There are a lot of things to consider when choosing a handgun instructor. Not all instructors are created equal, and not every class is the right fit for everyone. It's an investment of your time and money so choose as you would any investment...wisely.
What are the qualities of a good handgun instructor? This is a question that many people who own handguns may ponder. There are many factors to consider when looking for an instructor that can help you use your firearm safely and effectively.
Here are four traits, listed in no particular order, to look for in a good qualified handgun instructor.
1) Experience – Make sure your instructor has plenty of experience teaching the firearm for which you are wanting to learn about. For example, if you are wanting to learn about handguns you should look for an instructor who has experience with handguns. Generally, the better instructors will focus on only one platform (i.e. Handgun, Rifle, etc.) in order to be proficient with it.
2) Credentials – Reputable instructors will have some form of certification from a respected organization. This isn't because those organizations vet instructor's personality nor ability but because they help instructors teach better than when they first arrived. Organizations such as the National Rifle Association (NRA), U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA), Range Masters and many others.
3) Knowledgeable – Your instructor should be knowledgeable about the firearm for which you are wanting to learn about. They should have the answers for you and if not, should be able to point you in the right direction to get the answer.
4) Passion – Instructors should be passionate about teaching, demoing and helping all shooters achieve their personal objectives. They should also be passionate about the 2A community as they are more or less a representation of that community.
Now, you'll notice not one of the traits says "Safe". It goes without saying that ALL instructors should be safe and ensure the safety of their students throughout their classes but that is not a trait which makes a
good instructor as that is a necessity in order to stay an instructor.
A good handgun instructor should also be a higher level shooter and should be able to show you each drill that is given. The instructor should be able to articulate the reasons why you are doing each step, so that you can understand the importance of following the procedures which are given. A good instructor will also be patient and attentive, making sure that you are comfortable with the material before moving on to more advanced concepts. Choosing a qualified and experienced handgun instructor is an important step in ensuring that you learn how to safely and effectively use a handgun.
In the instructor world we hear the saying "always a student" and this is somewhat a cliché in the industry but it is also true. Instructors should always be willing to learn new things despite their previous expertise or experience and go train with other instructors to improve their skillsets.
A good handgun instructor is a teacher and
shows
the class how to handle and fire a gun. They don't just instruct in drills but explain the why of a technique in order to have the concept resonate with students. They must be able to articulate the information so the students can understand. They will also be able to answer any questions you have and provide helpful constructive feedback. If you're serious about learning how to safely and effectively use a handgun, then find an instructor who can meet all of the above criteria.
Finding the right handgun instructor can be critical to your success in learning. Whether you are a first-time gun owner or have been shooting for years, finding the right handgun instructor is essential to ensuring that you get the most out of your training. It is important to find a good handgun instructor who can teach you the proper way to handle and shoot a gun. Make sure to do your research on the instructor prior to signing up for a course. If you cannot find any information on a specific instructor than you should reach out the them and ask questions. Ask them about their qualifications and experience. It's also good to ask around for recommendations either from students or instructors. Have you had any negative experiences with handgun instructors? Who are some good handgun instructors you have trained with? We would love to hear about them in the comments section below!