My Best Prep So Far

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) Preparation Forum : One Thread

My best "Y2K" prep so far, whether it's a BITR or a 10, was accomplished today. I spent 7 hours in the first day of my NRA Pistol Shooting course. Bought my gun a few weeks ago and have been nervous about even having it in the house because I know NOTHING about guns. Make that "knew" nothing! I learned more today than I thought I ever could. Even more importantly, know more about how much I don't know. If anyone is planning to buy a gun for the first time, my advice would be to definitely take this course - even before you buy the gun. It will help you make the correct decision as to what to buy. My course was only $60 and the instructors are willing to help on the range in the future for FREE!

IMHO, this course can easily mean the difference between life and death. I feel GREAT!! (And I never even wanted to own a gun.) Ignorance is NOT bliss as far as weapons are concerned.

-- dakota (none@thistime.com), August 14, 1999

Answers

Dakota,

Way to go !!!! Wish more people could "get the feeling" like you have, we could rid ourselves of Handgun Control Inc/Chuck Schumer. Remember, breathe and squeeze!! Your second paragraph is a classic!!!!

-- rob (rgt350@aol.com), August 15, 1999.


This old git and an even older git across the street took that course two years ago (before I knew anything about Y2K). The older git has her certificate framed and hanging by the back door. . . I'd like a refresher, though, think I'll do that--when the temperature gets a little cooler.

-- Old Git (anon@spamproblems.com), August 15, 1999.

Dakota,

Congratulations on successfully completing the first stage of your training. By all means take advantage of all the range time you can manage- there is no substitute for experience. Your confidence and ability will grow even more with continued practice.

You cannot control a situation if you cannot control yourself first. Having confidence in your ability to handle whatever a given situation throws at you may well mean that you will not have to employ force at all- if you project confidence and an air of control, many times a would-be assailant will seek a softer target. Your object is to emerge from a confrontation uninjured in any sense of the word- physically, emotionally and legally. If you can do that AND avoid having to hurt someone to do it, you have truly mastered the situation.

Kudos, Dakota. Keep practicing and STAY SAFE.

Old Git, the refresher session is still on me if you want it. I agree with waiting 'till it's cooler!

-- Lee (lplapin@hotmail.com), August 15, 1999.


Just finished the course!!!!!

Got a 100% on the exam. Fired a gun for the FIRST time - 50 rounds. Did real well, 6 shots in the "7" circle and the rest 8 or better!

I don't remember ever feeling such a sense of accomplishment. Can't believe how much I learned. Will definitely keep practicing. (Can't stop grinning!)

-- dakota (none@thistime.com), August 15, 1999.


How do you locate these courses? (thanks)

-- Deb (deb@needhelp.com), August 16, 1999.


Deb,

The largest pool of trained instructors in the country are affiliated with the NRA, and you can locate one in your area through that organization. This has everything to do with safety and education and nothing to do with politics, by the way.

Check at http://www.nrahq.org/safety/ for a list of the NRA's safety programs, ranging from Eddie the Eagle (oriented toward teaching kids who find a gun to stop, don't touch, get away and tell an adult) to Refuse To Be A Victim to various firearms safety courses.

To locate an instructor near you, see http://www.nrahq.org/safety/education/find.cgi.

Taking an NRA course (Personal Protection, Basic Pistol or Home Firearms Safety) is the best way to get an inexpensive introduction to the subject. NRA instructors are trained to a standard of knowledge and monitored by the organization, so you have a reasonable expectation of the quality of training you'll get. The standards you'll be trained to meet will be national in scope. You might get good training from a friend or relative as well- I'm not saying the NRA courses are the only way to go. But most friends and relatives, especially if self-taught, will miss some important points you need to know- especially in the legal realm.

Your state may be one which allows concealed carry, and many of the states which do grant permits require some training to get one. If your state does, it might pay to look into the training required- that course may fit your needs, if one is available. Ask at a reputable firearms dealer- they'll be able to advise you.

A certain number of (what I consider to be enlightened) police and sheriff's departments offer training from time to time. Call your PD or count sheriff's office and see if they offer courses. The city PD where I live does this, sort of grudgingly, simply because there is so much demand. Their course is 8 hours, four in the classroom and four on the range. They cover the basics of safety, maintaining and running your equipment and legal issues well. The range training is good for what there is of it but a single four-hour session is not enough for beginners.

There are also quite a number of 'shooting schools' around the country, and many of them do an excellent job. Some of them go 'on the road' and do training sessions in various areas away from their usual bases of operation as well. You will almost certainly spend more money in this approach than going through an NRA course, though you will likely spend more time in training and shoot a lot more in the process. Ask at a reputable firearms dealer near you for information on these schools, or drop me a note offnet- this address works.

Learning to shoot is a as much of a responsibility as learning to drive, and should be approached with the same attitude. It can be just as enjoyable and liberating (right, Dakota?) but is still a significant undertaking. Be serious about it, get good training, and practice well (only perfect practice makes perfect) and as often as you can manage for the first year or so. Work on progressing from being able to safely manage yourself and your equipment and reliably hitting a stationary target from a static position to hitting moving targets to safely shooting on the move. Consider joining the International Defensive Pistol Association for some good shooting opportunities of a practical nature. Above all else Stay Safe!

-- Lee (lplapin@hotmail.com), August 16, 1999.


Moderation questions? read the FAQ