The article "Arming children with the facts about guns," Nov. 28, highlights how New York gun laws are chaotic and stupid. Few, if any, people have a clear understanding of what is or is not legal. What you can understand will often make you shake your head.
The article states the law does not allow anyone without a pistol permit or a badge to touch a pistol.
Mostly true, but not entirely, because state law allows non-licensed individuals to handle and fire handguns under certain circumstances. For example, an instructor may teach someone over age 14 and under age 21 to shoot a pistol. Several more exemptions are listed in the state's penal code, section 265.20.
Many counties require a handgun safety course before they'll issue a pistol permit. However, applicants cannot generally use a real handgun during the course. Does that make any sense? The answer is obvious, but we follow the idiotic laws as they exist and try to get them changed for the better.
Firearms safety is the most important part of shooting, hunting or otherwise using a firearm Educating children who may encounter firearms is a critical component of that.
I'm honestly not sure if it was legal or not for Kelly Miazga to allow her children to handle an unloaded handgun under her supervision while teaching them about gun safety, but I know it was the correct thing to do. It's just common sense. If it is illegal, that's just another law we need to fix.
CARL KOCHERSBERGER
National Rifle Association-certified pistol instructor
Fultonham