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What Makes A Good Handgun Instructor


Scott Garcia

Jun 24, 2022

Isn't any training good training?


There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a handgun instructor. Not all instructors are created equal, and not every class is the right fit for everyone. It's an investment of your time and money so choose as you would any investment...wisely.


What are the qualities of a good handgun instructor? This is a question that many people who own handguns may ponder. There are many factors to consider when looking for an instructor that can help you use your firearm safely and effectively.


Here are four traits, listed in no particular order, to look for in a good qualified handgun instructor.

 

1) Experience – Make sure your instructor has plenty of experience teaching the firearm for which you are wanting to learn about. For example, if you are wanting to learn about handguns you should look for an instructor who has experience with handguns. Generally, the better instructors will focus on only one platform (i.e. Handgun, Rifle, etc.) in order to be proficient with it.


2) Credentials – Reputable instructors will have some form of certification from a respected organization. This isn't because those organizations vet instructor's personality nor ability but because they help instructors teach better than when they first arrived. Organizations such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), Range Masters and many others.


3) Knowledgeable – Your instructor should be knowledgeable about the firearm for which you are wanting to learn about. They should have the answers for you and if not, should be able to point you in the right direction to get the answer.


4) Passion – Instructors should be passionate about teaching, demoing and helping all shooters achieve their personal objectives. They should also be passionate about the 2A community as they are more or less a representation of that community.


Now, you'll notice not one of the traits says "Safe". It goes without saying that ALL instructors should be safe and ensure the safety of their students throughout their classes but that is not a trait which makes a
good instructor as that is a necessity in order to stay an instructor.


A good handgun instructor should also be a higher level shooter and should be able to show you each drill that is given. The instructor should be able to articulate the reasons why you are doing each step, so that you can understand the importance of following the procedures which are given. A good instructor will also be patient and attentive, making sure that you are comfortable with the material before moving on to more advanced concepts. Choosing a qualified and experienced handgun instructor is an important step in ensuring that you learn how to safely and effectively use a handgun.


In the instructor world we hear the saying "always a student" and this is somewhat a cliché in the industry but it is also true. Instructors should always be willing to learn new things despite their previous expertise or experience and go train with other instructors to improve their skillsets.


A good handgun instructor is a teacher and shows the class how to handle and fire a gun. They don't just instruct in drills but explain the why of a technique in order to have the concept resonate with students. They must be able to articulate the information so the students can understand. They will also be able to answer any questions you have and provide helpful constructive feedback. If you're serious about learning how to safely and effectively use a handgun, then find an instructor who can meet all of the above criteria.



Finding the right handgun instructor can be critical to your success in learning. Whether you are a first-time gun owner or have been shooting for years, finding the right handgun instructor is essential to ensuring that you get the most out of your training. It is important to find a good handgun instructor who can teach you the proper way to handle and shoot a gun. Make sure to do your research on the instructor prior to signing up for a course. If you cannot find any information on a specific instructor than you should reach out the them and ask questions. Ask them about their qualifications and experience. It's also good to ask around for recommendations either from students or instructors. Have you had any negative experiences with handgun instructors? Who are some good handgun instructors you have trained with? We would love to hear about them in the comments section below!

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If you're reading this, there's a good chance that you're interested in taking a handgun course. And if that's the case, then there's also a good chance that you want to get the most out of that training. One way to do that is to take notes! In this article, we'll discuss why you should take notes during a handgun course, and how to go about doing it effectively. So, why take notes during a handgun course? There are a few reasons. First of all, it's a lot of information to take in. A good instructor is going to cover a lot of ground in a single class, and it can be tough to remember everything. Taking notes will help you keep track of what was covered, and will give you a resource to refer back to later. Another reason to take notes is that it allows you to process the information in a different way. When you're listening to an instructor and taking notes, you're forced to really think about what they're saying and how it applies to you. This can help you better understand and remember the material. Finally, taking notes gives you a record of what was covered in the class. This can be valuable for a number of reasons. Maybe you want to review the material before your next class, or maybe you want to refer back to something later on down the road. Whatever the case may be, having a written record of what was covered can be very helpful. So those are a few reasons why you should take notes during a handgun course. But how do you go about doing it effectively? Here are a few tips: First of all, bring a notebook and pen or pencil with you to class. This may seem like an obvious one, but it's worth mentioning. You'll want to have a dedicated notebook for taking class notes, so that you can easily find them later on. I recommend a Rite in the Rain notebook and pen so you do not have to worry about weather conditions. Second, make sure you can hear and see the instructor clearly. This will help you follow along and take accurate notes. If you're having trouble hearing or seeing the instructor, let them know so that they can adjust accordingly. Third, focus on key points and main ideas. Don't try to write down every single thing that the instructor says verbatim - chances are, you won't be able to keep up, and it's not necessary anyway. Just focus on writing down the main points so that you can refer back to them later. Fourth, don't be afraid to ask questions! I can't stress this one enough. If you're confused about something, or if you want clarification on a point, don't hesitate to raise your hand and ask. Not only will this help you understand the material better, but it will also show the instructor that you're engaged and interested in what they're saying. Finally, take your time. Don't feel like you have to rush through taking notes. If you need to pause for a minute to process what was just said, or to write down a particularly important point, that's perfectly fine. The goal is to understand the material and take accurate notes - so go at whatever pace works best for you so long as it doesn't hold up the class. Those are a few tips for taking effective notes during a handgun course. So next time you're in class, put them into practice and see how it goes! And if you have any other tips to share, be sure to leave them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
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