Protecting Our Rights: Understanding the Pushback Against Gun Law Changes

In the heart of the Second Amendment debate, recent events like the Raleigh gun law protest show just how polarized our country has become over an issue that should be grounded in facts, not fear. At Fortress Firearms Training in Fountain Inn, SC, we stand firmly for law-abiding gun owners and their right to protect themselves, their families, and their communities. The rising calls for stricter gun legislation understandably raise concerns, especially when they single out the responsible gun-owning citizens who prioritize safety and education.

The Truth Behind Recent Gun Law Changes in North Carolina

In April 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation that removed the outdated permit requirement for purchasing a handgun. This change was met with strong opposition from anti-gun advocacy groups, including the demonstrators at the Raleigh gun law protest, who believe the law will increase violence. But what these protestors often fail to recognize is that this adjustment simply aligns North Carolina with constitutional carry principles already embraced by several other freedom-minded states.

Under the new law, background checks are still required when purchasing a firearm from federally licensed dealers—what changed is the redundant step of obtaining a county-issued pistol purchase permit, a process often hindered by local politics and arbitrary delays. The reform streamlines the process for law-abiding citizens, reducing bureaucratic red tape while still maintaining safeguards against unlawful purchases.

What Protestors Are Getting Wrong

The groups rallying at the Raleigh gun law protest are largely driven by emotion and well-funded national campaigns like Moms Demand Action. While we understand their desire to reduce gun violence, we vehemently disagree with their narrative that more laws equal more safety. The data does not support that notion, and here’s why:

• Criminals Don’t Follow Laws: Additional legislation only inconveniences lawful gun owners. Criminals, by definition, will not abide by new restrictions—rendering such laws ineffective at their supposed purpose.
• Second Amendment Rights: The right to bear arms is not conditional. It’s a fundamental liberty that supersedes political trends or emotional appeals.
• Self-Defense Matters: The ability to legally and efficiently purchase a firearm can be the difference between life and death in dangerous situations. Restrictions put honest citizens at risk.

Firearms Education Is the Real Solution

Instead of rallying for more laws, we should be demanding more firearms training and education. At Fortress Firearms Training, our mission is to equip gun owners with the skills and knowledge they need to be safe and responsible. Real reform means better instruction, not more government interference. Here’s what we offer that makes an actual difference:

• Beginner to Advanced Courses: From first-time gun owners to experienced shooters, we provide hands-on instruction tailored to all skill levels.
• Scenario-Based Training: We include real-world simulations so students can make quick, legal, and moral decisions with confidence.
• Legal Education: We train individuals in laws surrounding concealed carry and use-of-force, so they act within their rights and responsibilities.

Our belief is simple: training saves lives. Instead of blaming firearms, we target ignorance. The skill and awareness we offer people from Fountain Inn and beyond are invaluable tools for community safety. National narratives that paint firearms ownership as inherently dangerous ignore the tremendous benefits of well-trained, empowered civilians.

The Dangers of Anti-Gun Legislation

The Raleigh gun law protest symbolizes a growing call for stricter firearm controls that threaten to erode fundamental freedoms. While headlines may amplify the voices of protestors, they often ignore or marginalize the millions of responsible gun owners who cherish their Constitutional rights. Anti-gun proposals that aim to reverse current law reforms could result in:

• Greater dependency on government protection, which often arrives after danger has passed.
• Disenfranchisement of rural and lower-income populations who can’t afford time-consuming, expensive permitting processes.
• Slippery slope regulations that chip away at gun rights incrementally until they’re virtually inaccessible to the average citizen.

Pro-Second Amendment supporters know that the Constitution was not designed to be convenient—it was designed to be permanent. Fortress Firearms Training proudly stands on the frontlines of this cultural battle, advocating not only for armed self-defense but for the ideals of liberty and personal responsibility.

Why Fortress Firearms Training Supports the Latest Law Changes

We at Fortress Firearms Training applaud North Carolina lawmakers for removing unnecessary barriers to lawful gun ownership. The idea that every potential firearm purchaser needs a county sheriff’s approval is an outdated vestige that disproportionately affected marginalized groups throughout history. By eliminating the pistol permit requirement, citizens are now empowered to exercise their Second Amendment rights without burdensome interference.

Let’s be clear: The current system still includes federal background checks at points of sale. What we’ve removed is an unreliable, subjective, and often duplicative step. At Fortress Firearms Training, we see firsthand how such reforms can encourage lawful ownership, bolster personal protection, and promote responsible firearm use—all goals that protesters from the Raleigh gun law protest falsely claim are compromised.

Standing Up for South Carolina and the Nation

As South Carolinians watching the national conversation unfold, we must be vigilant. Our neighboring states are just the battlegrounds where anti-gun activists test their policies. Fortress Firearms Training is committed to being a resource and a voice for those who believe in self-reliance, freedom, and the responsible exercise of one’s rights.

Whether you’re new to firearms or ready to expand your training, Fortress Firearms Training is here to serve the Fountain Inn community and beyond. Visit our website at https://www.fftcwp.org to learn more about our course offerings and schedule a class that suits your needs.

Conclusion

The Raleigh gun law protest is another reminder that our freedoms require constant defense—from those who would restrict access under the guise of safety. But true public safety is built on informed, prepared citizens who are trained to act responsibly. At Fortress Firearms Training, we’re doing more than teaching safe gun handling—we’re preserving America’s core values.

Let’s shift the narrative from fear to freedom, from blame to education. Firearms training doesn’t just benefit individuals; it strengthens communities. Join us in standing for your rights and becoming part of a knowledgeable and empowered citizenry.