Training Types
Firearms proficiency is a perishable skill and continued training will keep you at the top of your game. Focusing your training to your specific needs at any given time will help you make sure that your time and investment is efficient and effective.
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This page contains answers to common questions on various types of training available in the industry.
Safety Training
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When using a firearm, safety is always paramount. Regardless of the type of training or what level you are at, safety is always a component of any professional course.
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Some courses are focused specifically on safety and not on firearms skills or proficiency. Courses like the NRA Gun Safety seminars or NRA Range Safety Officer course dig in to the safe handling and safety procedures that you are expected to adhere to on any range.
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Common topics in a safety specific training course are: safe handling, firearm storage, types of firearms and their parts, magazines, ammunition, sights, range protocols, proper range supplies, and cleaning.
Basic skills Training
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For new firearms owners through advanced users, basic skills training will build a foundation that instills confidence on a variety of levels. These types of training courses can be in a private setting with an individual instructor or in various group classes.
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Beginners will learn proper loading and unloading, firearm operations, stance, grip, sight picture, trigger control, and follow through.
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More advanced students will move to holsters, safely drawing and reholstering, magazine changes, target transitions, dynamic reloads, multi shot drills, and malfunction clearances among other skills.
defensive firearms Training
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For individuals who want to focus on home or personal defense, defensive firearms training is the best area of focus. These types of programs often incorporate body response under stress, combat marksmanship and firearms handling, threat assessment, situational awareness, and lawful use of force among other important topics.
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Finding instructors who are qualified in these areas with approved and registered training is important to keep you and your loved ones physically and legally safe if you plan on using a firearm for personal defense.
Concealed carry CCW Training
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If you plan on carrying a personal defense firearm, be sure to distinguish between a CCW permit course and a CCW tactics and training course. A CCW permit course focuses on laws and license to carry...a CCW training course focuses on the ability to deploy a personal defense firearm. One is a license, the other is how to administer the skill set.
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There are a variety of competent instructors in the industry who can administer both types of courses.
competition Training
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If you want to focus on a specific type of competition or action sports discipline, competition training is the best place to look. There are a variety of local, national, and world champions who offer training classes that focus on training routines, speed and efficiency, multi target transitions, dry fire, and a range of skills designed to up the speed and effectiveness of your game.
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Insight from these types of trainers will often save hours of time and rounds downrange to bring your skills to the next level. Courses of this type range from Introduction to Competition for those who want to get started all the way to advanced skills training specific to certain disciplines.