While I may be in favor of firearms, I also understand the great weight there is to possession of a firearm

Violent criminals and the mentally unwell must be prevented from obtaining a gun as to prevent harm to others and themselves. This is also why training is important, as those unaware as to how to properly utilize a gun can cause grave harm to themselves, and those in their vicinity. That's why safety, handling, and maintenance training is vital, not just to obtain a gun, but for continual use when in someone's possession, as to keep their knowledge current, and to prevent slack.