Every time there is a new crime perpetrated on a real estate agent, there is more talk about safety standards. Many agents\u2019 thoughts turn to taking self-defense classes and carrying a handgun, so they may defend themselves.<\/p>\n
Interestingly, according to the National Association of REALTORS\u00ae 2015 Member Safety Report, 12 percent of agents who responded said that they already carry a gun in the field.<\/p>\n
In this article, in a balanced way, we\u2019ll explore the ins and outs of gun ownership, including the known associated risks and commitment needed to be proficient.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The risks of gun ownership inside your home<\/h2>\n
If you are considering purchasing a firearm, you\u2019ll first need to recognize that statistics indicate that keeping a gun in your house is a risk.<\/p>\n
The vast majority of homicides take place between intimates, not strangers.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
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- In 2010, nearly six times more women were shot by husbands, boyfriends, and ex-partners than murdered by male strangers.<\/li>\n
- A woman’s chances of being killed by her abuser increase more than 5 times, if he has access to a gun.<\/li>\n
- It literally doubles the risk that a household member will kill himself or herself.<\/li>\n
- Some studies suggest a suicide risk as high as 10 times.<\/li>\n
- More than 30,000 Americans injure themselves with guns every year.<\/li>\n
- An American is 50% more likely to shoot themselves dead than to be shot dead by a criminal.<\/li>\n
- For every time a gun is used in self-defense in the home, there are 7 assaults or murders, 11 suicide attempts, and 4 accidents involving guns in or around a home.<\/li>\n
- In one experiment, one third of 8-to-12-year-old boys who found a handgun pulled the trigger.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You know the risks; still want to pack heat?<\/h2>\n
Now that you know the potential consequences of possessing a weapon, what\u2019s involved in owning and carrying a firearm that you can use in the field?<\/p>\n
You could just go to a gun show, but otherwise you must buy your gun from a federally licensed dealer in your state and submit to a background check that they will arrange, using an FBI database. Once approved, you will be required to attend mandated safety training.<\/p>\n
In states that do not have open carry laws, you\u2019ll need a concealed carry permit that can take several months to get approved.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
In San Diego County where I live, it has been almost impossible to obtain a concealed carry permit from the Sheriff for decades (a current lawsuit may change that). So if you didn\u2019t want to break the law, \u201cpacking\u201d wasn\u2019t an option. I believe there are other parts of the country with the same issues.<\/p>\n
Now you have a gun, can you use it properly?<\/h2>\n
\u201cHow good is good enough when it comes to being able to save your life or the life of a family member?\u201d asks Guy Minnis of Hard Target Firearms Training.<\/p>\n
Minnis suggests that you should practice at least twice a week. Shoot at least fifty rounds at each session, and make every round count. Fire every round as if it was the only round in the gun and you need to hit your target to save your life. Do not just go through the motions.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Practice the things that you must do to put a gun into action to stop a deadly threat. Practice your draw from the holster that you carry every day and in the place you carry it every day. Practice your draw a lot and practice moving while drawing your weapon.<\/p>\n
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- Practice dry fire skill sets 10 to 15 minutes a day, everyday.<\/li>\n
- Practice live fire skill sets at least twice a week and shoot no more that 50 rounds each practice session.<\/li>\n
- Practice with the gun you carry and where you carry it.<\/li>\n
- Attend training as often as you can.<\/li>\n
- The more structured training you receive, the better you will get.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
That is quite the regimen, but remember that the most dangerous weapon is one used without proper knowledge, experience and practice.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Unless real estate agents go through the same kind of weapons training that police do \u2014 which goes far beyond the safety classes required to obtain a gun permit\u2014 they probably won\u2019t be skilled enough at using a gun in a life-threatening situation.<\/p>\n
What pros have to say to Realtors:<\/h2>\n
Chief Tony Holloway, of St. Petersburg Police advised Realtors not to carry a firearm. \u201cThat person\u2019s going to take that gun away from you,\u201d Holloway said. \u201cThat (bad) guy that\u2019s going to make a call has got a plan, and you need to have a plan.\u201d<\/p>\n
Preston Taylor, a police sergeant with the Sheriff\u2019s Department in Grand Traverse County, Mich., says criminals have often killed law enforcement officers by using the cops\u2019 guns against them. <\/p>\n
If a highly trained professional is vulnerable to such an attack, average citizens are doubly so, he says. Taylor, who teaches safety seminars to real estate professionals, says hesitation to use a gun in a life-threatening situation puts the gun holder\u2019s life at risk.<\/p>\n