Hi. I just joined this site tonight after an episode with a shady character who spoke to my son on the street today and then was seen staring at a neighbor's house at 9pm and who ran away when he was spotted. I've wanted to learn gun safety for quite some time and have a gun for home protection, but wasn't motivated enough to do it until now.

I've checked out the websites for local sportsmen clubs and noticed some NRA courses. I'm wondering if there are other local courses available to teach a novice, or are the NRA classes the only option to choose from?

Also, I'd like my 14 year old to learn gun safety and how to shoot as well. I thought I had heard sportsmen clubs offered courses for kids, but couldn't find anything on the websites. Any recommendations there?

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.