If you've never owned a pistol before, attending a pistol training class is a wise first step in learning how to responsibly use the firearm. Simply going to class won't lead to a full mastery of the gun, though. Here are some additional tips that you should follow throughout your training period so that you become a highly informed and practiced pistol owner.
Identify Your Primary Objective
Pistol training should be approached with a clear objective, and you can have an end objective in mind even when you first begin training. While a lot of beginner training programs will cover basic fundamentals that all pistol owners should know, there are points where your ultimate objective will cause you to zero in on certain aspects of the training program.
For example, you may want to spend more time perfecting your stance if you intend to enter shooting competitions. Your stance will greatly impact your performance in these competitions, for the stance is the foundation of everything you do.
Alternatively, you might spend a lot of time simply drawing your pistol if you plan on getting a concealed carry permit and keeping the gun with you. Should you ever need to use the pistol in a dangerous situation, how quickly you can get it out of your concealed holster could make a big difference in how well you can react.
Whatever your ultimate objective is, share it with your instructor and ask them what parts of the training you should pay particular attention to. They'll know where you should focus, and they may even offer some extra personal help when the class covers these aspects of pistol use.
Practice Regularly with a Friend
In addition to attending all of the pistol training classes, find time to practice outside of the official class meetings, and bring a friend who also owns a pistol with you when you practice.
Individual practice will give you time to ingrain the skills that are covered during class into your personal habits. Also, you can devote large amounts of time during individual practice sessions on what you need to specifically improve. In a class setting, you may have to move on with the class even if you haven't fully mastered a particular skill.
Bringing a friend along will give provide someone who can watch you and provide constructive feedback. They'll see things that you can't see when shooting, and you can provide feedback for them as well.
Contact a company like Midland Firearms Training - Concealed Carry CCW Classes for more information.
