The New Year is upon us! The change of guard in Washington, D.C. brings some hope for the protection of our Second Amendment rights at the Executive Branch. Nationally, gun rights organizations have been fighting to restore our rights by filing lawsuits and taking back ground an inch at a time. It’s a long and grueling struggle, but there’s optimism in the air.

Taking a step back from our usual routine, I asked my fellow Bearing Arms writers about firearms-related New Year’s resolutions they have, political or otherwise. I compiled their answers and am sharing them below. (I didn’t want to bother Cam at this time, so I don’t have his resolutions.)

Tom Knighton

First, get more range time. I’ve let that slack a bit this year, so I need to hit the range more so as to keep my skills from degrading at a minimum, and hopefully to improve that basic marksmanship.

Next, work on more off-range training such as dry-fire practice. I can’t always make it to the range for whatever reason, but I’m never that far from my gun. Having other ways to keep skills sharp is just a good idea.

John Petrolino

My goals for 2025 are to build.

I want to continue to put out work that holds accountable bad actors in our government(s). I already have ideas stockpiling. Just this week I partnered with News2A.com on a project called “The Infringement Report.” Tom did some coverage on the inaugural story. Is it going to be a worthy endeavor? I don’t know. But I think it’s already having an effect — and all I’ve had to do was state the facts. You tell me what you think, check it out HERE (sound off in the comments over there so I know y’all are paying attention — give Shawn and Grant some busy work by forcing them to moderate).

With my election to serve on the board of CCRKBA, I hope to get more involved with the Committee. CCRKBA is a 501(c)4, so there’s latitude there, and I’m really looking forward to working with both other board members on projects, as well as paid Committee staff members. While CCRKBA is an organization independent from the Second Amendment Foundation, they are sister orgs in essence. I will continue to aid SAF in any way I can and keep the tradition alive of there being great synergy among the two distinct organizations.

Lastly, this one is somewhat self-serving, but a goal nonetheless. In February I launched a product and travel reviews site called TheSquareReviews.com. I hope to continue to build on relationships with good people at good companies to provide good commentary and reviews for consumers and readers. I plan on adding to my pool of contributors, which I luckily have had some help on contributions and site design since launch. I also hope to do more video work with my friends over at WeShoot.

That’s it in a rather big nutshell. 2025 is going to be all about relationships and accountability for me and my goals. 

Ryan Petty

Resolution 1: Spend More Time on the Range

This year, I’ll dedicate more time to the gun range I built on my ranch. It’s not just about improving my marksmanship but fostering a deeper respect for firearm safety and responsibility. By practicing regularly, I’ll stay prepared to defend my family and freedoms while encouraging others to do the same.

Resolution 2: Restore the Second Amendment to Its Original Intent

I’m committed to the restoration of the Second Amendment as our Founders intended—a safeguard of liberty and self-defense. Inspired by my recent Washington Times piece, “How to Make America Safe Again,” I’ll continue working to educate others about how constitutional carry strengthens safety and freedom for all Americans. 

Resolution 3: Mentor the Next Generation of Firearm Owners

As a firearms trainer, I spend a lot of time helping others to improve their skills and to be prepared to protect their homes and families.  This year, I’ll focus on mentoring more young and new gun owners, teaching them safe handling, the history of the Second Amendment, and the importance of responsible ownership. By investing more time in the next generation, I’ll help preserve our rights and ensure that the legacy of firearms as tools of liberty endures.

Ranjit Singh

1) Get better at range estimation

I have a laser rangefinder. They’re inexpensive, extremely accurate and easy to use. But I like the idea of practicing range estimation manually so I’m not dependent on it. When I was in high school in India, we were not allowed to use calculators, and even in tough classes, we used classic logarithmic tables. It harkens back to that old school dependency on your own skills and intelligence.

2) Make my first 1000 yard shot

I want to get into long distance shooting. (But first, I need to find a 1000-yard range within a reasonable travel distance before I can work on my skills.) I want to make it more challenging by using an inexpensive hunting rifle chambered in .308 instead of a precision rifle in 6.5 Creedmoor.

3) Invite my state legislators to the gun range

My state legislators have voting records that are very antagonistic to the Second Amendment. I know for a fact that one of them has zero experience with guns. I’m not sure about the other one. My goal is to invite them to the gun range. If they accept the invitation, that will be fantastic. Ignorance is the biggest threat to the Second Amendment.

4) Continue providing firearms instruction

Over the years, I have taught many people, young and older, men and women. I will continue doing that, and hope to reach more people with little to no experience with firearms.

That’s a short list of Bearing Arms writers’ firearms-related New Year’s resolutions. It will be fun to revisit these at the end of 2025 to see how we all did.

What are your firearms-related New Year’s resolutions? Please post yours in the comments below, or contact us on Social Media. We are all active on X (formerly Twitter). Our IDs are @TheTomKnighton, @JohnPetrolino, @rpetty, and @AuthorSingh.

Tom’s note: Ranjit also wanted us to add a bit about keeping our own Cam Edwards in your prayers right now. I won’t get into why because it’s not my place, but he’ll need all that he can get in the coming days and weeks.