He should also know the correct nomenclature for the various parts and what each part does. Even if he chooses not to attempt repairs or tuning himself, he should be able to discuss these procedures intelligently with a gunsmith or factory representative. The surest way to frustrate a service rep or entice a dishonest gunsmith is to call a part a "thingamajig."

How does one gain these skills? The ideal way is through a knowledgeable mentor who can offer hands-on instruction. Not everyone has a gun-savvy friend, however. Small local gunsmiths will often provide advice along with their services. If a gunsmith services a firearm, he should, at the very least, be willing to take a minute to explain what was done and why. Small gun shops are also sometimes staffed with knowledgeable people, and if asked they may demonstrate how to fieldstrip a firearm purchased from them and perhaps offer other useful advice. The problem is that many men are too proud to ask.

And don't forget the gun club. Most knowledgeable shooters are usually happy to share their expertise. One has to be careful, though, as some who know little are just as happy to offer bad advice.

If free advice is scarce, one can always pay for it. The NRA has 50,000 certified instructors located throughout the country. A Basic Pistol course costs from $75 to $150 on average, though some charge more. The First Steps courses cost less and provide a minimum of three hours of instruction on one specific model of firearm. Information on courses available and a search engine for locating instructors is available on the NRA website, www.mynra.com.

I doubt there is a firearms expert in the country who did not gain a sizeable part of his knowledge and skills by reading. A lot of information can be gleaned from gun magazines, and there are myriad books available on all facets of handguns. Internet gun forums are another good source of information, and the members of our forums are great about helping the beginner.

The moral of this article is a simple one. A handgun is a potentially dangerous tool. The more a person knows about any tool, the more enjoyment he derives from using it and the less likely he is to be injured by it. If you are a novice, educate yourself. If you are a pro, share your knowledge generously with others.

I close with a disclaimer, lest my words be misinterpreted. The title and some comments in this article are decidedly tongue-in-cheek, and I intend no slight to women. It has been my experience that women who genuinely have an interest in firearms and apply themselves often put many men to shame with their skills. A major advantage women have is that they are not burdened by a male ego. It is the male ego that often hampers the learning process for men.