Shooting Class

by gunner

I believe that if you own a gun—any gun—YOU need to take a shooting class offered by certified shooting instructors.  There are both legal and moral responsibilities to gun ownership; some of which are learning the proper way the gun works, understanding the fundamentals of shooting, and, most important, learning how to handle your gun safely.

You can look at the website for the NRA for shooting class information.  There is a link on my links page for a class here in western Ohio (www.handguntactics.com).  If you have a shooting range near you, most times if you call them they can direct you to where and when classes are offered.  I also believe that you can NEVER have enough training…and part of training is practice.  Practice your stance and your grip in a mirror at home, practice at the range on shooting and target alignment.  And, if you practice the PROPER grip and stance, and the PROPER way to handle a gun, it will all come natural to you when it is time to shoot at the range.

There are many classes offered, so take as many as you can.  Now, basic pistol will have to come first, and then you can go on from there.  Home protection is a great class for leaning how to defend and shoot in the house if the need ever comes.  I know we all like to sit back and think…"No not my house.. never!"  And that is a nice thought, but that is all it is.  Fact is, the odds are something will happen in your home and you need to be able to defend yourself if necessary.

I have had shooting training before, but I still went to two classes this past year.  Like I said, never enough training!  You will always learn something…no matter how much training you have had in the past.  The best thing to do once you join the class is LISTEN, and then ask questions.  Remember, when it comes to firearms, there are no dumb questions.  Pay attention and take notes.  You will get booklets to read and keep, so do not be afraid to write in them.  Once you go through all the classroom training and exercises, most times you will be taken to some sort of range to shoot live rounds and finish and pass the course.  PAY ATTENTION to everything your instructor is saying.  He is there to make sure you do it right and learn the right way to practice.  You are in an area with other people, all of you with live ammo and firearms.  Joking and playing around will get you kicked out and with good reason…because you are in a area where someone can get shot and killed.

I will end this article now…but please, if you own a gun or plan on getting one soon, sign up for a class or two and do it right.

Be safe, and be prepared…

gunner