Firearm Education First, Firearms Second
If you’re like me, then you may have a fear of firearms. Maybe it’s from what you’ve seen on television, or from a situation involving a firearm that’s put fear into you. No matter the situation, there are individuals who have these feelings towards firearms, which is why Prolific Arms exists.
Prolific Arms is a Milwaukee-based business that has educated over 7,000 individuals on firearm safety. They also have a gun store, located at 2192 S. 60th St., West Allis, but Founder and Co-Owner Eddie Silas said it’s firearm education first, and firearms second.
“Education is the focal point of our business,” Silas said.
As someone who was involved in a traumatic self-defense situation dealing with firearms, Silas understands the PTSD that resides in the Black community when it comes to firearms. After reaching out and receiving professional help, Silas, along with his business partner Theron Rogers, started Prolific Arms in 2021 to educate the community in hopes of reducing violence, stigma, and fear, while increasing confidence and empowerment.
“If you don’t handle it with reason and purpose, you stand a chance of hurting yourself,” Silas said. “We’re going to put someone who is an expert next to you.”
He said many people in the Black community avoid talking about firearms and often keep children away from them instead of teaching them about firearm safety. He added that white communities are teaching their children about firearms starting around the ages of seven to 10.
“We fall into the stigma that our community is more prone to gun violence…but it’s more than just a way to defend…it’s a way to feed our families,” Silas said, referring to hunting.
Prolific Arms teaches gun safety from beginner to expert, depending on how far an individual wants to take it.
“We are some standup individuals, regular community members who just want to see better for our community,” Ajamou Butler of Profilic Arms said. “We are an organization that believes in collaboration. We never act like we are the only experts.”
Basic Firearm Safety Tips
Silas said basic firearm safety starts with getting help from a professional. From there, he said there are four basic rules:
- Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
- Keep your finger off the trigger.
- Know where you’re pointing your firearm at all times.
- Know your target and what’s beyond it.
He also gave a quick lesson on different bullets. He stated that Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) ammo has a rounded tip and is suitable for practice. FMJ’s run the risk of passing through your target and striking something else because they are designed to penetrate.
He said a hollow-point bullet forces the bullet to expand upon impact, which can shock vitals in someone and stop them from responding. This type of bullet expands on impact, creating a larger wound while reducing the risk of passing through the target and harming others.
“Gun ownership is all about risk mitigation,” Silas said.
Free Lockboxes for Community
Silas, who is well-educated in firearms, said 59% of stolen firearms are taken from cars. To combat this, Prolific Arms began going after grants to provide the community with free lockboxes.
Today, July 9, 2026, at 5 p.m. in Milwaukee, at The Sherman Phoenix, Prolific Arms will give away free lockboxes to the community.
“Owning a firearm is much more than just owning a firearm,” Silas said.
Prolific Arms also provides security support for events and is expanding to offer a course on dealing with individuals experiencing a manic episode or who are intoxicated.
Nyesha Stone founded Carvd N Stone in 2017 to cover positive news while attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stone has a B.A. in Journalism. She has raised over $30,000 to award grants and scholarships. She has also been featured in ESSENCE and worked with the American Black Film Festival.
- Nyesha Stone
