Firearm training… Where do I start…
Good or bad, we live in a world where we are a few keystrokes away from endless amounts of information- i.e. the endless amounts of Degrees I have from the University of YouTube. You can usually find a solid cardinal direction to getting your “learn on”. Even with all this access, sometimes it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start.
When it comes to firearms instruction and equipment selection, it can be confusing where to start. There is no shortage of amazing instructors for you to choose from. Despite my position as a firearms instructor, I remain a student and try to attend 2 to 3 classes a year. I do this for a few reasons. I need to constantly remain a seeker of knowledge. I also need to ensure I am putting out the best quality product I can. I value your time and commitment you have made to better yourself, your family and your community.
Good Gear Is Not Cheap
When it comes to firearms and supporting equipment, there are more options now than ever before. A word to the wise, save receipts, check the return policy and, most importantly, good gear is not cheap. Do not set yourself up for failure by saving a few dollars on a knock-off piece of kit. Remember Just because you purchased it does not mean you have to love it. If you are having to find a work-around to make the support gear work it’s time to immediately make a change. Your support gear is also considered lifesaving equipment.
In North Carolina, we have a physical course requirement to obtain a concealed carry handgun permit. Now, the NC DOJ provides you with a lot of leeway on how you run this course. Sadly, it is extremely easy to obtain credentials for this certification. All that is required is you sit in a classroom, receive information, take a test. If you pass you wait for your credentials to arrive in the mail. Along with obtaining a pistol instructor certification from the NRA or other like organizations. Once you pass, you can now certify other NC residents to obtain their permit. I have great heartburn with how this is run.
The NRA pistol instructor course is dated, below minimum standard, and painful to attend. I have had well over 100 clients attend my NC CCHP course all having said the same thing; I have my gun, I have my permit, I have no idea how to shoot or carry it. The reason is that a previous instructor sat them in a room read them the instruction manual, gave them their test had them shoot 30 round qualification pass or fail and sent them on their way.
I value your time and your investment, as I would like to think all instructors do.
However, too many teach from a book to the standard they were taught and do not work to better themselves or raise the bar. For me I see this as an opportunity to strengthen my community. If you are going to carry a firearm in the community I live in, you are a beginner, I want to have a very big hand in your education.
Instruction and equipment should add value to your life. You can even learn from poor instruction. Not the best method but learning should always be occurring. I am constantly learning from my students/clients. We provide basic to advanced instruction on multiple platforms. We say we teach soccer moms to special operators and everyone in-between. Over the years, that idea has taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to firearm training or choosing a gun. The internet has no shortage of “firearms experts”. Enough on that. When you have a 61-year-old man, a little overweight, bi-lateral hip replacements, shoulder surgeries and carpel tunnel, you are going to have to modify a few things. They are not going to be able to mirror the image of a “special Ops” shooter. As an instructor it is important to keep your classes small so you are able provide a higher quality of instruction. To all my veterans (because we are the worst at this), when it comes to instructing new civilian shooters, you have to remember they are coming to you for education, NOT a qualification. There is a huge difference, so read that last sentence again.
The Beginners
I am not saying coddle them, but I am saying when they make a mistake do not berate them. Identify the error, explain the drill, take a breath, do some dry fire and get back to training. You will continue to build their self-confidence in themselves and in you as their instructor- another positive point for student and instructor. Just because the ammo requirement for the class read 300-400 rounds and we only shoot 150, its ok. With the cost of ammo, shooting the round requirement because your lesson plan says 300 rounds is a mistake. Sometimes less is more. It’s better to go slower to master the fundamentals before you crash them into the point of diminishing returns.
For the “brand-new never touched a gun”, for the “I was raised in an anti-gun home”, for the “I had shot a shotgun as a kid” person- we have you covered. You want to know how to start safe and confident learning about guns? We have you covered. All our local courses are run 40 minutes south of Wilmington, North Carolina or 40 minutes north of Myrtle Beach. We do travel to provide training. We will also host days or multi-day courses for private groups. As I mentioned our training is basic to advanced on pistol, rifle, rifle-pistol, shotgun, vehicle work. It includes plenty of medical training and much more.
Mitchel Defense and Ryker USA are a winning combination that will get you and your family ready. Reach out to us with training questions and or gear suggestions. The time to start is not, not when the weather gets cool. As that reason is followed by “let’s wait till the weather gets a little warmer”. If not now….WHEN.
Train Safe, Train Smart, Train with Purpose, Be the Difference and Be a Good Human.
Ron Holmes, Ryker USA
