A passion of mine is teaching individuals to become comfortable with their firearm and know what their responsibilities are when carrying a weapon. When I began my firearms instruction business in October 2020, I was dead set on putting on high-speed advanced tactical shooting classes because of my background, however our first class we offered was Beginner Fundamental Handgun class. And guess what, women are who showed up. 100% of my students were women. New gun owners and very inexperienced women signed up for my Handgun class. Thankfully, my wife Karin, showed me how important it was to serve all the women at a level that would not only exceed their expectations but create a relaxed atmosphere where they could learn without fear when first handling a firearm. And so, we did. The greatest blessing my wife & I have experienced is seeing women walk away from a class feeling confident in handling their handgun. And it gets even better… I had to create additional classes for these women to advance their skill level, because they wanted to learn more.
Currently, a tremendous number of people are purchasing their first firearm and want to get to a comfort level handling their firearm so they are prepared to use it properly in the self-defense of themselves or a loved one. Many of my students are purchasing firearms for self-defense, not only to learn marksmanship. So, my question to you is: Is Your Skill Level Enough?
With over 30 years of firearms training and being involved in several critical incidents involving firearms, just knowing how to use your firearm and shooting a few times throughout the year will not prepare you for the use of that firearm during a self-defense incident. My focus is to relay that known fact to my students.
When you go to the range and shoot do you create an environment that closely resembles what you would experience during a self-defense type incident? Some of these things include elevating your heart rate, shooting on the move, shooting from behind barriers, shooting from various positions (kneeling, prone, etc.) setting your firearm up for tactical and empty gun magazine exchanges and for weapon malfunctions (class 1,2, & 3).
If you carry a firearm for self-protection, what you have practiced at the shooting range while standing stationary and while your body is in a relaxed calm status, is NOT what you will experience when adrenaline is released into your blood stream during a fight or flight scenario.
Practice the things previously mentioned every time you visit the range, practice on a regular basis, even dry fire practice will not only improve your skill, but it will make the skills you need second nature. Make these drills a part of your muscle memory because during a critical incident you will have plenty of life saving decisions to make rather than figuring out how to clear a malfunction in your firearm. If where you shoot allows it, get your heart rate up by doing pushups, jumping jacks or short sprints prior to performing the drills and shooting.
Being involved in a shooting will change your life. REFUSE TO BE A VICTIM, defend yourself, or it could end your life. Be prepared the best you can for whatever might come your way. Being prepared does not mean just purchasing a firearm, it is just a tool. What you can do with your firearm is what makes you prepared.
NEVER STOP TRAINING!
For any questions regarding my article, email me at:
[email protected]
Oz Johnson/Lead Instructor, NRA Certified
JohnsonGroupTAC.com
602-448-8283
