A blue patch that says 'Responsible Gun-Owner' surrounded by patches showcasing the tenets of responsible gun ownership 
safe use. safe storage. safe citizen.

Own It: The Responsible
Gun Owner Majority

97Percent is proud to launch Own It: The Responsible Gun-Owner Majority: a celebration of Americans exercising their Second Amendment right who embrace the obligation that comes with owning a firearm and prioritize safe use, safe storage and care, and being a safe citizen.

The Case for Responsible Gun Ownership

We know the majority of gun owners are prudently exercising their right to bear arms, but too often we – as a society and the media – focus on those who are not. As part of our mission to change the conversation around gun safety, we will not cultivate fear; we will instead lift up responsible gun owners and build a community ready to lead by example, inspire others, and share knowledge.


But it is important to note that more than five million Americans became first-time gun owners in the last two years; gun thefts, especially guns stolen from cars, are rising and fueling violent crime; accidental shooting deaths among children are too frequent; constitutional carry laws sweeping the country are removing training requirements; and 24,000 Americans committed suicide with a gun last year. That’s why the need for responsible gun owners is stronger than ever.

Responsible Gun Owner Checklist

Finding credible information about gun safety in one, digestible place has always been a challenge – especially for new gun owners. But with the help of diverse partners across the industry, we have created a first-of-its-kind checklist and hub of resources on how to be a part of The Responsible Gun-Owner Majority – the fundamentals of which fall into three categories: Safe Use, Safe Storage & Care, and Safe Citizen.

  • • I always treat my firearm as if it’s loaded. 

    • I keep my finger off the trigger until I’m ready to fire.

    • I don’t point my firearm at anything or anyone I don’t intend to destroy. 

    • I am always aware of what is behind and around my target. 

    • I keep the action open and gun unloaded until I’m ready to shoot. 

    • I’m educated on how my gun operates: how to open and close the action, how to safely remove ammunition, and what ammunition is compatible.

    • I do not drink or use drugs when shooting.

    • I take classes, dry fire, go to the range, and/or seek out information online to hone my skills.

  • • I never leave my gun unattended, unlocked, and loaded.

    • I immediately and securely store my firearm after use. 

    • I use a cable lock, gun case, lock box, safe, biometric holster, gun cabinet, etc. to secure my firearms in my home.

    • I store ammunition for my non-defensive firearms in a locked location separate from my firearm.

    • I place my gun in secure, temporary storage out of sight when in my vehicle. 

    • I educate everyone in my family about firearm safety. I tell my children never to touch an unattended firearm and to inform an adult if they see one.

    • I regularly clean my firearm.

  • • I stay informed about local firearm laws. 

    • I know if my state allows open carry, if a permit is required for concealed carry, and if there are any training requirements. 

    • I know if my state has a Stand Your Ground law. 

    • I know if my state or city requires gun insurance.

    • I know who I can legally transfer my firearms to and if the transfer requires a background check at a licensed dealer. 

    • I know if my state or city requires my firearms to be stored.

    • I know the locations where I am prohibited from carrying my firearm. 

    • I check the reciprocity of my concealed carry permit before traveling to other states.

    • I research the firearm policies of my lodging and transportation when traveling.

An orange patch embroidered with 'Safe Use' and a single bullet

Safe Use

Educating yourself on how to properly and safely use your firearm is essential. Whether you’ve just purchased your first gun or are a longtime gun owner, The Responsible Gun Owner Majority invests not only in training in the classroom but also continued self-learning.

Please find resources below regarding handling as well as where to find instructors, courses, and gun owners ready to answer your questions.

Resources for Safe Use

An orange patch embroidered with 'Safe Storage & Care' and a padlock

Safe Storage and Care

Preventing unauthorized access to your firearms is imperative to reducing the chance of accidental gun-related deaths, suicides with a gun, and your gun ending up at a crime scene.

Please find information below on how to safely stage and store your firearm. Please also find information on how to safely clean your firearm.

Resources for Safe Storage and Care

An orange patch embroidered with 'Safe Citizen' and a checkmark in a circle

Safe Citizen

Knowing exactly where your concealed carry permit allows you to carry, whether you must purchase gun insurance, if/how you are required to store your firearm, and if your state has a Stand Your Ground law in place are just a few examples of things that are critical to know to ensure you don’t end up in jail.

Gun laws vary significantly from state to state. The Responsible Gun Owner Majority stays informed about and adhere to the laws in their state and are sure to research the laws of others when traveling.

Please find more information below. 

Resources for a Safe Citizen

Do you have what it takes to Own It?

Take the Responsible Gun Owner Quiz

We’ve created a short quiz to help you find out if you’re doing your part when it comes to safe and responsible gun ownership. If you pass with flying colors, proudly share the badge you’ve earned and challenge your fellow gun-owner friends to take the quiz.

Are you part of the Responsible Majority?

 

97Percent is proud to shine a light on The Responsible Gun Owner Majority to spur conversation, foster accountability, generate pride, and establish a deeper understanding of what being a responsible gun owner means.

Help us spread the word and inspire others to join the Responsible Majority! 

 

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Use #OwnIt and #TheResponsibleMajority

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