Editor's Note: There are multiple factors involved in recording firearm purchases. Indeed, the 2020 “summer of riots” and law enforcement’s casual response to it were significant. The coronavirus pandemic and 'lockdown' has caused great concern. Then there is the defunding of Soros-funded prosecutors' offices and police departments. First, the number of police officers will be reduced, and criminals who could be arrested by the reduced police force will not be prosecuted. Then empty the prisons and put more violent criminals in and out of the population. There will be a large number of uninvestigated illegal immigrants in the country. This is the Democratic Party's strategy. This results in long law enforcement response times in most jurisdictions and little or no response for crimes against property. Americans of all stripes are learning they can't rely on the government to protect them. This is because the government is infiltrated by people who believe that enforcement of the law is discriminatory. Democrats could be deadly. According to the National Shooting Sports Foundation, “total firearm sales in December 2023 will be 1.7 million NSSF-coordinated FBI National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) verification of gun purchases processed, further increasing streak of gun purchases Achieved monthly sales of 1 million firearms for 53 consecutive months. ” Approximately 30% of all purchases are made by first-time buyers. Who is buying it? Perhaps 40% of new buyers are women, especially African American women. Jews became active buyers. There's been a somewhat surprising upsurge from the LGBTQ community. Overall, we're seeing a broad spike in purchases across racial and ethnic groups. As a result, many people who currently own guns are not familiar with the laws surrounding lethal force, marksmanship, and gun handling and maintenance. Just because you can do Hoki Pokey doesn't mean you're ready to dance on Broadway. If you recently acquired a gun, or even if it's been sitting in a drawer for years, get trained and follow the author's common sense suggestions.

So you decide to choose the best self-defense technique you can and get formal training. So? Where do I start? There are many choices. Let me explain how I did it a while ago.

first of all, Decide how much time you can spend on training…Could you spare just one day? weekend? Or a whole week? This will help you decide what kind of training to look for. If you can only take one day out of your schedule, you may need to stay local and look for training in the area. weekend? Maybe it could be a little further away…probably 5-6 hours max from home, so I could arrive after work on Friday, get a good night's sleep, do some weekend training, and then do it on Sunday. You can go home in the evening. Spending a full week requires more planning, but having weekends before and after gives you more options.

Now, you know how much time you have. Start your research. Decide what type of training you're looking for…self-defense? Close combat? vehicle? Security (places of worship, sanctuaries, etc.), long-range rifles? Sporting rifle? shotgun? The options are almost endless. The internet is similarly limitless and you can learn what options are available depending on your training needs and desires. Check your local coverage. Many companies offer regular training, while others bring in trainers to offer occasional classes. Some trainers travel around the country teaching and using ranges in different regions around the country. Also, don't forget to look at recommendations from past students. This will give you a good idea of ​​what to expect, not only in terms of course content, but also in terms of instructor qualifications and expertise, equipment, availability of training, amenities, etc.

Once you find one that fits your schedule and travel constraints, Don't forget to check your budget!

When budgeting, consider not only the cost of training, but also transportation (airfare, rental car, gas), hotels, and meals. Make sure you have everything planned and factored in. Remember to check the curriculum and budget for ammunition accordingly (some courses require more than 1000 shots, which can add up). Don't forget equipment you may not have, such as knee and elbow pads and a flashlight.

After going through the process a few times, I decided that I needed formal self-defense training and that a one-week course suited my schedule and needs. Considering the options available, I settled on the granddaddy of them all and booked a basic pistol self-defense class. Gunsite Academy in Paulden, Arizona. This course, dubbed the 250 class, will hopefully give you a solid foundation.

Gunsite established by the deceased Colonel Jeff Cooper In 1976, is one of the world's leading shooting schools.We will not only teach you how to shoot, but also how to handle a gun. readiness for battleApproximately 3,000 acres, more than 20 different shooting ranges, and approximately 50 male and female instructors with military or law enforcement backgrounds or advanced training and experience in the field. Almost unlimited training experience. From basic pistol square ranges, to indoor and outdoor simulators, long-range rifles and force-on-force, there's little you can't train in there, and it's a great place to test and evaluate your weapons. .

I eagerly booked classes and hotel rooms for the week, found good flights and a rental car, and was looking forward to it.

While I was waiting, I kept thinking endlessly about what gear I should bring. Founded by Jeff Cooper, Gunsite has a strong preference for 1911 pistols, but my research has shown that any acceptable caliber handgun will suffice. I didn't need to buy a new pistol (damn, I was looking for a good excuse to buy another gun!). If you're not sure which pistol to bring, or if you live in a highly regulated area where it's difficult to own a pistol, ask if the training facility has pistol rentals. Many people do, and it can be a viable option. Since he already had several 1911 pistols in his collection, he decided to use the Ruger SR1911 in 45 ACP.

Once you've decided on a handgun, make sure you have the right holster. Most facilities, instructors, and firearms personnel insist on sturdy holsters made of leather or hard polymers such as Kydex. This not only provides a safe and sturdy means of transporting your handgun, but also ensures ease of reuse. When you are finished using your handgun, store it in the holster. I'm more of a traditionalist, so I knew I wanted a leather holster. I contacted my good friend Rob Leahy at the following address: simple and sturdy holsterHe provided me with one of his great leather holsters, the Cuda. The Cuda is designed for both concealed carry and use at the range. Along with the holster, I also purchased three single magazine pouches so I can carry extra magazines on my belt.

Spare magazines…wait a minute, how many do you need? Do you have enough? A quick check with Gunsite confirmed that it's best to have at least 6 magazines. I have one for the gun, two or three for personal use, and a few spares, as magazines tend to hit the heavy, dusty Arizona deck while reloading. It may be damaged. I had plenty of spares, but what else do I need?

Durable belt, check. Hat, check. Safety glasses, please check. Hearing protection, check (electronic hearing protection is highly recommended to help you hear instructions and basic communications, but good old earplugs will work just as well). In Gunsight 250 classes, you may be taught various shooting positions such as prone and kneeling. So, just to be safe (and sorry), I decided to bring some knee pads that I found used at a local Army surplus store. . Do you have night shooting? Flashlight, check.

I also made sure to bring lip balm, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes. On the topic of shoes, Be sure to bring shoes that are comfortable for standing for more than 8 hours a day. Although you don't necessarily need combat boots, you'll be more comfortable wearing good, broken-in hiking shoes. A training class is not the best time to break in new hiking boots. One item he didn't think of beforehand, but went shopping for during class, was athletic tape. I didn't fully expect to get chafing, chafing, and blisters on my hands from all the shooting, but a few strategically placed pieces of surgical tape helped protect my hands and fingers. I found it helpful. Trust me, a pretty checkered front strap can feel like a cheese grater after just a few hundred turns over a few days. I now always keep a roll or two of tape in my microwave bag.

That's not a bad idea either Please bring a cleaning kit. Just in case. Even if it's just a basic kit with a few cloths, a bore brush or bore snake, your favorite lube, etc., it certainly comes in handy.

Some training facilities sell ammunition, while others require you to bring your own ammunition. Please do your research and make the necessary preparations in advance. Shipping ammo to yourself in advance will cost more, but it is an option. It's nice to stop at a sporting goods store on the way, but I highly recommend not waiting until the last minute to roll into the only place in town the day before class to find a hazard, five minutes before closing. It turns out that your caliber ammunition was removed by other students who were also waiting for the last moment and defeated you.

Don't forget essentials like medication, emergency contacts, snacks and water (hydration is important!). A small range bag will help you easily carry your gear along with your ammunition. You don't need anything fancy, but you do need something sturdy enough.

Once you have all your equipment (did you make a list and checked it twice?), make sure to get plenty of rest before and during class. You need to stay fresh and alert, not only to maximize your training and learning, but most importantly, to keep yourself, your fellow students, and your instructor safe when handling firearms. This is much easier to do if you are well rested and alert.

Now it's training time! Arrive to class on time, stay safe, and don't be afraid to ask questions. That's why we have instructors. Use repetition to maximize your training opportunities (for example, if one relay isn't full, ask the instructor if you can jump in and shoot again). The old cliché that practice makes perfect applies here as well. Enjoy training, have fun and learn how to get better.

Remember that proper preparation prevents poor performance.

Well, you have read my thoughts from personal experience, now go through the training and tell me what you learned from your own experience on how to better prepare for the next training.

See you at the range!

*****

This article It first appeared gun blast. Reprinted with permission from the author.