By Cederick Jenkins
When I talk to people about gun ownership, I often see eyes light up when we discuss the shiny new hardware or the latest tactical gear. And don’t get me wrong. I’m a gun guy through and through. As a veteran, a career law enforcement officer of 24 years, and someone who runs 54th Gun Club and North Star Ballistics, I’ve spent a significant portion of my life around firearms.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned across the range, military training grounds, and the beat, it’s that owning a gun is not a hobby. It is a profound commitment.
Buying a firearm is the easiest part of the process. It’s a transaction. But once that firearm is in your possession, you have stepped into a role that requires constant, intentional practice.
Too often, I see people tuck a firearm away in a nightstand or a holster, thinking that simply having it provides security. I’m here to tell you that is a dangerous mindset. A firearm is a tool, and like any tool, it is only as effective as the person wielding it. If you haven’t trained with your specific firearm until it feels like an extension of your own hand, you aren’t just unprepared. You’re a liability to yourself and your community.
Know Your Machine
Do you know your trigger pull? Can you operate your safety or clear a malfunction in complete darkness or under extreme stress? If you have to look down at your gun to figure out how to release the magazine, you haven’t trained enough.
True responsibility means knowing the mechanical reality of what you’re holding. It means understanding the laws, respecting the lethality of the device, and, above all, having the muscle memory to ensure that if you are ever forced to draw that weapon, your actions are precise, controlled, and lawful.
The Commitment to Growth
I encourage you to look at training as a lifestyle, not a one-time class. Whether you’re a beginner or have been shooting for decades, there is always room to improve. Find a reputable instructor, join a club, and get to the range regularly.
We live in a community where we look out for one another. That starts with individual responsibility. When you train, you aren’t just getting better at target practice. You are contributing to a safer environment for everyone around you.
Take the time to learn, stay humble, and keep practicing. Your family and your community will thank you for it.
Cederick Jenkins
Cederick Jenkins is an Army veteran, a 24-year veteran of law enforcement, and the CEO of 54th Gun Club LLC and North Star Ballistics LLC. He is dedicated to empowering his community through expert firearms education, safety training, and advocacy for responsible ownership.
Interested in improving your skills? You can reach 54th Gun Club for training inquiries at 769-218-7494 or by email at 54thgunclub@gmail.com.
