List of Firearms Instructors
In a recent January 6, 2022 article by guns&gadgetsdaily.com, the NSSF reported that in 2020 there were an estimated 8.4 million new gun owners and another 5.4 million in 2021. Based on trends and NICS checks, we guess another 4.0 million will join the ranks by the end of 2022. How many first-time gun owners do that? For reference, New York is 8.8M residents, and Los Angeles is 3.9M.
However, from talking with firearms instructors-private, law-enforcement & military-the interest in training has not enjoyed a commensurate uptick as gun sales. Moreover, to make things challenging, many of these gun sales are in places where it may be difficult or frowned upon to discuss firearms, let alone train or ask for firearms instruction.
All of us were new to firearms at one time, and our first experience shooting a gun often set the tone for how we view and relate to guns today. Therefore, your first instructor (i.e., parent, grandparent, friend, Drill Instructor, or Primary Marksmanship Instructor) must be a reputable firearms instructor to teach you the basics. A good instructor will teach you how to handle, operate, store and transport your firearm properly.
In this light, we provide a directory of LASR Classic or LASR X users who responded to our canvass for instructors. Because LASR is not a certifying body, we encourage you to interview an instructor-whether on this list or elsewhere-the same way you should anyone providing you a personal service. Ask questions. If you're unsure, ask more questions, a good mentor has the heart of a teacher.
Here is a list of questions to ask a firearms instructor to determine if they are reputable:
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What are your qualifications?
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What is your teaching experience?
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What is the format of your lessons?
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What is the cost of your lessons?
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Do you provide private or group lessons?
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If I asked other instructors, what would they say about your reputation?
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What organizations have you been certified by?
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If I asked your previous students, what would they say about you?
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Can you provide references?
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Do you have liability insurance?
If an instructor isn't listed in your area, there are many ways to find a firearms instructor. One way is to ask around at your local shooting range or gun store. Most ranges and stores have lists of certified instructors familiar with the safe handling and use of firearms. Another way to find an instructor is by searching the Internet. Many websites list certified firearms instructors in your area.
Be sure to do your research before selecting an instructor. Ensure the instructor is certified by a reputable organization and also address you training goals.
Once you've found an instructor, the next step is to schedule a time for your first lesson. Most instructors offer private or group lessons. Private lessons are usually more expensive, but they provide you with one-on-one attention from an expert. Group lessons are typically less expensive and can be a great way to meet other like-minded people interested in learning about firearms safety.
Realize that buying your gun is not the journey's end; it is only the doorway to a new lifestyle and mindset. Cherish and enjoy your right because we are only one (1) of three (3) countries that enshrine this right in its constitution. We hope to see you on the range or out about town enjoying life as you carry!
Train safe. Train smart. Train often.
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