Why Blame the NRA?

Another school shooting, a tragedy for students, parents, teachers, and first responders.  I'm a baby-boomer, when I grew up, my biggest concern was getting chased home by the school bully, not getting shot at my desk.

There is an alarming trend, people are grieving and scared.  So, they blame the NRA, call it a terrorist organization.  Never mind the thousands of people who are trained annually, from safety for children to advanced skills for Law Enforcement and everything in between.  Never mind that historically NO NRA members have been identified as the assailant in a mass shooting, although there are examples of NRA members stopping them, as in the church shooting in Texas.

The NRA was formed in 1871.  In 1966 an Engineering Student entered a tower at the University of Texas and terrorized people for 96 minutes, killing 17 and wounding 31.  For most of us, the earliest memory is Columbine High School, April 20, 1999.  They murdered 13 and injured 21.  News sources report 18 school shootings in 2018, but two of those were what we think of as school shootings, the others being 1 on 1 situations.  But two is two to many.

What does this have to do with the NRA?  Well, nothing, really.  In spite of the rantings of some traumatized teens, the NRA is not the problem.  Evidence from the school shootings from Columbine forward shine a bright light on violent video games, bullying, social outcasts, the breakdown of family norms and personal responsibility and a general lack of understanding or appreciation for the value of life.

Also note, the Gun Free Zone law went into effect in 1990.  School shooting have risen dramatically since that time.  This is a classic fish in a barrel.  There is a reason why concealed carry states have less instance of person on person crime.  Thugs don't want to risk being shot.  Hanging a Gun Free Zone sign is like ringing a dinner bell.  Some schools are arming well training volunteers and hanging up a sign warning intruders that staff may be carrying concealed weapons.  To date, we have not heard of a school shooting there.

This is not a gun culture issue, this is much more personal.  Our country was founded on a "gun culture".  We shot for defense, liberty and food!  In current day add competition and fun.

If it was the NRAs fault, this would not be a relatively new phenomenon.  Could it be the manufacturers?  The advances in the technology?  The civilian use of "military" weapons?  Well, design hadn't changed that much, pull the trigger, go bang.  As a Veteran, I can attest that the weapon I fired on active duty is not the same as the weapon in my gun safe.

I would be the first to line up to surrender my firearms if I believed it would prevent another tragedy.  It won't and I'm not handing in anything.

There are no easy answers, but there are a lot of accusations.

Blame me if you must, but know that in all the years I've been a NRA member I have not shot anyone.

Mourning the Loss of NRA First Steps Program

First, this is not a bash the NRA piece.  I’m proud to be an Endowment level member, and before that was a life member for nearly 20 years.

The NRA First Steps was a great introduction to safety and the basics of shooting.  Hands on time with an instructor followed 3-4 hours of classroom instruction.  It was easy, not intimidating and covered a lot of material at a high level.  Students were encouraged to seek more advance training.  This was a “dip your toes in” kind of class.  When the NRA decided to abandon this popular option in favor of a blended learning Basic Pistol which, if taught as written, requires a student to complete an on –line portion, then find an instructor and complete class room and range sections.  The “as written” has the class and range alternating to accomplish skills that add on to one another.  If you don’t have your own range, it is kind of tough to do.

I have multiple instructor credentials, but rarely taught the more advanced classes.  My preference was the new shooter.  Mostly women, but not all.  Some nervous or scared.  My preferred venue was in their home.  Yes, I went to them.  My classes were limited to 4 people.  They all knew each other, were comfortable asking questions.  We made it like a Tupperware party, except with guns.  I gave away pens, keychains, gift certificates for an hour of range instruction, etc.  When the inevitable discussion of safe direction came up, we were in a home, we could talk real world.  For gun handling, I had a Kevlar vest I could hang over a chair if I needed to create a safe direction.  I gave significant discounts to military and law enforcement spouses, trained women in danger for free…the goal wasn’t to make money, although I did try hard to break even on materials and insurance.  My costs were lower since I didn’t have to rent a classroom, just cover range time and ammunition for those borrowing my firearms.

I loved it!  My students loved it.  Many used that class to get a Concealed Carry Permit, and then went on to get private coaching and or take more advanced classes.

That is no longer an option, and I, like many of my fellow instructors, have given up the teaching business.  It is sad, and I hate it.  But I’m not ready to take on the Basic Pistol model, which would mean classrooms, more instructors, new materials…or to teach the more advanced courses, for the same reason.  That isn’t where my passion lay. 

One sad aspect of this decision is that, in Virginia at least, students can take a 1.5 hour on-line course, and use that to get a permit.  No live instructor, no questions, and no practical application at a range.  I find that terrifying.  I’ve had students who didn’t get their certificate the first time out because they weren’t safe, and we spent more time together, at no cost to the student, to ensure they were at lease minimally competent. 

 

I am slowly dismantling my business, and it hurts.  I have lots of equipment; projector, holsters, blue guns, SIRTS, etc., that I need to do something with.  I also have quite a few First Steps packets left that when the NRA made the switch they offered a turn in of Basic Pistol packets but I never saw the same for the First Steps packets, so I still have a dozen or so. 

I will still write, still take friends to the range, but my formal instruction is done.  I don’t agree with the decision the NRA Training Department made, but they didn’t ask my opinion.  I’m sure they have a “good” reason, but I don’t know what it is, and I know a lot of instructors were impacted. But more than that, a lot of students are impacted.  People who would come to a 4 hour class to “try it out”, an entry level starting point.  Not all of these people will commit to a couple days, or the extra expense.  I think we are doing them a disservice.

Be safe!  No matter what your skill level, never stop practicing and never stop training.

NRA Women

NRA Women presented by Smith & Wesson

New Energy sponsored by Remington

Elizabeth Lanier has made major strides in the shooting world. She has been instructing for eight years and in 2012 became the 4th woman to achieve National Sporting Clays Association Level III Shooting Instructor status - a certification that required a minimum of 1,500 teaching hours. Adding to the list, Elizabeth recently became a Coordinated Shooting Method associate, as well. But the fun really got started when she founded GRITS (Girls Really Into Shooting). If you’re not having as much fun shooting as this group of gals, you’re not doing it right.

Link: http://www.nrawomen.tv/new-energy/video/new-energy-elizabeth-lanier

Embed: <iframe width="500" height="370" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="http://embed.videodigm.com/450e9dc5335cfe0d299693444a7cc2e2" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>

NRA Videos YouTube: http://youtu.be/Dra8rZkgciY

How Young is Too Young?

I had a question recently from a parent on how to start teaching gun safety to their 4 year old.  This was not the first time I’ve had this kind of question.  My philosophy is that as soon as the child can move under their own power, it is time to start teaching gun safety.  Of course there are varying degrees, but the little ones can learn to Stop, Don’t Touch, Leave the Area, Tell and Adult using the NRA’s Eddie Eagle program, additional materials available at http://eddieeagle.nra.org/ .  As they get older, you can start to teach them safe handling in a supervised way with NERF, Air Soft, even Water Guns (although not pointing it at someone does take some of the fun out of the Super Soaker) but you can set up paper targets and compete with each other and save getting wet for running through the sprinkler.  Some Finger Paints on WaterColor paper can be a lot of fun with water guns, make the paint run and then save the artwork! 

As for taking them to shoot real guns, I usually suggest 6, but parents know their child. A 6 year old might not be ready or they may have been shooting for a year already. 

Some instructors are happy to work with kids and have developed curriculums just for families.  4H and Scouts often have youth programs to help kids learn to shoot safely. 

In the end, it is the parent who is ultimately responsible for ensuring that your child understands, at an age appropriate level, what is safe and what isn’t.  Even if you do not have guns in your home, your child’s friend may. 

Safe Shooting.

Should I Buy a Gun for my Significant Other for Christmas?

Thinking of a new toy for your significant other?  Do they want one or do you want them to have one?  So often people come to a beginner class with a gun their SO (usually Husband) bought for them.  I’ve seen women come in with a Desert Eagle, a Judge, and a Ruger LCP (or similar .380 “pocket pistols”).  These are women who have never shot before!  I’m sure there are a few men in this category, but I haven’t had one admit it (although I did buy my husband a shotgun for home defense without talking to him first but he loves it).

Common theme?  Buying what you want, or want them to have, not what is best for their partner.  I don’t know very many women who really want a Desert Eagle.  Me, I like my 9mm.  For a new shooter, or to introduce someone to shooting, you don’t want to start them without something that is overpowering or so tiny it is difficult to control.  A .44 Magnum is probably not a great start, either.  A Double Action Revolver, with a 12 pound trigger pull is also not a great way to start.  Those are for after you master the basics, if you really feel the need. 

A gun must fit securely in the hand.  Can you really judge for someone else what is a comfortable and secure fit?  No!  Your SO needs to first, have an interest and be willing to at least consider it, otherwise is a bit like giving your SO golf clubs in your size.  Second, let them participate in the shopping experience, trying a gun in the hand, getting comfortable...  This goes for holsters, too!  Unless they have told you what they want…don’t go there.  There is a reason most of us have “the holster bag”.

I know, it takes the fun out of it, doesn’t it?  Consider, instead, a gift certificate to a training class.  A NRA First Steps class (you don’t need to own a gun to take the class) is a great way to start and they are offered all across the country.  If you are feeling a little bolder, a Combat Focus Shooting class (probably should have the gun, or arrange in advance with the instructor to borrow gear) teaches great defensive techniques and accommodates all skill levels.  Both of these courses, and more, are offered in the Northern Virginia area by Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC., but you can also find them at the embedded links above.

Follow up with a promise to take them shopping for their first gun. You always remember your first, you should have some say in what it is.

Wishing you Safe and Happy Holidays!!

Working with Innovative Defensive Solutions

I’ve gotten a few requests for more information about who I teach with.  So, it is time for a little promotion.  I’m an adjunct instructor with Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC.  They are a small, but growing, company in Northern Virginia.  You can check the website for course offerings and calendar, www.innovativedefensivesolutions.com.  Evan Carson and Dave K. are the two guys at the top. 

I met Evan when I first inquired about taking a Pistol Instructor Course.  I was hesitant, not sure I was ready.  We met, went to shoot, and in minutes he recognized two mistakes I was making and took me from a 6 inch grouping to about a 1.5 inch grouping.  All without ever being macho, condescending, or making me feel silly for thinking I could actually do this.  He encouraged me to stretch, helped me find my voice and led me to recognize my passion for sharing this wonderful sport called shooting.  I’ve heard some horror stories about instructors, and have met a couple that I wouldn’t have been comfortable with.  But these two men, while tough, strong and very capable, are funny and caring and sincerely interested in passing on knowledge and skills in a safe and supportive manner.  They have been busy pulling in more instructors to work with them that share the passion, caring and attitude that drew me in.  The training team has people with amazing backgrounds, a variety of skills, years of combined experience…but all with a common goal - to share knowledge in a safe, supportive environment. 

IDS offers a variety of NRA, NRA Instructor and IDS proprietary courses.  New material is being developed for the future.  They are also looking at offering some women only classes in the near future. 

I am truly lucky to have found them, and to be associated with such talented people. 

I believe in formal training.  I believe that each student, regardless of their skill level should be treated with respect.  That is what I see from IDS, LLC, and that is why it is my honor to be associated with them.

I hope to see some of you in a class!

Safe Shooting!

Winchester Marksmanship Program

Have you looked at this?  Information is available on the NRA site under Programs.  This is a great program, even for an experienced shooter.  It uses the honor system, except for the final level, where you meet minimum standards to achieve each level.  They get progressively harder as you progress. 

I’m working the Pistol Qualification program now.  I just finished the third level, where I had to shoot two handed grip with strong and weak hand.  I had shot one handed before, but never two handed leading with my weak hand.  It was a challenge.  I think that was the idea. 

I’ve heard people say that no one does this program anymore.  I would like to see that change.  This is a great way to measure your progress against defines standards.  It encourages work on fundamentals and shooting skills.  It addresses a variety of firearms, not just pistols, but rifle and shotgun as well.

I’m still an advocate for formal training, but we can’t go to the range with an instructor every week.  This program adds a touch of discipline to my practice sessions, and gives me a goal to work to meet.  This isn’t the only way I practice, but it is one aspect of my practice. 

Let me know if you have worked through this program or considered it.  I’m very interested in what others think.

Safe Shooting!