[AvOrdVet]

Perhaps firearms training should just be a requirement of education, as Pres. Teddy Roosevelt recommended, then there would be no issue of requiring it as a condition of firearms ownership and no issue of defacto registration of firearms and their owners.

Back in the day we all got required firearms training.. from our Parents, Family and Friends... that's what it needs to go back to.

[TigersEye]

Yes, I certainly did too. That is one of the greatest gifts my father gave me. I don’t think that was ever universal though and our society is a long way from that now. Imagine the differences it would make if virtually every child were taught firearms safety, handling and care by competent instructors.

[DaveA37]

I believe “specialized training” should be up to the individual and not made mandatory. I myself, getting my first rifle at age seven (yup, 7) have been hunting and shooting since I was a small boy. I consider myself very familiar with handling and use of firearms but can see the need for training in the art of self defence using firearms. Hunting and shooting is a lot different than protecting yourself or someone in times of great stress.
Like many others, I have had military training in shooting and hand/hand combat. ANY additional training is definitely an asset when the “real world events” are at you door. Just my $0.02 worth..........