NRA Basic pistol class

[Pro2A]

I had the opportunity to take an NRA basic pistol class for today and tomorrow. I signed up, and paid the fee. I wanted to take the class to:

1. Brush up on what I know
2. Learn something new (and believe me I did learn some things today that I didn't know before)
3. To get a gun safety certificate so I can apply for a FL and ME non-resident permit.

The class was pretty informative. Today wasn't the part of the course that required a gun. Of course I was carrying, and before the class even started the instructor asked if anyone had their gun on them. Thinking we needed it I raised my hand. He asked where it was and I replied it was concealed on my person. An assistant escorted me back to the range to clear the weapon and had me store it in my vehicle... they said they didn't want live rounds in the room during the training part. I was a little upset, but oh well.

The class progressed and the first instructor covered the differences between semi-auto pistols and revolvers. He showed us all the parts, standard safety devices, how to load, unload, check the weapon for live rounds and how to present it to another person. He passed around a revolver and his 1911 he said was made clear back in WW1 and has possibly seen some action. We loaded it and unloaded it with the bright orange plastic dummy rounds, pretty standard stuff. I had to help the lady next to me quite a bit with the slide and putting the dummy rounds in the magazine.

We also learned about ammo. What it was, how it works, the difference between center-fire and rim-fire. What the different measurements mean. I actually learned a lot about ammo I didn’t know during this segment of the class. I never knew why some rounds were .357 and others were 9mm… and I even learned why the 7.62x39mm, 30-06 and the 7mm-08 are called what they are. We also learned a bit about jams and how to avoid squib fires etc...

The last part of the class was how to fire the gun. How to hold it properly, aim and shoot it safely. We did some eye exercises that required us to use a pen to determine if we are left or right eye dominant. I learned a lot in this section too. It probably explains why I only hit the center of the target maybe 40-50% of the time. I hope I learn more about shooting accurately tomorrow on the range.

Overall there was a lot in this course that was a refresher to what I already knew, and a lot I didn’t know.

I'm going to take the self defense class next... this is the prerequisite to the self-defense class.

[gnbrotz]

Of course I was carrying, and before the class even started the instructor asked if anyone had their gun on them. Thinking we needed it I raised my hand. He asked where it was and I replied it was concealed on my person. An assistant escorted me back to the range to clear the weapon and had me store it in my vehicle... they said they didn't want live rounds in the room during the training part. I was a little upset, but oh well.

There were some raised eyebrows (other students) a couple of weeks ago when I took the class. I knew that a 'cold classroom' was probably SOP, but I was only told that a firearm was not needed for day one. Since I was not told to not bring a firearm, I carried as usual (concealed since it was very cold in the classroom and I had a vest and coat on).

After clearing my firearm, I left the mag and extra round with the guy at the rental counter, and kept my pistol with me, in the holster.

On day two, I cleared my firearm before entering, informed as much when I entered and went back to the range to visually confirm. My pistol for range training (.22) was in a case, but again, my carry piece stayed with me, in the holster, all day.

[JoeWilliams]

I just took the Basic Pistol Instructor course a few weeks ago. Looking forward to getting my official certificate so I can teach my first class. I'll probably teach my wife for practice, and let her get a cool certificate.

There are good reasons for a cold classroom. There have flat out been too many accidents, committed by professionals who should no better as well as amateurs, in classes by distracted students and/or instructors. A bit of history that just shouldn't be ignored, especially with a class that is aimed more at people with very little if any familiarity with guns.

When I took the instructor course, the paperwork we got beforehand made clear there were to be no firearms in class, which is how I'll do it. That way no one shows up and gets surprised or blindsided by the rule.

[Pro2A]

There are good reasons for a cold classroom. There have flat out been too many accidents, committed by professionals who should no better as well as amateurs, in classes by distracted students and/or instructors.

Like this guy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE3QAeYRk-A

[JoeWilliams]

Like this guy?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZE3QAeYRk-A

Exactly like that guy.

"I'm the only one here professional to have this gun.. BOOM!!"

Guess I shouldn't laugh... but how can you not? LMAO

[gnbrotz]

There are good reasons for a cold classroom. There have flat out been too many accidents, committed by professionals who should no better as well as amateurs, in classes by distracted students and/or instructors. A bit of history that just shouldn't be ignored, especially with a class that is aimed more at people with very little if any familiarity with guns.

When I took the instructor course, the paperwork we got beforehand made clear there were to be no firearms in class, which is how I'll do it. That way no one shows up and gets surprised or blindsided by the rule.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not really complaining about the policy, but since it's such a big concern, you'd think it'd be mentioned ahead of time!

BTW, you mentioned no 'firearms' in class. My instructors said 'no live ammo'. There were two training guns, but a variety of real pistols and revolvers also. There were definitely a couple of minor 'technical glitches' while demonstrating some of them, but I think it was good to show that even instructors aren't infallible (without needing to resort to a ND to prove the point ).

[chugger95]

Excellent write up. Freedom Armory offers these classes in Schrewsbury, (about an hour from my apt. in MD) and I have been thinking of taking them but didn't know what to expect. And does anyone know if that guy actually shot himself? He seems to be limping but very calm about it afterwards. At least it was a pretty good lesson for the kids to not play with guns.

[JoeWilliams]

Excellent write up. Freedom Armory offers these classes in Schrewsbury, (about an hour from my apt. in MD) and I have been thinking of taking them but didn't know what to expect. And does anyone know if that guy actually shot himself? He seems to be limping but very calm about it afterwards. At least it was a pretty good lesson for the kids to not play with guns.

He did. And in fact sued the DEA later because the tapes were released. He claims the fact that he went from decorated, accomplished highly commended agent (which he was) to public laughing stock (which he now is) is their fault, and has caused him much pain and suffering. Never have found out how his lawsuit fared.

One screw up, and a lifetime of accomplishment is forever overshawdowed. I can see his point, kind of, but I wish he'd man up just bit and accept the fact that he's the one who caused it.

BTW, he had his buddy verify the weapon was clear. If I was him, I'd be thinking my buddy needed an ass kicking for helping me screw up.

[Pro2A]

BTW, he had his buddy verify the weapon was clear. If I was him, I'd be thinking my buddy needed an ass kicking for helping me screw up.

He dried fired it before hand... this is why I'm confused. Maybe there was no bullet in the barrel and one somehow was logged in the magazine?? I'm seriously baffled as to where the round could have came from. The 2 things they tought us is to check for the magazine and inside the barrel.