A women's guide to firearms...

Choosing a Firearms Course: A Guide for Women

Fiona Harris

Mon October 5th, 2009

Are you a woman who is considering enrolling in a firearms training course? If you are new to the sport, choosing the right training is as important as choosing the right gun. In fact, it is more important in some ways because your training may determine which gun you ultimately purchase. What should you look for in a training program?

First and foremost, you must select a good trainer. All good trainers have a few things in common: they are certified by the NRA and/or a government agency (such as the concealed carry handgun certifier in your state or a police/justice academy for your city/state); they want you to learn and enjoy shooting sports; and they insist on safety. You can easily verify the certification status of a prospective trainer and many trainers have their credentials listed on their websites or marketing materials. This certification is important because it shows that the trainer is committed to offering professional training, is aware of the latest techniques and products, and will follow industry-wide standards for training. You will also generally receive professionally-prepared materials, such as safety guides, that will be an invaluable reference after the class.

As for the philosophy of the trainer and his/her attitude towards your success, this is not as easy to ascertain. You want an instructor who believes the focus of the training is you and not him/her. 

Unfortunately, some trainers make the training about themselves - how well they shoot, how many competitions they've won, etc. Not only is this boring for the students, but it does nothing to increase their knowledge or skills. Often you can get a sense of the instructor's focus simply by reviewing his/her website or brochure. If these are not available, check with prior students; ask the trainer for a few names and follow-up by speaking with them. You would do this for a plumber or roofer so why not for your firearms instructor? If the instructor is not forthcoming with references, move on.

When it comes to safety, a certified trainer follows all safety guidelines to the letter. And this is what you should expect as a student. If you decide to attend training with a non-certified instructor, ask him/her to outline the safety procedures beforehand. Avoid situations where whole classes of 20 or more go to the range at once. It is very hard for the instructor to monitor so many people. In addition, personalized attention that is crucial for beginners is not likely with a large group. The broad safety measures that are standard in firearms training are: no loaded firearms in the classroom, hearing and eye protection worn at all times while on the range, only one student shooting at a time. Find out where the range qualification will take place. Proper ranges are the preferred location - they offer maximum safety and will familiarize you with range procedures.

Should your trainer be male or female? It does not matter. If you stick to the guidelines above, you will receive excellent training regardless of the sex of the instructor. Shooting is no longer considered a macho, men-only activity and many male instructors have classes just for women. Today there are lots of great women shooters - and you'll find women on any given day at local ranges. Shooting is a fun sport that you can enjoy with friends and family. So get started today by enrolling in a well-considered training course.