CategoriesLifestyle Shooting

Could firearms training be considered a bad thing if I ever had to go to court for defending myself?

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.

CategoriesLifestyle Shooting Tips & Tricks

What training does law enforcement and the courts recognize as beneficial in legal situations?

Firearm Training and the Law

Guns tend to be stereotyped by many people for all the wrong reasons. Typically, it’s because those guns get into the hands of the wrong people. Unfortunately, that tends to put all gun owners in the spotlight, having to explain how firearm training works, and how it can even be beneficial in the eyes of the law.

It’s important to note, first and foremost, that firearm training isn’t simply learning how to shoot a gun. There is so much more to it than that. That’s where individuals who don’t go through the proper training make mistakes. They don’t always know how to handle a gun safely or shoot effectively.

So, what kind of firearm training does law enforcement, and even the court system recognize as beneficial in legal situations?

Gun Safety Training

Perhaps the most important type of training that law enforcement considers beneficial is gun safety training. You can learn the basics of gun safety at any recognized training facility, including the NRA.

Safety training includes everything from safe handling and shooting to safe storage of your firearm. Understanding how to use your gun properly will help to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injuries.

Training Courses

The legal industry will always find any type of professional firearm training beneficial over those who have received no professional training. The type of training you should receive depends on your gun of choice and what you plan on using it for.

For example, you shouldn’t take pistol training if you plan on solely using a shotgun.

Personal Protection

In most cases, a personal protection training course will be the most beneficial in the eyes of the law. If you end up having to shoot someone to protect yourself, your property, or someone else who may otherwise get injured or killed, showing that you have the right training to know how to handle such a situation can help you.

Personal protection courses typically cover things like self-defense inside and outside the home, how to store, carry, and load your gun properly, and how to abide by the law while protecting yourself and those close to you.

The NRA even offers a course that covers the legal aspects of self-defense. This part of their course is instructed by an attorney or a law enforcement officer. During the course, professionals familiar with the laws in your area will be able to give you more details on what you can and cannot do with a firearm to defend yourself in or outside your home. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions directly to those who have the answers. The last place you’ll ever want to find yourself is in a courtroom because you didn’t receive the proper firearm training to uphold the law.

So, don’t allow yourself and your firearm to fall into the negative gun owner stereotypes. Instead, take the time to get the training you need. It doesn’t take long, it will keep you and those around you safe, and it will be beneficial if you ever find yourself in a legal situation.

CategoriesLifestyle Shooting

How can I become a firearm instructor?

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.

CategoriesShooting Tips & Tricks

What is the best stance to hold your firearm?

Firearm Instructing – The Right Way to Hold Your Gun

There are a few things that should always be a priority when you’re handling a firearm, especially if you’re a beginner.

First, you’ll want to make sure that you have complete control over the weapon. Safety is more important than anything when you’re holding a gun. If you don’t feel as though you have the right grip or that a single shot could cause you to lose control, you’re not holding it the right way.

Second, it’s important to hold your firearm in such a way that won’t tire you out quickly. Whether you shoot as a hobby or for training, no one wants to tire out quickly after holding their gun for only a short period of time.

So, why is it that most firearm instructors tell you to push your weapon out as far as possible? In reality, it makes more sense to keep your moment arm shorter. This gives you more control and won’t cause fatigue, so you stay on your target longer.

Still confused? Let’s cover a few more tips about the right way to hold and prepare your firearm to shoot.

The Rules of Safety

Again, holding your firearm in a safe and secure matter should be your top priority. There are a few ways to make sure you’re always staying safe while the gun is in your possession, including:

  • Imagining that it’s always loaded (even when it isn’t)
  • Pointing it in a safe direction away from yourself and others
  • Keeping your finger away from the trigger
  • Understanding your surroundings

By keeping these ideas in mind, you’re more likely to hold your gun safely, whether you’re ready to shoot or not.

Using a Dominant Grip

You’re always going to shoot more accurately and have more control over your firearm when you use a two-hand grip. Start by holding the gun with your dominant hand, and place your other hand should move underneath it, just below the trigger guard with your last three fingers securing the bottom of the grip.

Holding your gun with two hands doesn’t mean you have to have an extremely tight grip. This will cause fatigue quickly. It’s about having control, not holding your firearm so tightly that you lose that control and stay too focused on your grip to think about anything else. A two-handed grip might feel unnatural at first. It takes time and practice for it to become second nature.

The Ready Position to Firing

If you work with a firearms instructor, you’ll learn what the “ready position” is very quickly. Simply put, it’s how you should be holding your gun when you’re not firing, but you could be at any time.

In the ready position, your gun should be relatively close to your body, just in front of your abdomen. Your finger should be on the trigger guard but not the trigger itself, and your firearm should be pointed directly at your target and nowhere else.

When it comes time to fire, most instructors will tell you to extend your arms fully. This can be useful for beginners, but as stated above, it will cause muscle fatigue relatively quickly.

You should extend your arms to determine your dominant eye. Your dominant eye may not be the same as your dominant hand, so make sure you do a “test” to determine which eye will work better for you when sizing up a target. By extending your arms forward in a firing position, you can look at an object with both eyes open. Close one eye. If that object moves at all, the eye you closed is non-dominant, and you should be looking at your target with the other one.

But, when you’re finally ready to fire, you don’t necessarily need to leave your arms extended. Instead, keep a bend in your elbows and keep your moment arm shorter. This will not only give you more control, even after firing, but it will allow you to keep your energy levels up so your arm won’t become fatigued so quickly.

The Art of Pulling the Trigger

Most people think they know the basics of how to fire a gun. And, the reality is, almost anyone can do it. But, that doesn’t mean they’re doing it correctly or safely. One of the most common areas of error is how people “pull” the trigger.

If you’ve gone so far as to make sure you’re following safety procedures, you have the gun in the ready position and you’re set to fire, the last thing you want to do is pull the trigger the wrong way.

Really, dealing with the trigger is more of a press than a pull. You’ll want the center of your index finger to come in complete contact with the middle of the trigger. This gives you the most control and will make it nearly impossible for your finger to slip.

When you’re ready to fire, push down with fluid, consistent pressure. The last thing you should be doing is jerking the trigger back or pulling it abruptly. This will cause you to lose some control and you won’t be as accurate with your shot.

Practicing Your Technique

Everyone has their own personal style when it comes to using a firearm. But, firearm instructing should teach you the basics of how to stay safe and shoot effectively. Keep these tips in mind, especially if you’re just starting out using a gun for the first time.

If you’re working with a firearm instructor and they show you a technique that you’re uncomfortable with, don’t be afraid to speak up. If you don’t feel in control, you could be putting yourself and others in danger. So, pay attention to what feels right, and work with your instructor to develop the best ready position and method for firing.

Once you do have the basics down, you can make small adjustments on how you hold the gun in the ready position (closer or further away) to keep full control over the weapon at all times. Mastering these skills will make you a much better shooter and gun owner.

CategoriesShooting

How Often Should You go to a Shooting Range?

If you want to get better at shooting, then you’ll be glad to know that this is relatively easy to do. You just need to make sure that you have a good range, a solid firearm and some PPE. If you have never given much thought to the use of protective equipment then you should know that earbuds are a necessity when shooting indoors. The main reason for this is because the sound can easily bounce off the walls and this can make the noise seem way louder than it actually is. Outdoors isn’t as much of an issue, but this is something that takes most new shooters by surprise. If you’re ready to get started with your shooting venture then you can find out everything you need to know, right here.

How Often Should You go to a Shooting Range?

If you aren’t sure how often you should be going to the shooting range then you should try to go at least once a week. If you aren’t able to go this often then you may not be able to pick up as many good habits as you’d like, early-on. You might also find that it takes you longer to get accustomed to your gun and how hard you need to squeeze the trigger. Going once a week is a really good way for you to keep your sessions suited to your schedule and you would be surprised at how much you can learn in just an hour or two.

How Long should Each Session Be?

Each session should be around half an hour to an hour. You need to remember that if you try and extend your sessions too much, then you may find that you stop learning and that you don’t pick things up as well. This is because your brain and muscle memory are only able to process so much at any given time. Short sessions are better, on a regular basis. If you stick to this and make sure that you have a good routine when it comes to visiting your local range, then you will soon find that your shooting improves on a remarkable basis.

Is Intensity better than Frequency?

Really, you need a mixture of the two. You need to go to the range on a regular basis, let’s say, once a week. You also need to make sure that your sessions are an average length too, such as an hour a time. If you stick to this, then you’ll have a really good framework for improving your shooting skills. That being said, if you are not able to commit to going to the shooting range once a week, then you may want to extend your sessions to an hour and a half, or two hours. If your schedule doesn’t allow for hour-long sessions, then several shorter sessions throughout the week may benefit you more.

Ultimately, how long you spend at the range and how often you go will depend on your experience with a gun, your schedule and your overall confidence using a firearm.

CategoriesShooting Tips & Tricks

How to acquire targets quickly.

If you find that you are having a hard time acquiring targets, or if you want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to improve your overall shooting accuracy, then here are some of the steps that you need to be taking.

Slow Down

Everyone wants to be able to shoot at lightning speed, but if you do this then you will sacrifice accuracy. If your target starts to look like it has been blasted a couple of times with a shotgun then slow down and realign your aim. When you are in the rhythm of shooting and you know how to handle your gun, you can then begin to pick up the pace.

Dry Fire

This is super easy to do. There is absolutely no substitute for dry-firing and it can help you out a lot when it comes to your aim. Another bonus of dry-firing is that it can save you a lot of ammo. Before you dry-fire, unload your gun and look to make sure that the chamber is empty. When you have checked this, you then need to put up a target, and proceed with a few practice drills. This will give you the chance to focus on how the gun feels in your hand and it will also help you to perfect your technique.

Trigger Control

Trigger control is so important when you visit a shooting range. If you want to have a high level of trigger control, then you need to work on your surprise break. This is when you place an equal, yet gradual amount of pressure on the trigger. Eventually the hammer will drop, and it’ll probably surprise you. If you do not achieve a surprise break, then the round will probably go anywhere but the bullseye. Achieving a surprise break is critical because it means that the trigger finger is performing independently to whatever your body is doing.

Aligning your Sight

Sight alignment is essentially the distance between your rear sight, front sight and your eye. The clear tip at the front is centered horizontally and vertically in the rear sight. If you want to obtain a good level of sight alignment then you have to know that the human eye is only capable of focusing on a single object at any one time. This will always be the front sight.  If you are able to maintain your sight alignment, then you need to place the focused sight in the blurred rear sight.

Grip

If you are using a pistol then grip is essential. You need to place the web of your firing hand high on the pistol, and then wrap all of your fingers, minus the trigger finger around the pistol grip. The trigger finger will run alongside the lower receiver of the gun, unless you are looking at a target with the intention of making a shot.

If you follow all of these tips then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to maintain a good level of control over your gun.

 

CategoriesShooting Tips & Tricks

What is the best caliber to buy for a medium-sized male?

If you want to buy a gun, then you need to think about the caliber of bullets as well as your choice of firearm. If you don’t give enough thought to the caliber of bullets you are using, then you may find that you end up not getting the best experience out of your gun. You may also find that you end up hitting way more shots, by simply understanding your preferences with a firearm. If you want to find out which caliber is most suited to you as a medium-sized male, then this guide will help you to find out what you need to know.

Caliber and your Choice of Gun

A gun’s barrel is measured in hundreds of an inch.  If you have a 0.45 handgun then this means that the barrel is 0.45 inches and therefore, you’ll need a 0.45 bullet. The diameter of a barrel can also be referred to by using the metric system, such as a 9mm handgun.

Rimfire

Rimfire bullets have the primer built right into the rim. The firing pin hits the primer and ignites the powder. This was invented in the year 1845 and the most popular option is the 0.22. The advantage is that they require very little pressure from the firing pin, meaning that the firearm is light and low cost.

Centrefire

Centrefire cartridges have the primer located in the middle of the cartridge. The cartridge is thicker when compared to rimfire and it’s much more preferred by the military. These are used because they are small in size and they are able to withstand way more pressure. This gives the bullets more velocity.

Which Option is Best for You?

There has been a huge debate for quite some time in regards to which caliber is best. Some say the .45 is best because it has a huge amount of stopping power.  Others think that the 9mm is better than the others, but every caliber comes with its own merits.

Shot Placement

A specific caliber is not as important as your own ability to hit a target. Shot placement truly is key when it comes to neutralizing a threat. If you miss your shots when you are using a .45 caliber, then the bigger caliber is not serving you well.

Accuracy

You may find that you are more accurate when using your 9mm Beretta when compared to your Colt 1911.  It doesn’t matter which gun you prefer, what matters is how accurate you are. A lot of people think that bigger is better, but this isn’t the case at all. It all comes down to how it feels and what the shooting range is telling you. If you are way better with a gun of a lower caliber then there’s nothing wrong with this. If you need some practice, use your local shooting range to your advantage and always make sure that you are trying out a lot of different options. You never know, you may be surprised by the results you see.

 

 

CategoriesLifestyle Shooting

How often do you need training?

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.

 

CategoriesLifestyle Shooting

What is the best combat training?

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CategoriesShooting

How much time behind the trigger is good before it becomes negative?

If you have ever been to a shooting range or if you want to try and become better at shooting, then you should know that more time behind the trigger doesn’t necessarily mean more shooting experience. There comes a point where you have been behind the gun for too long and your progress with it begins to decline. If you want to work around this then you need to try and make sure that you are not behind the gun for too long at any given time.

How Long Should You Spend Behind the Trigger?

Ideally you should make sure that you are not behind the trigger for more than an hour at a time when you visit the range. If you do then you may find that your accuracy decreases and that you struggle to make your shots overall. So why is this the case? It’s all because your brain can only absorb so much during a space of time, and if you keep trying to shoot during this time then you may find that your performance starts to decline. If you want to stop this from being the case, then you need to make sure that you don’t spend more than an hour at the range.

What Can You Do To Protect Yourself During Longer Sessions?

If you are just starting out and if you are not shooting intensively, then you may want to undergo a longer session. That being said, you do have to make sure that you are dressing appropriately and that you also use the right protection. Hot brass and skin do not mix and the shooting range is not the best place for you to be wearing shorts or a low-cut short. Tight-collared shirts and pants are ideal if you want to shoot from the prone position. A baseball cap should also be worn in summer, to keep the sun out of your eyes. Little things like this can help you to shoot for longer without discomfort.

Ear Protection and Long Hours

If you do plan on shooting for longer than an hour, then you may want to think about renting some ear and eye protection. You can easily do this at most gun ranges. That being said, it’s not a bad idea for you to pick up your own set of glasses and ear protection if possible. If you do this then you can make sure that they fit you well and you can also make sure that they are not going to cause you any discomfort. New shooters are often surprised at how loud a shooting range can be, especially if it is very busy. If you’re shooting on a hot day and intend to have a longer session, take a cooler with some water with you. Most ranges do not provide drinking water.

Little tips like this will help you to make the most out of your time at the range and it will also help you to ensure that you are not making yourself uncomfortable during longer sessions.

 

 

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