Gun Appreciation Day draws enthusiasts

NRA certified firearms instructor Joseph Marshall (R) teaches Larry Jagmin how to fire a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois. Gun rights supporters have proclaimed today Gun Appreciation Day and encouraged gun owners to visit local gun shops, gun ranges and to rally at their state capitals.

Students learn how to grip a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

NRA certified firearms instructor Craig Marshall (R) teaches Cheryl Bourgeois how to fire a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Cheryl Bourgeois learns how to fire a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Walter Anderson practices firing a pistol while taking an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois. Anderson, who is 84 years-old, recently got a pistol for home defense and took the course to learn how to shoot again since he hasn't fired a gun since he served in the National Guard about 60 years ago.

A student learns how to fire a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

NRA certified firearms instructor Craig Marshall (R) teaches Dean Patterson how to fire a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Walter Anderson practices firing a pistol while taking an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Craig Marshall, an NRA certified firearms instructor, teaches students how to fire a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Students learn how to fire a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Walter Anderson practices firing a pistol while taking an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Larry Jagmin practices firing a pistol while taking an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Students learn how to fire a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Cheryl Bourgeois learns how to fire a pistol during an NRA Basic Pistol Course at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.

Customers shop for guns at Freddie Bear Sports sporting goods store on January 19, 2012 in Tinley Park, Illinois.