[wtc911]

I am sure that you are right. The top 10% in any profession will clean the floor with the middle 80%. Still, you miss the point of the original post....Clemenza is a self-described neophyte in this area. The safe assumption is that he will fall into the middle 80%. The simplest advice is the best.

[yarddog]

Maybe I have gotten a little off point. As I stated earlier, I do think your points are worth considering although I personally hold a different one.

I grew up with guns and with friends who owned and used them in a rural area. I have also been around trained professionals who were new to guns before being trained. I guess some would disagree with me, but I would personally much rather have my old childhood buddies with me in a life and death situation.

I do agree with you that people who have no training or experience should at least get some minimal schooling when they purchase a gun. At least half of that training should be devoted to firearms safety.