This is a very timely and important subject. You all seem to be on the right track with training and practice before handling a firearm. A very important step right now is your membership in the NRA. This step insures your right to own and posess a firearm for your protection as our fore fathers intended with the second amendment. Citizens own guns, subjects do not. There is legislation under way to prevent you from purchasing ammunition without heavy taxation and eventially not at all. Gun ownership has gone up 80% recently in respnse to the legislation. Shelves previously loaded with amunition and re-loading supplies have recently emptied out. However you all are concerned with your safety in your travels and at home and arming yourselves is the smart decision. I use guns to hunt with, target shoot with and have them for the protection of my loved ones and my LIBERTY.
The NRA is are main avenue to protecting our rights in the above legislation.