By USA Daily Now 
Amidst rising crime rates, debates over police defunding, and fears of unrest following natural disasters or future pandemics, gun ownership and firearm training are witnessing a surge in interest nationwide. According to recent statistics, over 40% of U.S. households own a firearm, with Americans purchasing more guns annually than new cars. However, owning a firearm is only half the equation—proper training is critical.
At Gunsite Academy, a renowned firearms training facility near Prescott, Arizona, individuals like ERIC STIEBER are investing time in week-long handgun classes to ensure they are prepared for real-world scenarios. “There’s a lot of things, a lot of chaos that happens, especially in big cities, and people don’t want to be the victim anymore,” Stieber remarked during a session.
Gunsite’s rigorous training programs simulate high-pressure situations, including clearing a simulated indoor structure known as the Playhouse. Here, students face cardboard targets in various scenarios, navigating high-stress decisions to neutralize threats while sparing innocent bystanders. “The number one takeaway I got from this experience is—don’t go out and buy a gun and just go down to the shooting range and think that you’re trained, because you are not,” emphasized BILL MORGAN, a Texas-based trauma surgeon who recently completed the course.
The training extends beyond handguns, with programs featuring AR-15s and bolt-action rifles designed for combat scenarios. Over 10% of Gunsite’s students are women, reflecting a growing demographic of firearm enthusiasts. Retiree CINDY HARTIN shared, “I think there are a lot more, especially women, who are interested in shooting and handguns and protecting themselves.”
BUZ MILLS, owner of Gunsite Academy, noted the shifting societal attitudes toward firearms. “Are people in general becoming more comfortable being associated with firearms than they had in the past? Yes, and that is absolutely the truth. Because firearms are becoming more mainstream,” he said.
The combination of increased gun ownership and the push for effective training highlights a broader trend: Americans are taking proactive steps to ensure their safety in uncertain times. As KEVIN REGAN, a Maryland real estate executive, aptly put it, “If you buy a piano, you’re not Billy Joel. If you buy a gun, you’re not Wyatt Earp. If you buy a gun, you need to practice.”
For more information on firearms training and safety, visit [Gunsite Academy](https://www.gunsite.com).
Source: [Los Angeles Police Department](https://www.lapdonline.org) | [Supreme Court Decisions on Gun Rights](https://www.supremecourt.gov)