Training
Safety is extremely important and there is no such thing as too much training!
Most ranges and many gun stores offer training in the use of your firearm. Classes are available for anything from your first introduction to a firearm to concealed carry and anything else related. There are also many individuals that offer training, both one-on-one and classes. Even many web sites have information on various facets of using a firearm. Here are a few.
Instructors
Personal instruction, both in a class and one-on-one, is the most valuable. You will learn the “right” way of handling your firearm, and any mistakes you make can be corrected then and there. There are many certified instructors available, including many who number woman-only training among their offerings. Here are just a few of them.
- Jodi Newton
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Jodi’s qualifications include:
- NRA Certified Training Counselor
- NRA Chief Range Safety Officer
- NRA Regional Counselor & Instructor, Refuse To Be A Victim
- NRA Instructor, Basic Pistol
- NRA Instructor, Personal Protection Inside the Home
- NRA Instructor, Personal Protection Outside the Home
- Certified New Mexico Concealed Carry Instructor #514
- Dr. Lisa M. Orick-Martinez
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Lisa’s qualifications include:
- NM DPS Certified Conceal Carry Firearms Instructor #348
- Instructor, Shoot Like A Girl
- NRA Certified Chief Range Safety Officer
- NRA Certified Firearms Instructor (Personal Protection in the Home, Personal Protection Outside the Home, Basic Pistol)
- NRA Regional Training Counselor (NM) for Refuse To Be A Victim
- NM Certified Hunter Education Instructor
- Mule Deer Foundation, Discover the Outdoors and Encourage Sportsmanship (DOES) Committee Member
- Vaughn McMillan
- Vaughn teaches practical firearms training, handgun basics and home and personal defense. Vaughn is a Certified NM Concealed Carry Instructor.
Web Sites
Many web sites have a great deal of valuable information for shooters from novice through expert. While you can learn an amazing amount from web sites, please remember that they are no replacement for actual live instructors. Also keep in mind that, just like anything else on the Internet, you must apply good judgement to each in order to determine which are actually providing good information. Here are a few web sites that we find helpful:
- The Well Armed Woman
- The Well Armed Woman has many articles on many different aspects of using a firearm that can be very helpful to you.
- NRA Marksmanship Qualification Program
- This is an NRA program whereby you can earn qualification on ranked levels for marksmanship.
- Smith & Wesson Gunsmarts
- S&W offers a video series designed to break down the barriers that exist for new gun owners and provide information spanning everything from basics of firearms safety through first trips to the range, and more.