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Firearms training can be broken up into several categories. Basic handgun safety classes quite simply teach the essentials of how your weapon works, and how to build safe habits for operation and handling. Such classes are readily available throughout the country in states and cities where it is legal to own a handgun. They are usually inexpensive and often include a small amount of supervised range time to practice. These classes are ideal for someone who is considering purchasing a weapon, or who has recently done so. Such a class is a great way to get started, and for many it may be adequate as long as they continue to practice at the range regularly to improve their skill.
After completing a basic handgun course, individualized training is an excellent way to hone your skills. Private instructors are often available at public ranges and charge by the hour. A private instructor can quickly identify problems with your stance or grip and generally offer a lot of useful pointers. This is often the most effective way to quickly improve your marksmanship.
Beyond this level, one may consider enrolling in a tactical firearms defense class. These are relatively advanced classes, and they also tend to be more expensive and harder to find. In fact, you may have to travel to another city in order to take the class. These classes are usually conducted over 2 to 3 days and are intense and immersive. Do not enroll in such a class unless you have already become a relatively competent shooter, and are very familiar with your weapon. - The function of firearms training is not just to improve your marksmanship. The primary goal is to help you develop safe and reliable habits that will stay with you, even under duress. It is one thing to consistently get good groupings at the range. It is something else entirely to be able to reliably do the same thing when you are taken by surprise, and are in fear for your life. Always keep this in mind. The more regularly you practice (using good habits), the more likely it will be that your skills and knowledge will be there for you, even in the worst case scenario.
- Each state has its own gun laws and self-defense laws. Make sure that you learn the laws in your area before you begin training. Your training should be tailored to the local self-defense laws so as to make it less likely that you will violate these laws when you are under duress. Also, if you take your weapon with you when travelling, make sure that you check the laws at your destination, as well as those along your route (if travelling by car). This is your responsibility.
- You may want to consider the advisability of taking advanced tactical firearms classes. In some circumstances, a prosecutor or plaintiff might be able to use this against you, by suggesting that this demonstrates that you are aggressive or paranoid by nature, or that perhaps you "were looking for a chance to use what you had learned." In the end, you must weigh the risks for your own situation.
- It is your responsibility to research the law. It is always best to consult a lawyer on any legal issues that you are unclear about. Know that even if you "do everything by the book," there is still a significant chance that you will have legal problems afterward. This is simply one of the risks you have to accept when defending your life. Also, remember that until it actually happens, you cannot know how you will react in a dire, life-threatening situation, nor can you know how you will fare psychologically afterward if you actually had to injure someone in self-defense. Hopefully such a situation will never happen to you, but only you can weigh the risks. No article or book can do that for you.
