It is a privilege to own and shoot guns

The NRA’s answer: Just arm everyone (Letters, Jan. 7) It seems the leadership of the National Rifle Association (and many other ignorant individuals) equate any measure of firearm control as an attack on firearm ownership, which is simply incorrect. I think it is very important to correct the statement “right to bear arms,” instead saying “privilege to bear arms.” No one is born into this world with the required training and knowledge to safely own and operate firearms. This privilege must be earned through proper training and adherence to ongoing regulation. I wish Canada would enshrine the words “privilege to bear arms” in our constitution, so every time some nut commits an atrocity, the law-abiding firearms community isn’t dragged through the mud. In Canada, we are constantly on the defensive to preserve the firearm rights we have earned. The U.S. would be well-advised to adopt our firearms regulation system; if only it were that simple. For the record, I am an avid firearms enthusiast, I own many types of guns, and I love to shoot. For a generation that is seemingly addicted to simulated firearms use (insert shooter game name here) I encourage everyone out there to try shooting a firearm for real before condemning an activity that can be as safe as any other sport through proper training, adherence to safety regulations, and always respecting the nature of what you hold in your hands.

VINCE PINELLI, CANBOROUGH