If you’re thinking of buying a gun, you want to learn how to hunt or you plan on shooting recreationally, it’s important to access the right training. As a beginner, you can learn the basics of different weaponry and shooting styles, as well as how to handle, clean, maintain and store guns safely.

However, finding the right type of training isn’t always easy. If you want to access firearm training for beginners, it’s worth doing your research and finding a trainer and facility that meets your needs. With this in mind, take a look at these top tips for locating training for beginners:

1. What’s your goal?

There are various different firearm courses available to beginners, but it’s a good idea to have a goal in mind before you sign up. If you want to purchase a gun for home safety, for example, taking a home security firearm course or a new gun owner’s course might be the most effective way to learn the essentials.

2. What type of gun?

Shotguns, rifles, and pistols all require different handling, which is why there are designated courses for each type of firearm. However, some firearm training schools will allow you to handle various types of weapons. This can be a useful way to get a feel for different types of guns and decide which one is right for you. Similarly, identifying your goals will help you to determine what type of gun is best suited to your needs and, therefore, which course is most relevant.

3. Safety standards

When you’re choosing a firearms training facility, it’s essential to select one that has exemplary safety standards and protocols. This will enable you to learn in a calm, safe and reassuring environment. Look out for training schools with an ISO 9001:2015 quality standard. This confirms that the facility has been recognized by the International Organization for Standardization in quality management systems.

4. Shooting and reloading

Some firearm training schools offer different classes and courses in shooting and reloading. Both are essential skills, so be sure to choose a facility that can offer training across both areas. There is a lot to learn when it comes to handling a gun and shooting safely, so don’t expect to learn everything in one session. In fact, it can take weeks to become fully proficient and years to become a skilled shooter.

5. Instructors

Before you sign up for a course, be sure to visit the facility in person or virtually and meet with the instructors. This will give you an idea of how they approach their training and whether you can build a good rapport with them.

Signing Up for Beginner Firearms Training

Learning more about firearms can give you useful practical skills, increased confidence, and a newfound passion. Whether you’re learning to shoot to increase your safety, prepare you for a job role, or to enhance your sporting prowess, taking a beginner’s firearms training course is the best way to ensure you get off to a good start.

An everyday carry firearm gives you peace of mind that you’ll be able to protect yourself if you ever encounter a threat. As the risk of harm is increased if you’re a woman, it’s becoming increasingly common for females to carry a gun. In fact, women are one of the fastest-growing demographics when it comes to gun ownership.

However, finding the right gun for your needs is essential. To make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of efficient pistols for older females to carry:

1. SIG P365

The award-winning SIG P365 is a sub-compact pistol, which means its small size is ideal as an EDC firearm. However, its extended capacity means its able to hold 10 rounds, which makes it a great choice for a female EDC carry weapon. An overall length of 5.8” and a 1” grip make the SIG P365 easy to carry and conceal, while its 17.8-ounce weight ensures it’s lightweight. Furthermore, the striker-fired action ensures the SIG P365 is accurate and comfortable to use.

2. KIMBER MICRO 9

A compact handgun, the KIMBER MICRO 9 is based on a 1911 frame and features a single action trigger. With a slim grip and mild recoil, it’s easy to shoot and offers an impressive level of accuracy. Measuring 6.1” and weighing just 15.6 ounces, it’s a great lightweight gun to use as an everyday carry.

3. GLOCK 43

Weighing in at just 16.23 ounces, the GLOCK 43 is another lightweight pistol that can be used as an EDC firearm. As you’d expect from this manufacturer, the GLOCK 43 is a 9mm gun you can rely on. 6.26” in length and just over 1” wide, it’s also easy to conceal and small enough to use comfortably.

4. S&W M&P BODYGUARD 380

With a 5.3” overall length, the dimensions of the S&W M&P BODYGUARD 380 make it a great option as an EDC firearm. However, it’s also a super light pistol, weighing just 12.3 ounces. This may mean it’s the ideal option as an EDC for older females, as the lighter weight ensures it’s easy to carry and use. However, it does have a 9.5-pound trigger pull, which could be tricky for some people. While it does help to protect against accidental firing, you’ll want to ensure you’re comfortable with the trigger pull before using the S&W M&P BODYGUARD 380 as an EDC firearm.

Choosing the Right EDC Firearm

We’ve highlighted four of the most popular EDC firearms for females but there are plenty more on offer. The S&W M&P SHIELD, RUGER LC9S, and SIG P320 are another three options worth considering, for example.

When you’re selecting a firearm for everyday carry, it’s important to find a lightweight, easily concealable model, that also offers accuracy, durability and a decent capacity. For older females, a lightweight gun with a slim grip may be preferable. As women tend to have smaller hands than men, a slip grip can mean enhanced comfort and better control over the gun.

Firearm Training in the Courtroom – Could it Be a Bad Thing?

If you ever find yourself in a courtroom because of an issue with a firearm, you might be a bit nervous wondering whether your firearm training will be beneficial or detrimental.

Obviously, no one wants to end up in court for an accident or trying to prove their innocence in an incident with a gun. But, it does happen. If you carry a firearm with you or you’ve had to use it in a self-defense situation, you will likely have to prove yourself in the eyes of the law.

That can be nervewracking for anyone.

So, is it better to have gone through firearm training, or could it hurt your chances in court?

Are There Any Cons to Firearm Training in the Eyes of the Law?

The main cause for concern about firearm training is that some attorneys or public defenders might try to use it against you. If someone gets hurt because of your firearm, their attorney might argue that because of your training, you should have known what you were doing. That no one should have gotten hurt.

Or, they could argue that because of your training, you took things too far. You wanted to be some kind of vigilante or use your skills to your advantage. It can be very easy for an experienced attorney to try to flip the script and make it seem as though you did something wrong because of your training.

But, it is always better to have firearm training in the courtroom, rather than having none.

Benefits of Firearm Training in the Courtroom

Even if an attorney tries to work a story against you about your training, you could find yourself in much more trouble if you use a gun with no training and end up in court. Without training, your liability increases. That skilled attorney could argue that you had no right to be using a gun, and that your carelessness and wrecklessness caused serious harm or damage.

Additionally, your own attorney (or you, defending yourself) can address the court about the different areas of firearm training. A big problem is that so many people think training is just about learning how to shoot.

In reality, it’s so much more than that. Someone with enough training knows that you would never just shoot someone without warning. You would give them a fair chance to stop the action they’re doing, put their own weapon down, etc. Many times, shooting your gun is actually a last resort. And, with the right training you can make a fast, informed decision when it comes to how and where to shoot your gun.

So, again, no one wants to end up in court or in front of a judge because they fired off their gun. But, going in front of a court without firearm training can put you at a much greater risk of being found at fault. With training and knowledge, you can explain that you knew what you were doing and the reasons why it was the just, legal thing to do.

How Can I Become a Firearm Instructor?

If you’re a gun enthusiast or you have years of experience, becoming a firearm instructor can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career path.

Firearm instructors have the skills needed to teach others how to properly handle and use a firearm. But, they also have a passion for what they do. It’s that passion that can help you to turn a hobby into a full-time, lifelong career as an instructor.

But, no matter how much passion you have or how many years of experience you have working with firearms, there are some necessary steps to take.

With that in mind, let’s go through the ins and outs of becoming a firearm instructor, so you can decide if it’s the right career move for you.

Becoming Certified

The first thing you need to look into in order to become a firearm instructor is how to become certified. You should earn your certification through a respected institution like the NRA, USCCA, or the SAFTD. While there are many others, the more credible your certification, the better.

Groups like these utilize instructors in their classes that will provide the highest caliber of training. But, the classes you’ll take are not meant to improve your own skills. You should already be at a top-tier level when it comes to firearm use.

Instead, the classes you will need to take in order to become certified will focus on how you can take the skills you have and teach them to others effectively.

Most courses will cover basic principles of training, methodology, public speaking, and foundational drills.

Building Your Teaching Skills

While you won’t be building your firearm skils through certification, you will be growing your teaching skills. No matter how strong you are with a firearm, if you can’t convey those strengths to your students, you won’t succeed as an instructor.

Additionally, like any other teacher or instructor, you should consider yourself a lifelong learner. There will always be new methods and new ways of teaching the right skills needed. Don’t box yourself in to one way of doing things.

Once you learn the skills of becoming an instructor, you can get creative in ways that work for you. It’s important that any students you have over the years feel comfortable around you. It’s your job not only to teach them the fundamentals of firearms but to prepare them to use one with confidence. The more connected they feel with you, the better.

Should You Become a Firearm Instructor?

If you’re interested in becoming a firearm instructor and sharing your skills with others, consider looking for local courses nearby. It’s easier to find open classes than you might think, and it doesn’t have to take years of training in order to get the certification you need.

When you’re willing to go from gun enthusiast to instructor, you can ensure that the next generation of gun owners know how to use their firearms properly, safely, and effectively. That’s something worth pursuing.

Visiting the shooting range is a fun activity to say the least. The amount of times that you visit the shooting range will ultimately vary, but at the end of the day, you should still undergo daily training if possible. If you do, then you will soon find that you are able to improve your shot and that you are also able to keep your skills sharp too.

What if you use a Firearm on a Regular Basis?

If you are a regular firearm user, or if you work in the military then you may want to visit the shooting range on a regular basis. You should also try and make sure that you undergo training once a month. If you want to be confident in your gun, then you need to make sure that your shooting accuracy is higher than that of an average person. Most people are able to hit a target accurately when you have enough time to prepare or if they are not under pressure. If you are in a high-intensity situation on the other hand, then you need to make sure that you do not overthink. This only comes when you have a high level of proficiency, so you need to keep this in mind if at all possible. It is possible for you to undergo training for a specific type of firearm as well. If you work with a gun on a regular basis then you should dry-practice three times a week and then live-fire once a week or once every two weeks.

How to Make Firing Fun

Training on your own can be draining. It will require you to have a high amount of discipline and you also need to make sure that you show up on a regular basis. If you want to make your training more fun, then it’s helpful to meet other people who have a keen interest in shooting as well. You can also look into shooting competitions if you want to try and make the most out of your experience.

Intensive Firearm Training

Sometimes it may benefit you to go on a firearms training course. When you do, you will usually stay on-location and you will be given the chance to try out numerous firearms. You will also be able to see which firearms feel more comfortable in your hand and you can also really explore the idea of shooting at different targets. If you are an average firearm user then you should try and undergo training like this every year or so. If you practice with firearms on a regular basis then you may want to try and book a training session every 6 months or so. Having a refresher course at your local shooting range can also be a good option, but these are usually only an hour or so long and you won’t have to worry about staying overnight either.

Staying proficient in your choice of firearm is crucial if you want to ensure that you are making the most out of your gun and your experience.

Do you want to undergo combat training? If so, then you’ll be glad to know that this is very easy to do. In fact, combat training isn’t just essential for those who work in the military or the police, it’s also essential for those who want to protect themselves when threatening situations arise. If you want to find out more about combat training or how it could benefit you then look below.

Pistol Training

If you want to become more proficient in using a pistol, then this is very easy to do.  When you enroll on a training course, you will be able to do a function test, learn how to correctly hold a pistol and also how to take it out at the range. This will give you a good insight on how to hold a pistol when compared to other firearms and it will give you a good platform in which to build the rest of your skills. Pistol shooting really is an art in its own right. It takes a lot of time and effort for you to engage targets that are up to 50m away. You also need to use the correct technique with your strong and weak hand. One-handed pistol use is essential, as it will lower your reaction time and it will also give you way more confidence with your gun.

Shotgun Training

It doesn’t matter whether you want to learn how to shoot moving targets or whether you want to improve your shooting ability as a complete beginner, because it’s very easy for you to undergo shotgun training at any shooting range. If you have never fired a shotgun before then you will be taught how to do this in a very safe environment, and this will make your experience even more enjoyable. A lot of people undergo this type of training so that they can become more proficient in handling a variety of firearms for their job or so they can expand their gun collection with confidence.

Police Training

It’s also very possible for you to undergo police training. If you are training to be in the police force, then police training is a fantastic way for you to expand your skillset while also making sure that you are able to meet the requirements that are in place. Of course, if you do not intend to be in the police force, then you may not need to undergo this kind of training, but there are other forms that you can easily enroll in to ensure that you are making the most out of your gun shooting experience.

Of course, you also have various other types of training as well. You have rifle training, and you can also undergo target practice acquisition training as well. When you do, you will soon find that you are able to become way more proficient in the guns that you use and that you are also able to really rocket the amount of success that you experience when at the firing range.

Are Electronic Target Practice Solutions A Legitimate Way To Practice Using Your Firearm?

When you first purchase a firearm, all you want to do it get on a shooting range and get on with it. But if you’re going to improve at shooting, can electronic firearm practice options be a better way to progress?

To be a great shooter, you’ll have to put in the hours of practice. Bad habits hide in loud bangs and the recoil of live fire. Going for an electronic option can help correct mistakes as you can review how you’re doing instantly. Not only will it improve your shooting, but you can practise anywhere, at any time.

Is this new tech really up to scratch, and does it provide a legitimate way to practice using your firearm?

Electronic Target Practice

Electronic Target Practice solutions are, put very simply, a way to track your practice shots at the range or home. You can still use live ammunition with them, so you don’t lose the feeling of using real rounds, and you get to review how you’re doing.

Pros:

• Electronic targets are built to be used with live rounds. They’ve generally got armoured steel or bullet-resistant plates.
• The TrueZero target system works as a sensor bar that can be used with their target sheets, paper ones at a range or other electronic targets. Hence, there are loads of options with smart targets that’ll fit your style of shooting.
• All electronic target systems connect to an app in some form. This means that you can review all of your shots as and when you make them. It’s an invaluable tool that means you can learn on the spot and alter your shooting for instant results.
• The ones you buy yourself are all portable, so you’re not restricted by using them at a range.

Laser Trainers

Laser trainers are basically an enhanced version of dry-firing that uses lasers, that isn’t strictly a form of electronic target practice. But you get an in-depth record of training when you use the lasers with a relevant electronic target.

Pros:

• The laser picks up any movement that the shooter causes. It enables on the spot self-evaluation. Plus you can work on keeping the laser as steady as possible for some real-time results.
• Whilst you can use it on the shooting range, you can also use it at home. Or pretty much anywhere really.
• Some companies offer laser bullets too, like iTargetPro. Combine them with their Sled Target Sheet and app for the best experience possible. You can see exactly where you’re hitting, and the app keeps track of your scores. It even analyses your shots in real-time, pretty nifty.
• Lasers can be combined with other target practice options too. The combination of the two enhances your target practice if you want just to hone your skills.
• Lasers are great when you can’t use live ammunition for safety reasons.

Are Electronic Target Practice Solutions Worth It?

Looking at everything together, yes. They’re super versatile and have loads of options to be able to cater them for you, and your budget. Most importantly, though, they’ll help you become a better shooter. Whatever choice you go for, they all give you an extra layer during practice that means you can take the time to correct your mistakes, safely.

Why don’t more people have the sense to get trained?

Firearm training is essential to being able to use a weapon safely and effectively. Yet an extensive study conducted in 2017 by epidemiologists at the University of Washington found that only 61% of all gun owners in the US reported receiving official firearm training.

This begs the question: why are around four in 10 gun users not properly trained? Here are some reasons why people might not seek out training courses, and why these reasons should absolutely not be an object in the way of you getting the coaching you need.

The cost of official training

A survey conducted by Reuters in 2017, researched independently of the Washington investigation, sent out volunteers to try firearm training courses across different states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. They found the average cost of a six-hour training course was $130.

Some courses take place over multiple weeks, reaching costs of around $300, and the difference between a two-week and four-week course could be $100.

Many opponents of mandatory firearm training as part of gun ownership argue these courses add unwanted costs to purchasing a weapon. But if you intend to buy a gun, it is your responsibility to know how to use it. A mistake can land you with a long prison sentence. $300 split over 20 years becomes $15 per year.

Misconceptions around self-defence

In the aftermath of the Sutherland Springs mass shooting, Mike Weisser, author of the blog Mike the Gun Guy, an NRA member and firearm instructor, said: “American have become more convinced that a gun makes you safer.” But as he explains, to defend yourself in a potentially lethal situation, “You would need more training than 50% of sworn active law enforcement officers in [the US] ever get.”

A 2018 investigation by Harvard University concluded people used guns to defend themselves in only 0.9% of crimes from 2007-2011.

Although the common belief is that having a gun will keep you safe, the chances are you will never have to use it in self-defence. However, you have the opportunity to mishandle it every day.

Courses are seen as ineffective

The 2017 Reuters survey listed 70 subjects that should be covered in a firearm course including firearm anatomy, firearm operation, the law surrounding guns, appropriate storage, theft prevention, accident prevention, suicide prevention, self-defence use and live fire practice.

Whereas topics like basic pistol anatomy and target identification were covered in 90-95% of courses, subjects like suicide prevention, the leading cause of firearm deaths, was only covered by one in 10 instructors. And gun theft was covered by only 20%, a problem considering most guns involved in crime are acquired by theft.

However, the perception that because one course does not contain all the answers it is not worth attending any of them is illogical. It is better to know as much as you can than to know nothing. Instead, save up and attend as many different courses as you can. Hopefully, you will learn something new from each one.