Learning the art of operating a firearm is more comprehensive than many people might realize. From your stance and aiming technique when using a gun to how you safely use the weapon, there’s a lot involved in its handling. Furthermore, much of what’s involved in firearm operation is not common sense or easy to grasp.
Here are the concepts and training protocols gun instructors stick to, to help guide new shooters from beginning to end on honing their basic firearms skills:
Safety Fundamentals
Safety always comes first, especially concerning firearms. For this reason, the basic safety fundamentals of handling a gun are typically one of the first things taught to new shooters in a firearm course. Apart from reducing error or risk of injury, learning these basics can help a shooter feel more confident and calm in their ability to operate a gun.
Safety fundamentals covered include how to check if a weapon is loaded or unloaded, engaging in surrounding awareness, using the correct ammunition, wearing the proper protective gear, sticking to safe firearm storage practices, and generally maintaining responsibility as a firearm user.
Decision Making
Making decisions, especially under pressure or in a tense situation, is not a skill in itself but a combination of multiple skills. Rapid and appropriate decision-making involves situational awareness, critical thinking, good judgment, proper communication, and staying calm under pressure.
Because decision-making plays a critical role in using a gun, firearm instructors heavily focus on the cognitive and emotional aspects behind proper firearm operation. Poor decision-making skills on the shooter’s part can otherwise lead to a higher chance of unsafe firearm handling, reduced confidence, and inconsistent performance.
Gun Maintenance
Once a shooter understands the essentials of safely handling a gun and making decisions regarding when a firearm should be used, firearm instructors often move towards teaching gun care and maintenance. Learning this can help promote safe firearm operation and reinforce responsible gun ownership.
Topics of gun maintenance tend to include firearm cleaning, weapon inspections, lubrication, disassembly and reassembly, proper storage, or recognizing and responding to common mechanical issues concerning guns.
Hands-On Shooting
After shooters have the basic yet most critical knowledge regarding firearms down, they can then progress into tactical shooting experiences. These hands-on opportunities using a firearm can give trainees the chance to physically practice what they’ve learned, receive feedback from the instructor, and learn from their mistakes.
Whether hands-on lessons are taught solo or in a group setting, students will get the opportunity to engage in proper gun grip, basic weapon function checks, body positioning, target acquisition, shooting at different distances, among other crucial aspects of handling and shooting a firearm.
No matter how “new” you are to shooting, C2 Tactical has an instructor willing to work with you every step of the way. From basic firearm safety to proper shooting techniques, our extensive courses and training sessions are beginner-friendly, with the opportunity to move up to more advanced lessons.
Interested in getting started? Call C2 Tactical today to explore our firearm classes!
