FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Guns. Just thinking of the word conjures up images of death and destruction.

But to many, a firearm is a tool for hunting, target-shooting, and yes, defense. Like a hammer that can hurt fingers or smash a person if used incorrectly, a gun is a tool as well, something that has to be used and maintained correctly. And according to Officer Fred King, a weapons instructor and SWAT team member of the Fairhope Police Department, learning about that is the first step to safe gun ownership.

The initial class was held Jan. 22. Officer Brent Murray, also a firearms instructor also led the class, which lasted more than three hours. About 40 people attended.

“We're going to go over the difference between a shotgun and a pistol,” said King, walking toward a large display of his personal and department-owned weapons set up on a table in a meeting room at the Fairhope Civic Center. The class, a “Citizens Firearms Safety Class,” was to give area residents (who did not need to live in Fairhope) some idea of how to care for the weapons they have and how to get more information if they were considering purchasing a firearm.

King and Murray went over the safe handling and storage of a variety of firearms. While they stressed they are not lawyers, they offered a handout listing the current laws about firearms Alabama has on the books.

“Before you choose a gun, you have to be able to handle it safely,” said King, demonstrating how various pistols were not a good fit for him. He also explained how different types of ammunition were used for different purposes.

“It's the gray matter between the ears that keeps a weapon safe,” said King. “Arm yourself with knowledge. Safety is the most important thing.” It is especially important to teach youngsters about gun safety, he added.

There will be other classes. According to Fairhope Police Chief Bill Press, “We have not targeted a specific date as of yet. When we do we will again notify the media as well as post it on our Facebook website.”

For class member Charles Schreiner, knowing how to store and dispose of old ammunition was key.

“I inherited this gun from my father-in-law,” he said, showing a box with the gun and old ammunition that came with it before the class. The gun is an heirloom, but Schreiner was more concerned with the old ammo. “I really want to know how to dispose of it properly,” he said. Schreiner was concerned that the gunpowder in the bullets might age in a way to make the projectiles unsafe.

The answer, said King, could be found by contacting your local police department’s non-emergency number, which can be found in the phone book. While one should not show up with old weapons or ammunition, calling ahead will enable police to be prepared for your visit.

Failing that, King is an armorer, and can safely disassemble bullets. He can be reached by contacting the Fairhope Police Department.

Several participants brought their personal weapons to the class. This was allowed and encouraged, but all weapons were checked by Murray or Press before class began to make sure they were not loaded.

King checked all the weapons he brought, opening the chamber, firing chamber or cylinder to determine they were indeed unloaded.

“The reason we are having this program is the department is all about community involvement,” said Press. He added that if someone had an idea for a class the FPD could offer, individuals should let him know.

Susan Fossett brought her .38 revolver to the class.

“I’m trying to get more familiar (with the gun) so it does not bother me,” she said. She goes to the range to remain proficient with her gun, but between times, the weapon frightens her.

When it comes to selecting a weapon, Murray advised choosing one that is “not outside the box,” one that is made by a major manufacturer. Such a gun will be easily repaired by a gunsmith and there is information about the workings of the device.

“Look at what police agencies and the NRA recommends,” he told the group.

King recommended that when shopping for a weapon, being allowed to take several on the range in a good idea.

“You can't tell if a pair of pants fit by looking at them,” he said.

King stressed that the most important thing is information.

“Get lessons, get help,” he said, adding that with all his experience, he still comes across new things.