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Only with mandatory training

All gun owners should be effectively trained on how to be a responsible gun owner


We need to undergo training to use a potentially dangerous power tool on a constructions site. We need driving lessons before we can drive a car. Given how dangerous guns are, it only seems right that we should have training for those too.

The Argument

Teaching gun owners the best practices surrounding gun ownership, like checking the firearm to see if it is loaded, keeping one's finger off the trigger until you intend to shoot, and safe storage practices would significantly reduce gun-related accidents and prevent accidental discharges. It would also keep the Second Amendment in-tact.[1]

Counter arguments

It would violate the Second Amendment by imposing economic restrictions. Not many people can afford a $100+ training course. If the government makes these course a mandatory part of gun ownership, it would only be the middle-class and the wealthy that would purchase guns. This is against the spirit of the Second Amendment.


[P1] In other industries we make training obligatory for reasons of safety. [P2] Guns are dangerous. [P3] They should only be available to those with training.

Rejecting the premises

[Rejecting P3] This would amount to a violation of the Second Amendment.




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This page was last edited on Friday, 18 Jan 2019 at 21:33 UTC