Range Time You Need- Train You Must

One of the saddest things I see in my job as an NRA Certified Instructor is the ladies who come to the range to purchase a firearm and think that just because they now own a gun, they will be safe. Ladies, I am very sorry to report that this is not how it works. 

Owning a gun is a step- one of many that need to be taken. Proper education in your gun's use is critical. I recently read a news story on a nurse in NC, who had broken up with an allegedly violent man. She obtained a restraining order, took a basic pistol class and obtained her permit to legally carry her firearm. In fact, she had two. But she didn't continue to train. Her ex violated the restraining order, and wound up killing her. She did get one shot off before her gun jammed, striking her assailant in the leg. She neglected to go to her back up gun, choosing instead to run and call for help. As she was running, the ex calmly loaded his gun, fired and struck her, killing her.
 
This story did not have to end this way.

You need to obtain training.  And you need to practice.

How do you find the right instructor?
There are an abundance of options available for firearms training today. Your best option is to seek out certified instructors. These people have devoted a considerable amount of time to learning HOW to teach, so you the consumer get the most for your money. You will want to meet with your instructor before class if at all possible. Get a feel for their personality and see if they are going to mesh with yours. Ask your friends where they trained, and what they thought. 

What course do you begin with?
We offer a HANDGUN FUNDAMENTALS course twice a month at Patrick's. It teaches exactly what the name implies: the Fundamentals of shooting a Handgun. In it, you will learn safety, grip, stance, breathing, aim, focus, and trigger control. These are the basic fundamentals that once mastered, you can apply to any handgun and safely, accurately fire. 

This is NOT a defensive course. Do yourself a favor and walk before you run. 

What does training cost?
Cost is a concern for many students, with prices varying from instructor to instructor. Our Handgun Fundamentals course is $50.00, and we provide everything you need. One on one individual training is $75 an hour plus lane fees. This may seem quite costly to you- but please stop for a moment and understand something- as instructors, we have spent many hours of our time and a significant number of our own dollars obtaining the best education we can, so that we may keep YOU safe. $75 an hour might seem expensive. However, how much is your life worth? Or the life of your loved one?

Are there steps you can practice at home?
Yes. You can (with a clear- or empty- gun) practice drawing and dry firing. Place all ammunition and magazines in another room, minimize distractions, and concentrate on learning to draw safely from your chosen method of carry. Please train yourself to keep your finger OFF the trigger at all times. Dry fire and drawing practice provide you with an excellent opportunity to consider where and how you wish to carry, and learn the most effective position for you. Remember- knowledge is power and it weighs nothing.

Once you have attended a basic level course, and spent some time applying what you have learned on the range, then it is time for a defensive use course. 

Often times, there are well intentioned people in our lives who offer to help us learn. While their hearts may be true, learning from someone you have a relationship with can be incredibly difficult. The problem arises with communication. A certified firearms instructor learns more than about the firearms- we learn how to teach. When you have a relationship with someone, you tend to automatically expect the person with you to know what you are thinking, or to understand more than you are saying. That might be fine when you're discussing how to make the perfect grilled cheese, bacon and mater sandwich, but when it comes to something deadly, clear, crisp, concise communication is exceedingly important. 







To sum up today, find an instructor you are comfortable with. Practice your fundamentals. Invest a bit of time in truly learning a life saving skill set. 

I'll look forward to seeing you at the range!
Shannon

Join us! Handgun Fundamentals is the first and third Saturday each month. Class begins at 8:00 sharp, please plan to arrive by 7:45 to sign in. We provide everything you need for this class- no need to bring anything but YOU!