Why Doesn't Gun Violence Affect Gun Ranges?
Gun violence in America is becoming one of the world’s most prevalent topics as mass shootings and school shootings continue to take place. Students from all over the country visit Washington to take a stand against gun violence. The survivors from the Florida school shooting organized this rally in support of the seven-teen people left dead. The students carried signs, chanted and demanded that action is taken against gun violence.
(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
As a result of the Parkland shooting in Florida, Dick’s Sporting Goods bans sales of assault rifles across all its stores. The retailer also puts an end to sales of high-capacity magazines and sales of guns to people under 21 years old.
“As we looked at what happened down in Parkland, we were so disturbed and saddened by what happened, we felt we really needed to do something,” CEO ED Stack said on Good Morning America.
After noticing the Parkland’s shooter purchased a shotgun at one of the Dick’s locations, Stack came to the realization that action had to be taken. The action drew lots of praise from the gun-control proponents and many believes the statement will drive gun sales. “The four largest gun sellers control only 5% of the market….and although online sales have increased in popularity, federal regulations requiring local dealers to fulfill gun purchases have empowered mom-and-pop shops,” says USA Today reporter, Nathan Bomey.
According to The Atlantic, gun violence affects more than just its victims. The threat of violence makes neighborhoods poorer to those that it is more prevalent to. Though one person may be the victim of gun violence, several are affected by the incidents that have been taking place. Family, friends and others are all included in those that may be affected by such tragic events.
With all the violence going on right now, local and far, two Hattiesburg brothers decide to take action. The Green brothers open Brothers-N-Arms, LLC with a goal to provide PineBelt residents with a safe place to experience the joy of the shooting sport. The facility is available for shooters of all skill levels and passions. It is the only place in the Hattiesburg area for firearms training of its kind.
The Hattiesburg premier gun range offers covered rifle and handgun shooting areas, firearms training courses, shooting competitions, and self-defense training.
The two brothers truly believe in the importance of knowing how to use a gun properly. When asked if he agreed with the idea of arming teachers, Joseph Green says that he definitely agrees with it but he suggests that the teachers get intensive training first.
“What would you say to those that fear firearms?” – Chanel Toppino
Joseph Green replies, “Get that knowledge and you get in power then you understand how this whole thing operates, your irrational fears are gone and then your eyes are open, so I understand the fear of somebody who doesn’t know. Get that education and it’ll show you that fear can be overcome, you just have to be open to learning.”
The Brothers-N-Arms gun range is a place for family, for freedom and for life. The Green brothers wanted to be a part of something greater and they make sure that they are training their members along with giving them in-classroom courses to gain more knowledge.
The Green brothers also offers an all women self-defense course that involves top-notch instruction without the ego. Along with the firearm training, they provide information and tools necessary to become confident and competent so that women can take charge of their personal protection. The training is said to be intimidation free and ego free, so that the women can learn with no distractions.
Some may question the idea of still going to gun ranges after so much gun violence, but the idea is to promote safety, training on how to properly use a gun and self-defense to help those in need. This particular gun range is all about helping others protect their personal space and to be prepared in any life-threatening situation.
Las Vegas shooting range owner, Genghis Cohen, backs gun control and says ‘If we can make people safer, why not?’ Some say Cohen is a hypocrite due to his offerings of access to full or semi-automatic rifles. After the Vegas mass shooting Cohen closed down the shooting range out of respect and he didn’t feel it was appropriate to be open.
Cohen says he’s aware that his rivals were still open on this day, but “Someone’s got to say something because if we don’t we end up looking like a bunch of cockroaches scurrying for cover.”
Although many think these businesses should be closing due to so many mass shooting, they are not the cause of the shootings and they still have to keep business booming. Many of the gun ranges are open to assist in training those that want to keep safe and it allows them to feel a sense of power and protection.
Hub City TV Reporter, Chanel Toppino provides more information on the Brothers-N-Arms gun range and why they continue to host their training courses.
