Gun safety

Handgun and ammunition sales are way up in some Maine stores, with retailers seeing increases of 25 percent or 30 percent. Wal-Mart, a major seller of handguns, earlier reported sales increased by 70 percent in the week after Sept. 11. People are arming themselves against an enemy that doesn’t hesitate to kill civilians or, apparently, use bioterrorism; while there seems little reason to panic, they can hardly be blamed for seeking their own protection when the government is uncertain about the form of the next attack. The last thing new owners of these weapons want, however, is to inadvertently harm themselves or family.

The National Rifle Association offers an extensive list of training and safety courses. Its Web site reports, unfortunately, that Mainers would have to travel out of state to attend them. Closer to home, Van Raymond Outfitters in Brewer provides a course once a month. For $55, gun owners get two nights of instruction and one night at a range learning the basics of handling and storage, how to fire safely and operate safely at a firing range, among other topics. Space in the course is limited and the slots for the next couple of months are nearly filled. Still, considering that the point for most people purchasing guns in reaction to the Sept. 11 attack is increased safety, signing up for the course makes a lot of sense.

Gun accidents in Maine are a rarity, a testament to the care that owners here take with their weapons. New gun owners should take their responsibility just as seriously by knowing how to properly use and store them. A safety course is a good way to begin.