6 hours Ago
AS CITIZENS across New Hampshire exercise their Second Amendment rights, it remains essential that here in the Granite State and across the country that our leaders foster a culture of responsible firearm ownership. This begins with proper training, education, and a thorough understanding of the protocols that accompany safely handling a firearm. The U.
S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA) and the New Hampshire House of Representatives are proud to partner to conduct an in-depth firearm education, training, and safety course Tuesday, April 29, at the New Hampshire State House, where we will engage with lawmakers on the importance of preparedness in firearm ownership. New Hampshire is one of the few states where open carry is permitted on its Capitol grounds and inside the building, offering a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of training in environments where gun ownership is publicly visible and where legislators are doing the people’s work.
New Hampshire is proud of its open carry laws, which permit law-abiding citizens to carry firearms in public spaces. However, this privilege comes with the expectation that those who carry do so with the utmost responsibility. It’s not just about having the right to carry a firearm; it’s about preparing to use that firearm safely and effectively if the need ever arises.
That is where training and education become indispensable. Firearms education also helps inform decision-making in critical moments, including how to avoid or de-escalate potentially dangerous situations. When citizens are well-trained, they are less likely to make careless mistakes, such as failing to properly secure their weapon.
Gun owners like the more than 860,000 USCCA members nationwide who undergo comprehensive training are more likely to act responsibly and prevent accidents, which ultimately leads to safer communities. The training courses also emphasize avoidance, de-escalation, and situational awareness tactics, which are crucial techniques for self-defense. As a former FBI supervisory special agent and the Speaker of the New Hampshire House of Representatives, our shared mission is to empower citizens and legislators alike to best protect themselves and their communities.
While New Hampshire’s open carry laws are a testament to the trust placed in its citizens, that trust should be met with the responsibility of continuous education and training. As we prepare to meet with legislators at the New Hampshire State Capitol, we hope to have a fruitful training and impactful conversation around the importance and benefits of promoting firearm training and education at every level in the Granite State. New Hampshire lawmakers have a critical role to play in ensuring that responsible firearm ownership is not just a right, but a practice that is rooted in safety and education, including when they walk through the State House doors to do the people’s work.
By participating in, supporting, and encouraging rigorous and comprehensive training, our leaders can help ensure that New Hampshire remains a state where responsible gun ownership thrives. Lawmakers at every level of government — whether in Concord or Washington, D.C.
— should prioritize the safety of firearm owners, ensuring that responsible gun owners have the tools they need to safely exercise their rights. With proper education and training, we can create a safer, more responsible community of firearm owners across New Hampshire and beyond..
