Area gun shop urges responsible ownership during awareness month

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- June marks Gun Violence Awareness Month and a local gun shop is using this time to promote responsible firearm ownership and safe storage practices.

While gun violence often includes homicides and assaults, it also encompasses unintentional deaths and injuries involving firearms.

Many gun-related injuries and fatalities are preventable through education, secure storage and community interventions, particularly when it comes to protecting youth, according to the CDC.

"It's very important that kids actually do know about firearms," said Clay Bricker, owner of Brothers Arms gun shop. "Once they understand what it is, and you try to deter them from it, their curiosity only grows."

Officials stated that the portrayal of firearms in video games, movies and other media can lead to misunderstandings about the seriousness of guns and how critical they are in matters of life and death.

"That's why there are rules, and that's why there are safety concerns with owning a firearm," Bricker said. "We have a curriculum for kids' classes when it comes to handling firearms. We even require adults and parents to attend with the kids because it's the interaction between children and parents that we're really trying to reinforce."

Bricker also commented on the recent closure of the Pigeon Hill shooting range due to safety concerns. Brothers Arms would like to see the range reopen, provided that proper safety measures are in place.

"Having rules in place will eliminate a lot of discrepancies, issues and even accidents," Bricker said. "That's what we strive for at our range. We want all members and customers to feel completely safe and comfortable. Ultimately, you want to be able to bring a loved one, a child, a spouse or even a beginner to a range and have them feel safe."

Officials offered a variety of tips to gun owners for ensuring safe handling and accident prevention, such as using gun locks and storing firearms in a secure location.

"They now have fingerprint biometric safes that you can use in your home, next to your bed, in your vehicle, and other places," Bricker said. "There are a lot of different safety options available now to keep your firearm out of the wrong hands."

For more information about local firearm training and safety courses, visit www.brothersarms17.com.