Should classes and proficiency licensure be required for firearms ownership?

No. What exactly is the concern... that would-be criminals are not competent enough with their firearms?

If we had required the San Bernadino shooters for example to be more proficient with their firearms, would that have helped or hurt? Responsible gun owners already do the right thing. Criminals do not. Government training would-be criminals on lethal tactics doesn't seem like a solution to anything, not to mention how much it leaves open the opportunity for manipulation by future politicians to restrict rights of law abiding citizens.

Should we also require certification and proficiency training for owning a knife, since 8 times more people are killed by knives each year than by rifles?

NO, I agree with training, but I do not believe it should be a requirement for ownership.

Perhaps there should be classes and proficiency to use the 1st Amendment as well. Driving a car is not a Constitutional right whereas gun ownership is. Now I do think responsible citizens should take the time to become proficient on their weapons so they can use them the right way. But if the government requires it, than we are adding a cost burden to citizens to exercise their rights.

Are gang bangers and common offence criminals or even terrorists going to be attending the classes or obtaining proficiency licenses?

When they require testing to get a voters license and testing before people are allowed to have children, they can require testing for gun ownership.

Yes
As soon as the same is required to vote
Speak
Have kids
Practice religion

Unfortunately, SSG Gerhard S., most of the "common-sense" measures, in reference to firearms, do not take into account the fact that criminals are not going to follow them. If we want to curb gun violence we need to make the penalties for illegal use and possession of firearms so stiff that people will actually think twice before using them. Oh, yeah, and no more of this, "Let's let them out early. They were so wonderful while they were in prison." Of course were wonderful, they don't get guns in prison. Keep them for an automatic 15-20 years, if convicted of using a gun in a violent crime, and NO possibility of parole. No one will ever stop the hardcore criminals, but at least some of them will be off the streets for a long time. ..........Sorry, my rant is now finished.... :-)

I think if you want to make full use of your firearm you should seek out some training. But to say you have to have training to have a gun I don't agree. You can buy a car and not be licensed. I think the system we have is pretty good. I am sure there are a few tweeks to it. The mental health capacity of some is what I question at times. I don't think making a person going through training would prevent them from not shooting someone. It would only mean that when they do off the deep end they will have a better idea how to shoot.

The right to own a firearm uninfringed is in the constitution. Along with freedom of speech and religion. What is so hard to understand?

SSG Seidel...I have not read all the responses to your fair question, but because most, if not all who respond have worn the uniform, I expect most will be pro-gun...the reason, as you know, is one of the things we swore to do was to defend the Constitution of the United States and we all take that oath seriously...gun ownership/possession is guaranteed/protected by the Second Amendment...on the left, you have those that believe guns, especially assault weapons, should be banned for ownership...on the right, you have those that simply say my right to own a weapon/gun is guaranteed and nothing else is required...in the State of TN, the vast majority of citizens and politicians are pro-gun, and typically bristle at any requirement that changes that fundamental right...to me, there is a difference between owning a gun for hunting, personal protection or hobby, versus carrying a handgun concealed...I realize that may be controversial with many, but those people should know that I believe their right to own a firearm should not be in question...to obtain a Concealed Carry Permit, you must do the following in our state (if you have one from another state, there are guidelines as well) in order to carry a weapon concealed on your person:

Requirements for Obtaining a Tennessee Handgun Carry Permit:
Applicant shall submit proof of the successful completion of a department approved Handgun Safety Course within the past six (6) months. Call [login to see] to find out more information on handgun schools, locations and contact information.
Provide CERTIFIED PROOF of U.S. Citizenship or Lawful Permanent Residency (no photocopies).
Submit application at any full service Driver License Service Center location.
Applicant is required to present a photo ID to the department at the time of filing the application.
Pay non-refundable application fee payable by cash, certified check, or money order.
When the application is processed at the driver service center, the applicant will be given instructions on being fingerprinted.

I do not think the above is much to ask to conceal carry. Keep in mind that you have some people in the class that have little to no firearms experience, so these individuals getting trained and proving they have the basic understanding and can fire a weapon succesfully at pre-determined distances doesn't seem unreasonable to me. All that said, I know others will disagree.

I believe that every American's right to bear arms is protected under the Second Amendment for multiple reasons. I also know we live in a very different world than what I experienced as a child growing up. We have people intent on eliminating us and our way of life and that alone should be enough of a reason to support gun ownership. Gun violence does not happen because of a gun, in and of itself, it happens because people, for whatever their reason, decide to use guns to attack and or kill others...people hurt or kill other people, not a gun of any kind or size.

As to the analogy of having no training or manual for having kids and any 'idiot' can have them, that is not for any of us to decide. Once you go down that road, there is no return. You are now deciding who can and cannot have kids. I understand your statement, and don't disagree with the contention, but having kids is much deeper than owning a weapon. I will say that much of our anguish over mass shootings seems to be tied in many cases to parental failure, and before anyone jumps on that statement, I fully realize that all of us, no matter our age or maturity, make decisions on our own, regardless of upbringing...I am just saying that some parents seem to refuse to acknowledge their child may have an issue that needs professional help...evil comes in all forms, but a gun by itself is not evil and never will be evil...it is the people behind those guns. No law is going to keep someone who is intent on hurting others from doing so, but me having to submit to a background check protects you and your family, and may, just may help prevent gun violence, due to mental health challenges or other factors.

Thanks for allowing me to share feedback...MAJ Fitz