Local

Large turnout in Marietta for gun class

They've been buying guns in record numbers. Thursday night, hundreds of people showed up at a class conducted by the Marietta Police Department to learn how to use them safety. The turnout almost equaled the number of people who have attended all the other classes conducted by Marietta Police over the past two years.

Richard and Janet Grimsley of Marietta said they came in part because they are worried.

"With all the laws coming about," Richard explained, "we're not sure if they're going to… not necessarily confiscate, but make it very difficult to get a gun."

Also concerned about being the victims of violent crime, the Grimsleys recently both bought handguns and obtained conceal-carry permits.

"We have guns, but we've never fired them," Richard admitted. He and Janet said they want to make sure they know how to safely handle firearms before they start shooting.

That was why they came along with more than 600 other people to Marietta Middle school, where they were welcomed by Police Chief Dan Flynn.

"It's really amazing to see so many people," Flynn marveled.

During the course, police officers briefed the crowd on the four cardinal rules of gun safety: treat all guns as if they are loaded; never point a gun at anything you don't want to shoot; keep your finger off the trigger until you intended to fire; and identify both your target and what lies beyond your target.

After two hours of safety instruction, the Grimsleys said they feel a lot better about the guns they just bought.

"Now it's practice, practice, practice," Janet said. "It's like owning a guitar. If you don't practice with it, all it will do is sit in the corner and look good."

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