As responsible gun owners and industry professionals, it is our duty to ensure that the weapons we buy and sell are used in a safe and responsible manner. The Marshall's Weapon Safety and Sponsorship Plan is a voluntary initiative that can help us achieve this goal. By implementing this plan, we can create a safer community without the need for government intervention or legal mandates.
The Plan suggests that all new gun purchases require a one time attendance to a mandatory gun safety and mentorship program. The program could include a minimum number of hours of class time, as well as range time with a variety of firearms. A successful completion of this program, combined with sponsorship from an adult who has already completed the training, allows for the purchase of a pistol, shotgun, or rimfire rifle. Specialized weapons may require an additional class of some sort. Those with prior training or experience may be grandfathered into the program and exempt from new training. It is my hope that many will be grandfathered in initially without requiring training.
Standardized Training and Sponsorship Card
Participants in the program will receive a standardized training and sponsorship card, which serves as proof of completion of the program and sponsorship agreement. The sponsorship program hopes that mentors will develop a relationship with new gun owners and take pride in their relationship, ensuring that they use their weapon safely and responsibly. Sponsors recognize that gun ownership comes with responsibility and that their role is to help ensure that their mentee uses their weapon in a safe and responsible manner. The program's main goal is to create a human connection between gun owners, similar to that of an uncle. This is a mostly voluntary position and there are no legal agreements behind it; it's simply the idea of caring for those who you sponsor.
The Importance of Sponsorship
Sponsorship is a vital aspect of the Marshall's Weapon Safety and Sponsorship Plan. The program aims to encourage experienced gun owners to serve as mentors to new gun owners. While most new gun owners will likely have multiple volunteers to serve as their sponsor, there may be those that nobody wants to sponsor. These are the ones that need special attention. This is where the program can work best. These are the folks that we are aiming to keep weapons from in the first place. This is where the community can step in and ensure that every new gun owner has someone to turn to for guidance and support. If someone can't find a sponsor, they can't purchase a gun.Voluntary Industry InitiativeThe Marshall's Weapon Safety and Sponsorship Plan is a voluntary industry initiative. This means that gun industry professionals and gun owners can take the necessary steps to implement the program without the need for government intervention or legal mandates. By working together, we can create a safer community without compromising the rights of responsible gun owners. I think that we can come up with some best practices that we can improve on over time. It can start with gun sales at a very local level and spread from there. A pawn shop owner could say, “if you want to buy a gun from me, get the training, bring a sponsor, I will sell you a gun.” That is how it could start. It would not need a new law.
Confiscation of Illegal Weapons
Lastly, the Marshall's Weapon Safety and Sponsorship Plan advocates for the confiscation and destruction of illegal weapons. By doing our part to keep guns out of the hands of those who seek to do harm, we can create a safer community for everyone.In ConclusionThe Marshall's Weapon Safety and Sponsorship Plan is a voluntary initiative that can have a significant impact on the gun industry and our communities. By adopting this plan, we can ensure that every new gun owner receives the necessary training and support to use their weapon safely and responsibly. We can also create a strong community of experienced gun owners serving as mentors and sponsors to new gun owners. Together, we can make our streets safer and create a brighter future for our communities.