March 2020
Due to the recent events of COVID-19 , there are a lot of new gun owners right now. People purchase their first firearm for many reasons. Everything from curiosity in the sport to self-defense. Whatever the reason, being educated is the catalyst you need to be safe for yourself and others.
I cannot express the importance of firearm education enough. The first thing to do is take a beginner’s class. If you don’t have a FOID card Illinois residents can still take the class under the supervision of our Certified Instructor. The class revolves around the basic fundamentals of firearm knowledge to ensure safety in the shooting sports.
Here are the 4 basic rules.
- Always point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Treat all firearms as if they were loaded (never point a firearm at anyone or anything you don’t want to shoot)
- Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
- Know your target and Know what is beyond your target
Most beginners may think this sounds pretty easy but, I can’t tell you how often a new shooter points the firearm at me, in the store, while their finger is on the trigger. Then to say,” but I know it’s not loaded.”! In that one moment they have broken every rule revolving around the basic fundamentals of shooting.
During a Smokin Gun Worx Intro to Handgun Class you will learn these rules. Before you go onto the range you will practice with a “blue plastic” gun . You will be shown how to hold it, stand ,release the magazine and load it. ( no live ammo will be in the classroom) . After the instruction portion of the class you will proceed to our range. If you don’t have eye & ear protection some will be provided for you. You will be able to shoot a variety of firearms, always with our Range Safety Officer to help guide you. Keep track of what you are shooting so when it comes time to make your purchase ( if you haven’t already done so ) you will know what to ask for.
Once you’ve gone through the Beginners class and now have your firearm, practice , practice, practice!!!
I remember when I took the beginners class. I realized, I knew just enough, to know I didn’t know enough. So now what do you do. For heaven’s sake don’t stop there. At Smokin Gun Worx you can come in and rent firearms to shoot on our range (if you haven’t already purchased your own firearm).
We always have a certified Range Safety Officer on the range when you are shooting for your safety and others. He can help you through the first moments on the range by yourself. We offer other classes as well.
We also have classes for children; Youth Firearms Safety Class. ( put in link to web site) This class is geared for ages 8-17. Novice shooters learn the fundamentals of firearm safety within their age group. They also have range time with Range Safety Officers and will only shoot 22LR pistols or rifles. Eye and Ear protection is available.
If you’re interested in Rifles, the Beginner Rifle Class is for all ages. This class is designed to provide hands-on instruction to the NRA safe handling rules and proper orientation of rifle types. You will learn to shoot bolt action, lever action, semi auto, and slide action types. Fundamentals of rifle model parts and operation will be discussed. This course is three hours long, including classroom, range time, rifles, shooting and ammunition are included. Eye and Ear protection can be provided for those who don’t have it.
If you’re not a class room kind of person there is always Private Instruction for all levels.
Get on Target is a little different than Private Instruction. This is a hand gun class of at the most 6 people. The purpose of this class is to help the shooter become more proficient and accurate with their shot placement. By understanding the 5 basic elements of shooting, the shooter will have a better understanding of their sight picture, learn breath control, understand trigger squeeze, proper grip and good posture. Allowing you to hit your target more accurately.
After you get the basics, you can take more advanced classes at Smokin Gun Worx.
If you have taken the beginner class and you should still want to learn more, the Intermediate Hand Gun Class is the next step to becoming proficient and at ease with your firearm. There will be a brief safety period in the classroom . Then the entire class will be on the range honing their shooting skills. Bring your pistol, 100 rounds of ammo, and eye & ear protection.
You may now start to think about protecting yourself and your loved ones. Now is the time to take a Conceal Carry Class This class educates the shooter to be able to carry a concealed firearm on one’s self in public and understand the laws and responsibilities involved.
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