There are some who have been raised around firearms their entire lives.
The one common factor among all who desire to carry isdesire.
If the desire is there, the willingness to learn isnt far from it.
That is where training comes in.
To obtain a license in some jurisdictions, a gun owner must take a class and test.
Just like that, they can now legally carry a firearm.
A common misconception at this point is that thats the end.
After all, the state has given them a license, so it must be enough.
The truth of the matter is that its simply not enough.
Ultimately, we just need more.
More training is required to truly understand how to run your gun and obtain the right mindset.
Shooting your gun is not like riding a bicycle.
Shooting is a perishable skill.
Additional and ongoing training is so beneficial and necessary when you carry a firearm.
The reason we carry is for self-defense.
Finding a firearms training program is not difficult.
So much so that it could be overwhelming.
Its easy to fall prey and become awe-struck with appearances.
If I do this training I can become a tactical hero!
We must be able to sift through the masses.
What Kind of Training?
To truly ascertain what bang out of training we need and why.
Most of us do not live a Tactical Life.
We are carrying our firearm for self-defense and therefore need in-depth defensive handgun training.
I am not in any way disregarding training that is tactical.
Such classes certainly have their purpose.
A good defensive handgun course will focus on these key elements.
These are generalized components you should look for, not a full course description.
Training should be conducted by a professional trainer.
Go deeper than the perceived image a company or trainer is trying to project.
Anyone can adorn a cool name and list their abilities.
Where did they acquire their experience and how has it been applied?
Find out who they have been associated with and research what those people have to say.
This is your money and your time that you are spending.
You have the right to research and verify credentials before you spend either.
I suggest checking out Richard Johnsonsarticle on finding the right firearms trainer.
He has some great insight and covers the topic completely!
What Gear Do I Take?
Quality instructors will have a list of recommended (and mandatory) things to bring with you to class.
However, there are some basics that are common across most classes.
Shooting drills can keep you sharp between training courses and prevent those hard-earned shooting skills from dissipating.
Andy Grossman put together agreat list of shooting drills to improve your speed and accuracywith a handgun.
I recommend reading it and trying at least one of the skill drills he outlines.
