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Anxiety Busters

     One of our objectives is to introduce new shooters to firearms in a safe and comfortable manner.  If your like most of us, your first time firing a gun can be a little nerve-racking.  Others might be ok with the experience of firing a gun, but they are not to comfortable with doing it in a group and experience some performance anxiety.  We've compiled a list of things that will help your first experience with firing a gun a little less anxious, and a little more fun.

• Relax.  As you go through the class you will discover that every step has been carefully planned.  Each class is a different group of people with varying degrees of experience and skill levels.  You will not be expected to perform above anything more than a basic level.  If you can shake hands with a friend you can qualify with a firearm.  If you can have a conversation you can pass the written test at the end of the class.  It is our expectation to pass everyone who takes our CCW class.

• Study Range etiquette.  We have posted a list of rules here.  One of the things that makes most people uncomfortable on the range is the feeling that they don't know what they are doing.  It's that awkward feeling you get when your suddenly aware that you may be the only one who doesn't know which fork is for the salad, and which one is for the desert.  Take a few minutes to get acquainted with these rules.  Know that when you arrive at class, we will spend quite a bit of time making sure that everyone is comfortable with their knowledge of the the range rules and what's expected.

• Become Familiar With Your Firearm.  One of the most valuable things you can do prior to coming to class is to become familiar with your firearm.  Purchase some "blanks" or "dummy rounds" so you can safely practice loading and unloading.  The manual that comes with your gun should have instructions for cleaning and disassembly your firearm.  Search Manufacturers websites for demonstration videos.  Disassembly or "Field Striping" is a major component of firearm maintenance and is crucial to understanding how your firearm works.  You will be amazed at the difference in confidence you experience by taking the time properly strip and reassemble your firearm.  If you can't find any documentation, try searching youtube for a demonstration video for your particular model of firearm.  Be careful with this one.  Not everyone on youtube is a certified instructor.  It doesn't take much effort to see that there are a lot of idiots doing dumb things with firearms on the internet.  Just remember to always keep the four rules of safety in mind and ask yourself if the video your watching is doing the same.  Make use of our website, and forums.  Hopefully if we don't have the information you need, we can find it and post it for others.

• The Noise really bothers me.  This is actually more common than one might think.  Understanding what is taking place will help you overcome this source of anxiety.  When a bullet is fired, a small explosion is taking place.  That explosion isn't just "noisy", it produces several other effects.  Mainly there is a release of air pressure.  Depending on your position, you can sometimes feel this pressure.  It might feel like a small breeze.  Along with the noise and the pressure you also experience a shcok wave generated by the blast. These factors all affect your nervous system.  If you have never fired a gun before, this can be very uncomfortable, especially if your already nervous about handling a firearm.  At the end of the day we are animals that still have to contend with "fight or flight" instincts.  So what do you do about this?  First Relax.  Then do nothing.  Some people are more sensitive than others, but all of us have the ability to get used to it.  Once you become familiar with the sound, and the sensations that come with shooting, you will start to relax.  Remember, you are setting off very natural instincts that are intended to save your life.  We don't want to turn those off.  We can't.  I've seen many students "jump" and startle easy at the range when guns go off.  I see them become frustrated like trying to hold in a hiccup or a sneaze.  Just remember, that the discomfort will eventually dissapate and soon your concentration on safe operation will take over.  Soon you wont even notice it.