published
10 years ago
Due to recent events, there has been a dramatic rise
in the number of purchases of both rifles and
handguns in the US. Whether purchased out of concern
for personal protection or the fear of a potential
ban, we often overlook one of the most important
aspects of owning a firearm…Do we know how to use
it, not only from a safety standpoint but also from
a proficiency standpoint? And, do we know the State
and Federal laws that pertain to carrying and using
it?
It is often said that knowledge is power and as
responsible gun owners, we need to embrace that idea
and use it to support our views and our rights. It
is no longer acceptable to argue just beliefs but
now we need to be educated on facts, laws,
statistics and techniques so that we may rationally
discuss our beliefs and convictions.
All training should be relevant and realistic, and
should be performed under the supervision and
guidance of a reputable trainer. Avoid the YouTube
craze and attend real training from a reputable
academy or training facility. Check the Internet to
see what’s available but keep in mind that with the
rise in gun sales, there is also a rise in the
demand for education so anticipate having to wait to
take a class.
Training and equipment selection should be tailored
around the needs of the individual and
mission-oriented. Will you be carrying concealed,
using the firearm for home protection or shooting in
competitions? Who will have access to the firearms,
just the shooter or everyone in the household? Will
I have access to the firearm when I need it but
still have it secure from unauthorized hands?
These are just a few things you should consider
asking yourself before you buy or carry.
In California you want to get a pistol. Where do you
start?
-
To purchase a handgun, you will need to obtain a
California Handgun Safety Certificate (CA HSC).
-
Now obtain the basic handgun skills necessary to
store, operate and clean a handgun by attending
the NRA Basic Pistol Course.
-
You want to keep a handgun for self defense in
the home? Attend the NRA Personal Protection in
the Home to enhance your skills for personal
protection in the home. This course will teach
you the difference between cover and
concealment. It will teach you how to shoot from
behind cover, along with ways how to make your
home more safe.
-
You wish to obtain a Concealed Carry Weapons
Permit (CCW) for Sutter or Yuba counties,
complete the following steps….
- Ensure pistol is CA registered
-
Attend an approved CCW course, with
pistol you wish to carry.
- Complete CCW application for County
-
Make an appointment with Sheriff for
interview and fingerprinting
-
Now that you have a handgun for self defense,
and a CCW, take the NRA Personal Protection
Outside the Home for follow on training. This
class will teach you how to draw your self
defense pistol from a concealed holster, reload
under stress, and how to use and shoot with a
flashlight at night.
It is recommended that you practice with your
defensive handgun at least once a month. Reload
your own ammunition to reduce costs. Attend the
NRA Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading course to
learn how to reload. See course description for
details.
