The biggest mistake responsible gun owners make is treating firearm ownership like buying a car—they get their license, purchase their weapon, and think they're done. This mindset puts families at risk and undermines everything you're trying to protect. The good news? It's completely fixable with the right approach to ongoing training and safety practices.
Every week at Hembock, we see well-intentioned gun owners who made avoidable mistakes that could have ended tragically. These aren't careless people—they're responsible adults who simply didn't know what they didn't know. The difference between a safe, confident gun owner and a liability waiting to happen often comes down to five critical areas where most people go wrong.
Mistake #1: Thinking Your CPL Class is Enough Training
Your concealed pistol license class teaches you the legal minimums to carry a firearm. That's like thinking driver's education makes you ready for the Indianapolis 500. The CPL class covers laws and basic safety—it doesn't make you competent under stress.
Here's what this looks like: You passed your CPL class six months ago, carry occasionally, but haven't touched your firearm since. When you do practice, it's maybe 20 rounds at the local range, shooting slowly at a stationary target. You tell yourself you're "maintaining proficiency."
Why people make this mistake: The CPL class feels comprehensive when you're taking it. You learn about Michigan laws, basic safety rules, and pass a simple shooting test. It feels like you've "graduated" from firearm training. Plus, ongoing training costs money and time that many people don't want to invest.
The right approach: Treat your CPL class as kindergarten, not graduation. A responsible gun owner commits to ongoing skill development through regular range time, defensive shooting courses, and scenario-based training. Plan for at least quarterly training sessions that challenge your abilities beyond basic marksmanship.
Warning signs you're making this mistake:
You haven't fired your carry gun in over three months
You've never practiced drawing from concealment
You can't remember the last time you dry-fired at home
You've never taken a defensive shooting class
Mistake #2: Inconsistent Safety Protocols at Home
The second most dangerous mistake is having different safety rules for different situations. You're meticulous at the range but casual at home. You properly secure your firearm most of the time, but sometimes you're tired and cut corners. Inconsistency kills.
This shows up when you have a "quick access" safe by your bed but sometimes leave your gun on the nightstand because you're "just going to sleep." Or you have children's friends over but forget to double-check that your firearm is properly secured because you're focused on being a good host.
Why this happens: Home feels safe and controlled. You know your family's routines and think you can predict when extra security is needed. The problem is that emergencies and unexpected situations don't announce themselves. The moment you need your safety protocols most is exactly when you're least likely to be thinking clearly about them.
The disciplined approach: Develop non-negotiable safety protocols that work in every situation. Your firearm storage, handling, and access procedures should be identical whether you're alone, have guests, or are dealing with family stress. No exceptions, no shortcuts, no "just this once."
Mistake #3: Carrying Without Understanding Use of Force Laws
Knowing when you can legally use your firearm is just as important as knowing how to use it. Yet most gun owners have a dangerously incomplete understanding of Michigan's self-defense laws. They know they can defend themselves but don't understand the legal nuances that determine whether they go home to their family or go to prison.
This mistake looks like believing you can draw your weapon to "de-escalate" a situation, or thinking that someone breaking into your car justifies deadly force. Some gun owners believe that having a CPL gives them special authority to intervene in crimes they witness. Others think "stand your ground" means they never have to try to avoid conflict.
Why people get this wrong: Legal concepts like "imminent threat," "proportional response," and "duty to retreat" seem straightforward until you're in a high-stress situation trying to make split-second decisions. Movies and internet forums spread dangerous misinformation about what's legal and what isn't.
The responsible approach: Study Michigan's self-defense laws until you can explain them to someone else. Understand the difference between assault, aggravated assault, and situations that justify deadly force. Know when you have a duty to retreat and when you don't. Most importantly, understand that drawing your weapon commits you to a legal process that will cost thousands of dollars even if you're completely justified.
Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Firearm for Your Situation
Too many gun owners choose their firearm based on what looks cool, what their buddy recommended, or what was on sale. This leads to carrying a gun that doesn't fit their hand, their lifestyle, or their skill level. The best firearm is the one you can shoot accurately and will actually carry consistently.
Common versions of this mistake include buying a compact pistol that's too small for your hands, choosing a caliber you can't handle comfortably, or selecting a firearm that's too large to carry concealed in your normal clothing. Some people buy multiple firearms thinking more options equal better preparedness, but they never become truly proficient with any of them.
Why this happens: Firearm marketing focuses on features and specifications rather than practical fit. Gun store employees may prioritize sales over finding the right match for your needs. Social media and forums create pressure to own certain brands or calibers that may not suit your situation.
The smart approach: Choose your firearm based on what you can shoot well, will carry consistently, and can maintain properly. Rent different options at a range before purchasing. Prioritize reliability and your ability to shoot it accurately over any other factor. Remember that a .380 you'll actually carry and can shoot well is infinitely better than a .45 that stays home because it's too heavy or uncomfortable.
Mistake #5: Neglecting Mental Preparedness and Scenario Planning
Physical training is only half of defensive preparation. The biggest gap in most gun owners' training is mental preparation for the reality of a defensive situation. They focus on marksmanship but never think through the psychological, legal, and practical aftermath of using their firearm.
This shows up as never considering how you'd handle the police response after a defensive shooting, not thinking through how to protect your family during a home invasion, or failing to consider alternatives to drawing your weapon. Many gun owners have never visualized what they'd actually do in common threat scenarios.
Why mental preparation gets skipped: It's uncomfortable to think about violent situations in detail. Physical skills feel more concrete and measurable than mental preparation. Many people assume their instincts will guide them correctly under stress, not realizing that stress often causes people to freeze or make poor decisions.
The complete approach: Regularly practice mental scenarios where you might need to use your firearm. Think through your responses to home invasions, carjackings, and public threats. Understand the physiological effects of extreme stress on your decision-making and motor skills. Practice calling 911 and giving clear, accurate information about a defensive shooting.
Mistake #6: Ignoring Regular Maintenance and Function Checks
Your firearm is a mechanical device that requires regular maintenance to function reliably. Yet many gun owners clean their car more often than their carry gun. They assume that because they haven't fired it recently, it doesn't need attention. This complacency can lead to malfunctions exactly when reliability matters most.
This mistake includes carrying the same ammunition for years without replacing it, never checking that your firearm cycles properly with your chosen defensive ammunition, and storing firearms in humid conditions without proper care. Some gun owners have never field-stripped their firearm or don't know how to clear common malfunctions.
Why maintenance gets ignored: Modern firearms are very reliable, creating a false sense of security. Many gun owners don't understand how environmental factors like humidity, lint, and temperature changes affect firearm function. Maintenance feels like an unnecessary expense when the gun "seems fine."
The reliable approach: Establish a regular maintenance schedule based on your carry frequency and environmental conditions. Learn to field-strip and properly clean your firearm. Replace carry ammunition annually and test-fire a few rounds of any defensive ammunition you plan to rely on. Keep your firearm lubricated according to manufacturer specifications.
How to Avoid These Mistakes: Your Action Plan
Becoming a truly responsible gun owner requires ongoing commitment to improvement. Start by honestly assessing which of these mistakes you're currently making. Most gun owners recognize themselves in at least two or three of these patterns.
Your immediate next steps:
Schedule regular training that goes beyond your CPL requirements. Quality firearm training in Michigan should include both marksmanship and defensive scenarios. Look for instructors who emphasize safety, legal compliance, and real-world application over flashy techniques.
Document your safety protocols and practice them consistently. Write down your procedures for firearm storage, access, and handling. Practice these procedures until they become automatic, especially under stress or when you're tired.
Study Michigan's self-defense laws until you understand them completely. Consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in firearms law to ensure your understanding is current and accurate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I practice with my carry gun?
Plan for live-fire practice at least monthly, with dry-fire practice weekly. Focus on drawing from concealment, shooting from realistic distances, and handling malfunctions. Quality matters more than quantity—50 focused rounds beat 200 casual shots.
What's the most important safety rule for gun owners with children?
Secure storage that prevents unauthorized access while maintaining reasonable accessibility for defense. This means a quality quick-access safe, not hiding your gun in a drawer. Teach children firearm safety regardless of your storage method.
Do I need special insurance as a gun owner?
Consider self-defense insurance that covers legal costs if you're involved in a defensive shooting. Even justified shootings can cost tens of thousands in legal fees. Research options carefully and understand what's covered.
How do I know if my defensive ammunition will work in my gun?
Test-fire at least 50 rounds of your chosen defensive ammunition through your carry gun. Look for reliable feeding, ejection, and accuracy. Replace defensive ammunition annually and always test new lots.
What should I do immediately after a defensive shooting?
Call 911 immediately. Request police and medical assistance. Give basic information about your location and that shots were fired in self-defense. Avoid detailed statements until you have legal representation. Secure the scene and comply with police instructions.
Is it legal to carry in Michigan without a CPL?
Michigan allows constitutional carry for qualified individuals, but a CPL provides additional legal protections and reciprocity with other states. Understanding the specific requirements and limitations is crucial regardless of which option you choose.
The path to becoming a truly responsible gun owner never ends. Each of these mistakes represents an opportunity to improve your safety, effectiveness, and legal protection. The gun owners who avoid these pitfalls share one characteristic: they treat firearm ownership as an ongoing responsibility that requires continuous learning and practice.
Your family's safety depends on your commitment to excellence in every aspect of firearm ownership. From initial training through daily carry decisions, every choice you make either increases or decreases your ability to protect what matters most. Choose the path of continuous improvement, comprehensive preparation, and unwavering safety standards.