2022 is drawing to a close and may be over by the time you read this. For most of us in the Northern Hemisphere, this is the dark time of the year: short days, long nights, and weather that drives us to seek home and hearth. It’s the time of year for thought and contemplation, and I can see no reason we shouldn’t apply that to our shooting, CCW, and Second Amendment activities.
Thus, I present a list of suggested resolutions for gun owners and shooters. You may find that not all of these apply or appeal to you – and that’s fine. These are just suggestions, ideas, and starting points. My ongoing mantra in these discussions, gentle readers, it all depends on your individual situation.
Stay Informed
If you’re one of our regular readers, you’re more than aware that we live in interesting times, with many issues vying for our attention. The recent media focus on mass shootings (which I’ve addressed elsewhere) has brought Second Amendment issues back to the fore. And while those are very important, and we need to pay attention to them, there are a host of other government actions and international events that should be part of our focus. Let’s stay on top of the news. Just be careful where you get your “news” from.
Post your favorite new sources in the comments section below.
Stay Active
Most Americans could stand to be more physically active, and I, for one, am no exception. This year, let’s commit to training harder. Shooting is a full-body sport, particularly in IDPA and three-gun events. Toning your body will only make you a better competitive and self-defense pistolero. And it can be fun: check out some tactical combative or hand-to-hand training: a good workout and another tool in your self-defense toolbox.
See: Does Exercise Improve Concealed Carry?
Practice, practice, practice!
You want to shoot more. You need to shoot more. You’ll enjoy shooting more. But – wait for it – there’s more than that. How often do you practice drawing your weapon? What about weapons retention? Shooting under pressure? Heck, magazine swaps may not be exciting, but they’re a necessary skill. Find some time to hone these skills; you never know when you’ll need them. Read up on our firearms training and drills articles here.
Recommended Dry Fire Tools:
Hone your mind.
Your mind needs exercise like any other organ. Keep your brain sharp by reading, learning new skills, picking up a musical instrument, or incorporating a weekly game of chess or backgammon into your routine. The media stereotype is that gun owners are dumb, inbred, rural types yelling at the television. Let’s show them they’re wrong and improve ourselves while we do it.
Check out Greg Ellifritz’s list of recommended reading here.
Take some time to enjoy it all.
We address serious issues in these columns, and I’ve corresponded with many of you about some heavy topics. Again, that’s important, but find time this year to enjoy the range, your firearms, your other hobbies, and your family and friends. We live in a rich, beautiful world, so let’s celebrate it a little.
Again, these are suggestions, so I’ll be interested to hear your ideas either in the comments or via email. In the meantime, I’ll be at my desk writing and perhaps taking a break to practice some mag swaps. So let me know what you’re reading, and if you’re looking for a game of chess, hit me up.
