3 Firearm Safety Mistakes People Make in Autumn

Joe Bitz   Oct 03, 2025

Firearms

Autumn may not bring heavy weather changes in Florida, but it does shift the way people go about their routines. The air cools just enough to break the summer rhythm, and that is when old habits—especially around firearm safety—start to slip. What seems like no big deal in the moment can quickly turn into a mistake when it’s tied to how we carry, store, or train with firearms this time of year.

We have seen how small seasonal shifts cause people to make avoidable errors. Busy fall weekends, layered clothing, and jammed schedules get in the way. The good news is that people don’t have to wait until something goes wrong to fix bad habits. With firearm safety classes available in many communities, there is help for anyone ready to sharpen their routine and head into the new season prepared.

Storing Firearms in Cars During Cooler Weather

It happens quietly. Once the summer heat breaks, people start feeling more comfortable leaving things in their vehicles. Air conditioning does not have to run full blast, and that can include when someone stops off for a quick errand or heads out to a weekend festival or game. But that new comfort often leads to one of the biggest fall mistakes with firearms—leaving them in parked cars.

Even when the windows are up and doors are locked, a car is still one of the least secure places to keep a firearm. In autumn, there is a spike in local events. That means more crowded parking lots, more time away from vehicles, and more chances for someone to notice what has been left behind. Thieves look for patterns, and this time of year, cars with bags tucked under the seat or glove compartments bulging slightly are often easier targets than people think.

Fall does not change the basic rule that firearms should be kept out of reach from anyone who should not have them. That includes quick stops and running-late mornings. Safe storage is not seasonal—it is steady. The temperature might be cooler, but the responsibility stays the same.

It helps to double-check bags and cases before heading out, especially on busy weekends. And if plans include places where firearms should not go—like school pickups, sporting events, or certain public buildings—it is best to plan ahead for secure storage elsewhere, not in the parking lot.

The classroom portion of firearm safety classes at All American Gunslingers covers practical advice for everyday storage, including tips specifically for Florida’s busy fall weekends and community events.

Letting Seasonal Gear Get in the Way

Florida autumns are not freezing, but they’re just cool enough in the mornings and evenings to bring out jackets, hoodies, or warmer layers. And that shift in clothing can get in the way of carry routines or safe firearm handling if someone is not careful.

Loose or bulky clothing can easily snag on holsters, block access to grip points, or get caught during a quick draw. People used to carrying with a light summer tee might be surprised at how much difference a fall jacket or sweatshirt can make. This can lead to manual errors, like fumbling a draw, failing to re-holster properly, or even accidentally exposing the firearm without realizing it.

Even experienced shooters can get thrown off by these little things. Reaching for a concealed firearm behind layers takes different muscle memory than what is used in shorts and a t-shirt. Just like switching between different pistols or sight systems takes adjustment, so does switching from light gear to seasonal clothes.

The key is to practice with fall gear. If someone wears a hoodie or jacket most days in October and November, then training with that same gear is a smart move. Running a few drills while wearing real-world clothing, not range-day outfits, helps identify snags before they become safety problems. It keeps daily carry skills in sync with real conditions, not just ideal ones.

The live-fire training portion of firearm safety classes at All American Gunslingers is held indoors, so students can safely practice their draw and holstering with the same jackets or gear they’ll be wearing all season.

Skipping Refresher Training as Schedules Fill Up

Once September hits, people start to get pulled in every direction. Kids are back in school or heading off to college, work schedules tighten, and suddenly it feels like the holidays are already on the doorstep. That’s when regular training habits often take a back seat.

But this is actually one of the best times to check in on skills. With more activity and travel ahead, staying sharp matters. Good habits slip slowly when they’re not refreshed regularly, and it’s easy to forget little things—how to coach a friend through safe handling, how to clear a jam the right way, or how to stay clear with safety instructions on the range.

This is where firearm safety classes can make a real difference. Even short refresher sessions can bring confidence back up, even for long-time shooters. These classes help remind people what to do when things do not go exactly right, and how to correct others gently but clearly when needed.

Nobody plans to forget safety rules. But if those rules are not practiced, they fade. When life piles up with to-do lists, it takes intention to keep training on it. Just a few hours can reset good habits and give shooters—and anyone around them—that peace of mind heading into a busy season.

Stay Sharp as Seasons Change

Fall routines may feel more relaxed compared to summer heat, but that ease can let bad habits sneak in. Leaving a handgun in the car, wearing the wrong gear without adjusting carry style, or skipping a training session because you are just too booked—it all adds up. And when it comes to firearms, small mistakes are never small for long.

Paying attention to how autumn shifts affect daily routines can make a big difference. A few adjustments and check-ins go a long way toward staying safe and focused right through the end of the year. Good habits work best when they’re used often, practiced in real conditions, and built into the rhythm of daily life.

 

At All American Gunslingers, we believe strong habits come from regular practice and steady preparation. If fall has thrown off your rhythm or made room for small safety gaps, now’s a good time to refocus. Our firearm safety classes are built to support that with hands-on training that fits into everyday life.