steps are the way to go when it comes to getting over the fear of something. Rushing the process won’t get you anywhere So, if you have to start as low as from reading/watching gun stuff, then so be it.

Many articles or videos out there represent great information material that could come in handy. When it comes to firearms, lots of written content explains how to have a proper grip, how guns work overall, how they should be cleaned, and the list can go on. Of course, this doesn’t replace the necessity of learning how to actually use it, but some theory will give you a core understanding and prepare you for a less anxious encounter with a gun.

Look for gun stuff on the internet, and you should easily find videos or guides explaining the basic rules.

4. Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger

Some people are very afraid of an unintentional discharge, which could hurt not only the gun holder but also someone in the immediate surroundings. It’s a very common fear, even though such situations rarely happen.

Pro shooters generally have one rule they go by: never put your finger on the trigger if you’re not ready to fire at what’s ahead. If you think about it, it’s a very good rule, and practicing it for longer will turn it into a habit. Your fear of an accidental discharge will disperse once you’ve learned this.

Wrong way!

Right way!

5. Buy Newer, Modern Weapons

Guns rarely happen to go off while dropped, especially if the model in question is a newer one. Often, modern firearms come with advanced technology that doesn’t allow the possibility of discharge when dropped. For example, guns can have pin safeties that won’t fire following a bump. There are many other technologies too, of course.

As such, make sure you settle for newer weapon models to ensure they are safe.

6. Consider Replacement

You won’t necessarily fall in love with the first gun you purchase. In fact, the first choice might end up being wrong, and you’ll have to return to the shop and find a more suitable one. Some firearms just bite too hard for some people, and a more delicate one would be the only way for them to feel safer.

Having said that, don’t give up after trying your first gun for once. Experiment until you find a comfortable one.

7. Use Ear Protection

Loud noises are not pleasant, and it’s easy to see why some people may be put off by the intense sound that a firearm makes when used. You may get used to it in time, but what can you do during the first stage, when your hands are trembling on the grip?

Luckily, there are conventional earplugs, but you can also use electronic earmuffs, which filter the sound even better. These will let you hear those around you while camouflaging the gun sound. This is quite convenient, isn’t it?

8. Find an Instructor

You may be afraid of guns now, but finding a professional who can teach you about the art of shooting could be a great positive influence and help you stop being afraid. The instructor knows how to shoot and can make sure that the shooting process is done in a safe manner and will not harm anyone.

Make sure you take enough time to research your area and find a professional instructor. You may not get along with just any instructor – that’s why it’s very important to find the right one. This way, you will learn how to use a gun just like everybody else, be it for protection or competition shooting. For example, you may learn how to use a concealed carry 9mm pistol for self-defense, and this will give you a feeling of empowerment.

Final Thoughts

Watching the news or having a terrifying past experience with guns can give you a gun phobia that can affect any encounter you have with a weapon or with someone carrying a weapon. Fortunately, this has a solution – so, if you use the tips in this article to your advantage, you will be able to overcome your fear of guns.