Having taught firearms and tactical training for the last ten or so years, I’ve seen a lot of different types of students come to my courses. Many come with quite a bit of knowledge about firearms and shooting techniques and many come with little or none. People get their firearms and shooting knowledge from many different places such as friends, family members or maybe even YouTube.
I know that people, for whatever reason, find their instruction in different places. There is nothing wrong with that as long as the training is done safely. But if you are wanting to learn the best way to shoot, handle firearms, learn tactical techniques or defensive techniques, then I always recommend getting with a firearms instructor and taking some classes.
The way I think of gun owners or shooters or even persons who carry for self-protection, is actually separated into three categories.
Those who learn to a certain level just so they can shoot recreationally.
Those who train because they love the sport, and it has become a hobby.
And those who want to master the skill because they feel it’s a great tool for self-defense.
Any of these three categories are fine and I’m not trying to suggest any category is better than the other. However, if you are in category two or three, then the question is: With an instructor or without? I know that you’re thinking that I’m partial to the second choice because I am a firearms instructor, and I understand that. But I also know how I gained the knowledge that I have in firearms and shooting. I could name several instructors that helped me through the last thirty plus years that I have been using firearms and who have helped me get to skill level where I currently am.
The one thing that stands out about these instructors is they did not just label themselves as an “instructor” and wear the bright red shirt with big white letters on the back states: “INSTRUCTOR,” but they actually used their firearms skills in real life scenarios and self-defense.
Going back to 1983 when I was introduced to my first firearms instructor, before becoming an instructor he spent several years in combat during the Vietnam War. His knowledge of firearms and shooting techniques came from real life applications using these weapons to save his life and the life of others during battle. Many of my other instructors did the same, whether through the military, law enforcement or other government agencies.
So, in other words, situational awareness, malfunctions, weapons manipulation and knowing when to use deadly force (or not use deadly force) all became a part of their curriculum when teaching others.
The viewpoint presented by an instructor who has carried a firearm and who has had to use it during real life critical incidents is truly a perspective that cannot be matched. When I instructed firearms and tactics to SWAT Team members, we always discussed, or debriefed, past mission incidents. Looking at every detail of the incident in order to learn what we did right or wrong and what we might have needed to change. Looking at such events in detail played a part in how we did things during future missions. Carrying a firearm 40-60 hours a week or more, brings a whole different look to how you should handle and use your tool the firearm.
Going through the adrenaline dumps you will experience and how your body responds to it while holding your firearm in a real-life situation brings a whole different perspective to everything you do with that firearm. It changes techniques that you use, it changes how you train, it changes how you carry your firearm and the equipment needed to support the function of the firearm, it changes the way you read scenarios and your actions during the incident.
The majority of what I teach during my firearms classes comes from what I’ve learned from the instructors I’ve had who were faced with using their firearm. In addition, from the incidents I’ve been involved in during my thirty plus years of military and law enforcement. There is no match to learning from the real thing. If you are serious about learning how to shoot and handle your handgun or rifle, search out the right Instructor for you. The time and money you spend should feel valuable the moment that instructor begins their instruction. You should know immediately that you made the right choice.
In today’s world, make certain you train but train right, bad guys won’t wait for you to get your “stance, master grip, etc.” correct… so be prepared.
As an Official Partner with USCCA we would like to provide you with a FREE Guide on “7 Firearms Drills that could save your life” call or send us an email and we will get to you right away.
NEVER STOP TRAINING!
For questions regarding my article, please email me at
[email protected]
Oz Johnson/Lead Instructor, NRA Certified
JohnsonGroupTAC.com
602-448-8283 / 602-410-7355
