It’s one thing to own a gun for self-defense. It’s another thing entirely to be prepared to use it—safely, legally and with confidence.

Having the proper defensive mindset takes much more than strapping on the latest micro-compact or keeping a tricked-out AR next to the bed. Ask yourself: Can you get to and use your gun under stress? Can your spouse? Do you understand your state’s self-defense laws if someone kicks in your door at 2 a.m. or tries opening your car door at a stoplight?

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of U.S. gun owners cited protection as a major reason they own a firearm, with 81% saying they feel safer because of it. Among non-gun owners, nearly half (47%) say they can see themselves owning a gun in the future. But buying a gun is just the beginning.

Between 2020 and 2024, more than 26 million Americans became first-time gun owners, according to the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF). In 2021 alone, according to Fox Business, 5.4 million bought their first firearm—but only 43% pursued formal training.

Asking the guy behind the gun counter questions or shooting with a buddy doesn’t replace actual training. Regardless of whether you’re new to shooting or a lifelong gun owner, you need to ask: Are you actually prepared to defend yourself?

Being prepared means more than just trigger time.

It’s access—keeping your gun secure but being able to reach it quickly in an emergency.

It’s knowledge—understanding the laws in your state and knowing what to do should you be forced to legally use your firearm.

It’s practice—not just at the range but drilling real-world scenarios such as drawing from a holster or knowing what to say (or not say) to law enforcement after a defensive situation.

It’s backup—not necessarily at the moment of protecting yourself, though that would be nice, but after, with a legal defense plan if you’re arrested for doing what you thought was right?

That’s where U.S. LawShield’s retail partners are there to help. With products and programs that pair legal protection plans with in-store range training, gear packages and educational seminars, they are a direct line of action in turning passive gun owners into prepared defenders. U.S. LawShield even recently unveiled its own Concealed Carry Credential—the first of its kind that seamlessly integrates gun law knowledge with safe gun handling practices. It will soon be taught through partnering ranges and instructors across the country.

But don’t sit back and wait. Take the audit. Because when it comes to protecting your family, owning a gun isn’t enough. Being ready is what counts.