Firearms Fundamentals: training

October 23, 8:21 AMCleveland Gun Rights ExaminerDaniel White

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Shooting a gun is a lot like driving a car, you can learn to do it on your own but you're going to be much better at it if you get professional training.

There's a lot more to shooting than just pointing a gun and pulling the trigger. Proper sight alignment, sight picture, trigger squeeze, breath control, consistent grip, follow-thru and a host of other shooting fundamentals can drastically impact accuracy. Not to mention the fact that proper knowledge of gun safety is essential to be able to handle a firearm in a safe manner. Not to mention the fact that self-defense skills will be taught that may very well save your life some day.

So, where do you get training? There are many places you can find it. If you have a gun range or gun shop nearby, pay them a visit. Odds are they either offer training themselves, have a bulletin board where others can advertise classes, or if nothing else the store clerks can point you in the right direction.

The National Rifle Association was founded as a training organization. Their training programs are recognized as having some of the best standards in the country and NRA certified instructors are recognized by many states (including Ohio) as those authorized to give training for getting a concealed carry license. Visit the NRA Training Department for more information.

Another source for locating classes in Ohio is www.OhioCCWTraining.org, a free listing service provided by Ohioans For Concealed Carry. This site lets you search by county or browse by date for basic, advanced, or instructor training classes.

The cost of training varies. While you can sometimes find basic training for $25-$50, the average seems to be $100-$150. Advanced training can cost more, sometimes often hundreds of dollars or even over a thousand dollars for some of the larger training schools in the country. Ohio is lucky to have a world class training school in southern Ohio called the Tactical Defense Institute that offers excellent training at a fraction of the cost of some of the "big name" schools.

You can also find training through word of mouth, searching the internet, newspapers, local radio, and more. The important thing is not so much where the training comes from, only that it is professional training so that you learn proper safety and gun handling skills. The life you save could be your own!