Why Training and Education Matter

This blog isn’t about promoting classes or instructors. It’s about an essential truth: If you own these tools, you owe it to yourself—and to the people around you—to learn to use them responsibly and proficiently. However, "training" doesn’t mean diving into the so-called “tactical sexy” classes. Those classes aren’t for everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters is building a strong foundation that equips you with skills to grow and develop, whether you aim for mastery or simply want to maintain safe and effective practices.

Base-Level Training

A basic pistol or rifle class is your starting point. These classes might not sound exciting, but much like building a house, the foundation matters most. Without it, you cannot safely and confidently progress to advanced techniques.

When I teach, I notice that more women enroll in basic classes than men—a trend I find interesting, yet concerning. Many men seem hesitant, and often opt to learn on their own or rely on loved ones without proper credentials. Take a moment to reflect on this: how many of you have seen dads, husbands, or boyfriends teaching firearms with questionable mechanics? It’s not uncommon for women to approach me, admitting that unsafe instruction left them feeling uneasy or even injured. For instance, a coworker once told me her husband, a former police officer, insisted on teaching her. She returned to work with a slide bite—an injury that could have been avoided had her instructor been properly trained.

Men, it’s okay to admit, “I don’t know.” It’s okay to say, “Let’s take a class together.” Certified instructors help you establish safety protocols and build marksmanship fundamentals—skills assessed and practiced before live rounds even come into play. You’re not expected to know it all, but you are responsible for laying a safe and effective foundation.

Carrying

Most people want a firearm for protection, but owning a firearm is only half the equation. Proper carry methods are critical, yet often overlooked. Two key issues frequently arise:

1. Lack of a holster

Carrying a firearm without a holster presents multiple risks:

• Theft: Exposed firearms make you an easy target for criminals. Sweatpants carrying, where the grip protrudes visibly from your pocket, offers no security.

  
  

• Negligent Discharges: There’s no such thing as an accident—only negligence. Carrying a firearm in a purse or pocket without a holster invites unnecessary danger. Each year, countless injuries occur, including incidents where children are harmed.

  
  

For example, I read about a mother whose purse-carry led to a negligent discharge that tragically claimed her child’s life. These are avoidable situations when owners seek proper training.

Overall: Seek Training

Going to the range isn’t training. While practicing your skills is important, it doesn’t correct poor mechanics or ingrained habits. You need knowledgeable instructors to assess your grip, stance, and technique—because even experienced shooters sometimes cross thumbs or teacup without realizing their mistakes.

Ultimately, training matters for everyone, including instructors like me. I constantly seek opportunities to learn and grow. Whether you’re building on foundational skills or mastering advanced techniques, training benefits not just the individual, but the entire community. Vet your instructor, absorb the information, and take pride in your growth.

See you on the range!