Firearm Safety

Male friendships have been an earmark of healthy societies since cavemen were hunting woolly mammoths together during the Stone Age. One critical part of friendship is the ability to communicate effectively and clearly about difficult subjects. While talking about something like responsible gun ownership might feel as comfortable as a root canal, it is vital to ensuring everyone is safe and sound. Remember: talking to your buddy about being a responsible gun owner isn’t about stepping on their Second Amendment toes, it’s about looking out for one another, building trust, and protecting your loved ones. This guide will help you grab your courage, pick the right moment, and start those tough chats with respect, empathy, and a dash of manly wisdom.

Every gun owner knows that responsible ownership is as much about maintenance and safety as anything else. But true responsibility isn’t just about keeping that stock and barrel in working order, it’s about keeping your mind in working order, too. With nearly half of U.S. men owning firearms and men facing higher risks for mental health struggles and suicide, it’s time to talk shop about both gun safety and mental health. This article lays out the unique challenges facing men, how to spot warning signs, secure your firearms, and tune up your mental health—because a real man keeps both his gun and his mind clean.

A hard-working father who is always ready to help a friend in need was shot trying to prevent a robbery at a neighborhood barber shop. He woke up in a hospital weeks later, unable to talk or walk. The only thing I thought was, ‘How you going to take away something from the good guy?’”

Do certain situations, thoughts, or people consistently set you off? If you're wondering why you keep having the same reactions to the same situations, it's time to take a hard look what triggers you and start building strategies for managing it.

Have your mental sights been a little off lately? There’s no shame in recognizing when it might be time to give your firearm some space. While guns can be a big part of our identities, even the most responsible guys need to take a beat every now and then. This article helps lay out why getting space from your firearm during tough times isn't a weakness—it’s smart, safe, and can help build resilience. Let’s explore some lessons in gun safety, how to spot the signs you might need a break, and discover healthy ways to blow off steam. Protecting yourself and your community - that’s real strength.

Charles was injured through gun violence at 17 years of age, and has been a disability activist for most of his life. He shares about his related experience with depression recovery.