If you are new to the firearms realm, I am sure you have been bombarded with suggestions to get training. I am an advocate for this, yet I know that the idea can cause some anxiety in some. A firearms class can seem like a big deal. For some, they may feel like they will stand out or possibly look silly. The entire thing may seem so foreign to them that they avoid it. Well, my friends, I am here to guide you. I want to give you a look behind the curtain and tell you what to expect and what you will generally need. So have a seat, and welcome to class.

Welcome to Class

The first thing we need to touch on is the class you choose. If this is your first class, we probably need to skip the advanced night vision room clearing class. While it may sound fun, we must keep our training wheels on for a minute. I would suggest an introduction-level class. More specifically, one that works with the gun you are more likely to work with. For most people, this is a handgun. You have no real training until you have been in a formal class. Now, I will try to say this gently. If your buddy from the Army or husband took you out to the woods to shoot a couple of times, that is not training. If you have been “shooting my entire life,” that is not training. There are simply things that you don’t know. Welcome to class where you will learn what real training entails.

Vet Your Instructor

Second on the list is to choose your instructor. Vet them in great detail and read reviews. Once again, I will try to be gentle. Just because they were “Special Forces” of law enforcement doesn’t mean anything. Military or law enforcement service is not an automatic qualifier as an instructor. In fact, in many cases, it can be problematic. Measure an instructor’s quality by the feedback they share and recommendations. There are equal numbers of everyday citizens who have dedicated themselves to firearms and are exceptional instructors.

Ask Questions

Once you have an instructor in mind, reach out to them and ask any questions you have. This will also be a good way to vet them. A serious instructor will be responsive and truly listen to your questions. Tell them this is your first class and share any hesitations or fears. Once again, a professional will address them and try to put you at ease. This is also a good time to tell the instructor about any physical limitations you may have. Perhaps you just had knee surgery or a bad back. This is information they need to know. Good communication is key, so welcome to class and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Now, there are some things that we need to do ourselves to prepare for our first class. The biggest one is to pack accordingly. Your instructor should provide you with a list of all the gear you will need for the class. If they don’t, that is a red flag, and you should contact them. As a rule, the items you will need for a handgun class are as follows.

Pack the Right Gear

• Handgun—Bring the gun you will carry or most commonly use. It should be chambered in anything from .380 to .45ACP. Do not bring multiple guns with the idea that you will bounce between them. Let’s stick with our primary gun.
• Belt – Choose a well-made belt supporting a holster and mag pouch.
• Holster and mag pouch—Unless otherwise told, you will need a way to carry your gun in class.
• Eye protection – These need to be wrap around shooting glasses to protect your eyes.
• Ear protection -I suggest amplified earmuffs because they make hearing the instructor’s commands easier.
• Ammunition—The instructor will tell you how many rounds you will need for class. On a side note, this should not be a million rounds. If it is asking for 1000 rounds in a one-day class, there is a problem. Introduction classes involve as much talking as shooting, and round counts should be low.
• First Aid kit—While the instructor should have a trauma kit, a general first aid kit with bandages can be helpful. Sometimes, guns have sharp edges that you don’t discover until you train with them.
• Food and water—Classes are often held away from city amenities, so plan on bringing lunch unless told otherwise. Bring plenty of water and even small snacks. I encourage you to snack during the day at down times. This will keep your blood sugar up and give you the energy to get the most out of class.
• Range bag—This can be anything that holds your gear. In time, you can shop for an official range bag, but don’t be embarrassed to use a backpack or other bag.

Arrive Early

Now we come to the day of class. Arrive at least 15 minutes early in case any paperwork may need to be done. It also reduces the stress of rushing in at the last minute. Ask the instructor where to stow your bag and then wait for class. To get the most out of class, come as an empty vessel. Listen to the instructor and do your best to execute drills and techniques as taught. They may be contrary to what you have learned in the past, but this is their class, so follow along. Ask questions if you don’t understand. Welcome to class and ensure you get the most out of it by participating fully.

Enjoy Yourself

Lastly, have an open mind. Sometimes, being unsure of ourselves can cause anxiety, and that can become defensiveness. You will not look like a fool in class. You probably won’t be Doc Holiday, but that’s ok. This is just the first step and an important one. Visit with your fellow students and try to enjoy yourself. Friendships made in classes like this can last a lifetime. Once you have your first class, you will have more confidence to take more. I hope this is helpful. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out. Good luck, and enjoy your class!

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