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How do I become a handgun instructor?
8/27/2011 11:41:46 PM
What steps do I need to take to become a legitimate handgun instructor. I've begun charging people for one on one handgun instructions already but I want to be legitimate I think it would get me more customers. I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. So far I've just been teaching basic safety, proper grip, proper sight alignment, follow up shots, target transitioning, and I've been running them through courses and timing them and making them re run it over and over until they speed up. Whats my next step?
I've only charged 2 people so far but I've taught a lot of people.
I've only charged 2 people so far but I've taught a lot of people.
8/28/2011 1:53:50 PM
You could look into the NRA Certified Instructor programs.
Regardless of your views of the NRA, it would get you recognized as an instructor by a nationally known/recognized organization.
I was planning to do this a couple weeks ago, but the instructor course I had signed up for was canceled for lack of students.
Regardless of your views of the NRA, it would get you recognized as an instructor by a nationally known/recognized organization.
I was planning to do this a couple weeks ago, but the instructor course I had signed up for was canceled for lack of students.
8/28/2011 3:19:08 PM
Originally Posted By mechanicalboonie:
You could look into the NRA Certified Instructor programs.
Regardless of your views of the NRA, it would get you recognized as an instructor by a nationally known/recognized organization.
I was planning to do this a couple weeks ago, but the instructor course I had signed up for was canceled for lack of students.
You could look into the NRA Certified Instructor programs.
Regardless of your views of the NRA, it would get you recognized as an instructor by a nationally known/recognized organization.
I was planning to do this a couple weeks ago, but the instructor course I had signed up for was canceled for lack of students.
You know I looked last night for a while on this subject and I found this out. This looks like the proper place to get started thanks for the reply.
8/28/2011 3:57:46 PM
That's what I was going to post. Here in TN, in order to teach the carry class, you pretty much have to be a NRA certified instructor.
8/28/2011 4:02:58 PM
Originally Posted By dunndw:
That's what I was going to post. Here in TN, in order to teach the carry class, you pretty much have to be a NRA certified instructor.
That's what I was going to post. Here in TN, in order to teach the carry class, you pretty much have to be a NRA certified instructor.
Yep I specifically read that I would be able to sign off on CCW's after completion of the class. They are pretty price all around 400 bucks for the class. I'm trying to get into one mid September.
8/30/2011 9:23:33 AM
That's how I got certified to teach MO CCW. Honestly, I wouldn't mind doing some more basic classes and ladies only classes for a change.
An instructor needs two things: 1) to have a solid base of good information to present to others and 2) to be able to relate that info to others well.
An instructor needs two things: 1) to have a solid base of good information to present to others and 2) to be able to relate that info to others well.
8/31/2011 9:47:11 PM
I have a question: Why are some NRA handgun instructor courses 100 dollars and others are 400. I'm all about buy once cry once but a 300 dollar difference?
9/2/2011 11:49:25 AM
Take a look at the NRA Law Enforcement Instructor classes as well. Look at the requirements (you don't have to be LE like a lot of people think) and see if you qualify. Those cred's carry some weight and will qualify you for the basic instructor (non LE) equivalent. I've taken two of them and liked what the courses contained.
9/6/2011 8:18:51 PM
In addition to NRA certification, I would look at taking other's classes to see what works for them. See their manner of presentation, interactions with clients and how they carry themselves in the training environment. With certifications, proficiency and a passion for training, clients will have a very enjoyable experience.
9/18/2011 10:01:14 AM
I got my NRA pistol cerificaition this past spring, and will probably hold a NRA class this fall or Winter. What I am doing now is getting some private group, and 1 on 1 training. I've taken a couple handgun classes myself, and I have my first "Defensive Handgun Class 1" scheduled for the end of October. Mostly Friends and family, and I will have a few others that they know. Hopefully about 10 students. It will be pretty basic of course, it's Handgun 1 right 
I can't wait to get out there with them.
I do get alot of people who ask me if I teach carry classes. What do I need to do to be able to start teaching classes? Anybody know?
I can't wait to get out there with them.
I do get alot of people who ask me if I teach carry classes. What do I need to do to be able to start teaching classes? Anybody know?
9/19/2011 12:12:47 AM
For myself I was sent to an NRA LE Instructor Development class by a company I worked for back in 1997. That in turn gave me the credentials I needed to get my Armed Instructor certification from Oregon State to give armed Private Security classes for the company that sent me there. Then that eventually also led to being certified by Washington State to be a Private Security handgun Instructor. Everything for me started with the NRA certification.
9/19/2011 12:12:12 PM
Originally Posted By Reservist:
I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. .
I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. .
Be careful about this. The firearms training business has gotten to be pretty cut throat in the past few years. If I found another instructor taking my course to see how I do things, I'd think that he was going to start copying me. For some reason, that doesn't sit well with me. I've already had one former student take a class and then get certified and now he's a competitor.
9/19/2011 6:55:08 PM
Originally Posted By GlockSergeant:
Be careful about this. The firearms training business has gotten to be pretty cut throat in the past few years. If I found another instructor taking my course to see how I do things, I'd think that he was going to start copying me. For some reason, that doesn't sit well with me. I've already had one former student take a class and then get certified and now he's a competitor.
Originally Posted By Reservist:
I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. .
I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. .
Be careful about this. The firearms training business has gotten to be pretty cut throat in the past few years. If I found another instructor taking my course to see how I do things, I'd think that he was going to start copying me. For some reason, that doesn't sit well with me. I've already had one former student take a class and then get certified and now he's a competitor.
Are you kidding me? Pretty much every national trainer I have ever taken a class from talked about themselves attending other schools to get updated on what other things are out there. If you aren't learning, you shouldn't be teaching.
As my budget allows, I do the same thing. And, as a responsible professional, I attribute the technique to the instructor I learned it from when I teach it.
Unless you have some secret ninja gun fu technique, being worried about students poaching ideas is a waste of time.
Gringop
9/19/2011 7:32:39 PM
I agree with that. Everybody learns what they know from somone else pretty much. It's taking that information, and presenting it to students correctly. And giving credit where credit is due!
9/19/2011 11:58:43 PM
Originally Posted By dunndw:
That's what I was going to post. Here in TN, in order to teach the carry class, you pretty much have to be a NRA certified instructor.
That's what I was going to post. Here in TN, in order to teach the carry class, you pretty much have to be a NRA certified instructor.
Completely incorrect.
There are several instructors that can certify you in TN.
I'm certified under Tom Givens at Rangemaster, Memphis.
His ceritification IS NOT an NRA cert.
9/20/2011 9:10:53 PM
Originally Posted By gringop:
Are you kidding me? Pretty much every national trainer I have ever taken a class from talked about themselves attending other schools to get updated on what other things are out there. If you aren't learning, you shouldn't be teaching.
As my budget allows, I do the same thing. And, as a responsible professional, I attribute the technique to the instructor I learned it from when I teach it.
Unless you have some secret ninja gun fu technique, being worried about students poaching ideas is a waste of time.
Gringop
Originally Posted By GlockSergeant:
Be careful about this. The firearms training business has gotten to be pretty cut throat in the past few years. If I found another instructor taking my course to see how I do things, I'd think that he was going to start copying me. For some reason, that doesn't sit well with me. I've already had one former student take a class and then get certified and now he's a competitor.
Originally Posted By Reservist:
I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. .
I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. .
Be careful about this. The firearms training business has gotten to be pretty cut throat in the past few years. If I found another instructor taking my course to see how I do things, I'd think that he was going to start copying me. For some reason, that doesn't sit well with me. I've already had one former student take a class and then get certified and now he's a competitor.
Are you kidding me? Pretty much every national trainer I have ever taken a class from talked about themselves attending other schools to get updated on what other things are out there. If you aren't learning, you shouldn't be teaching.
As my budget allows, I do the same thing. And, as a responsible professional, I attribute the technique to the instructor I learned it from when I teach it.
Unless you have some secret ninja gun fu technique, being worried about students poaching ideas is a waste of time.
Gringop
My apologies. I didn't express myself the way that I meant to. What I meant was for someone who was starting out and attending a local class to see how a future competitor does things. I didn't mean the copying of ideas, concepts, etc....rather I was talking about copying our printed materials. We write our own courses. For example, I have had one former student and another instructor whom I had never met, copy course descriptions verbatim from our website. Obviously, we all know pretty much the same ways to do things so concepts aren't new. What I object to is someone copying our written materials word for word as if its their own.
9/23/2011 3:16:49 PM
To take the NRA pistol instructors course, what do you need prior?
9/23/2011 3:41:24 PM
Originally Posted By Spartan24:
To take the NRA pistol instructors course, what do you need prior?
To take the NRA pistol instructors course, what do you need prior?
I called and scheduled one but had to cancel it because my unit is calling me in that weekend but when I talked to the guy on the phone he said "experience". Which makes sense you don't go into to be a handgun instructor without some experience before hand. A 2 or 3 day course doesn't really qualify you to teach others.
9/29/2011 2:59:36 PM
What kind of "Experience" would that be? I took the class, but my experience I would say was minimal at the time. Got my carry permit training, and a couple handgun classes. Of course I had been shooting for much longer than that, but how much "Experience" does one need to teach, the very basics of a handgun, and it's safe operation?
9/29/2011 4:30:37 PM
Originally Posted By Reservist:
I called and scheduled one but had to cancel it because my unit is calling me in that weekend but when I talked to the guy on the phone he said "experience". Which makes sense you don't go into to be a handgun instructor without some experience before hand. A 2 or 3 day course doesn't really qualify you to teach others.
Originally Posted By Spartan24:
To take the NRA pistol instructors course, what do you need prior?
To take the NRA pistol instructors course, what do you need prior?
I called and scheduled one but had to cancel it because my unit is calling me in that weekend but when I talked to the guy on the phone he said "experience". Which makes sense you don't go into to be a handgun instructor without some experience before hand. A 2 or 3 day course doesn't really qualify you to teach others.
When I decided to get my NRA certs so that I could offer CCW courses through my training organization, the class I went to was about 50% people who had never done any training at all - giving or receiving. Some had just bought their first handgun (no joke) and others were asking questions like "what is rimfire vs. centerfire?" and "how do I pick the right ammo for my gun?" No joke. The class itself was not very good, basically an overview of the NRA courses and a lot of sales pitches for that particular organization's advanced courses. Though the instructors are pretty well known in AZ, they taught very little about how to instruct, deal with students, do admin work, etc. I was not impressed in the least. They were supposed to do a "pre-qual" before the course to make sure that these future instructors could actually manipulate their weapons and fire them safely and accurately. But they didn't, which I now know is a no-no in the world of the NRA. Most other places I've heard of since then have a pre-qual that everyone goes through, though I'm sure it's fairly basic.
Unless you want to teach NRA courses or offer CCW courses, NRA certs don't do much for you. And in my experience no class will teach you to be a good instructor - you either have it, or you don't. Only 3 of the 17 people in my NRA cert class are actively instructing, that I know of.
Reservist - check out Generations Firearm Training, they're in Mesa and they do instructor courses.
9/29/2011 9:02:57 PM
Originally Posted By rizzo1318:
When I decided to get my NRA certs so that I could offer CCW courses through my training organization, the class I went to was about 50% people who had never done any training at all - giving or receiving. Some had just bought their first handgun (no joke) and others were asking questions like "what is rimfire vs. centerfire?" and "how do I pick the right ammo for my gun?" No joke. The class itself was not very good, basically an overview of the NRA courses and a lot of sales pitches for that particular organization's advanced courses. Though the instructors are pretty well known in AZ, they taught very little about how to instruct, deal with students, do admin work, etc. I was not impressed in the least. They were supposed to do a "pre-qual" before the course to make sure that these future instructors could actually manipulate their weapons and fire them safely and accurately. But they didn't, which I now know is a no-no in the world of the NRA. Most other places I've heard of since then have a pre-qual that everyone goes through, though I'm sure it's fairly basic.
Unless you want to teach NRA courses or offer CCW courses, NRA certs don't do much for you. And in my experience no class will teach you to be a good instructor - you either have it, or you don't. Only 3 of the 17 people in my NRA cert class are actively instructing, that I know of.
Reservist - check out Generations Firearm Training, they're in Mesa and they do instructor courses.
Originally Posted By Reservist:
I called and scheduled one but had to cancel it because my unit is calling me in that weekend but when I talked to the guy on the phone he said "experience". Which makes sense you don't go into to be a handgun instructor without some experience before hand. A 2 or 3 day course doesn't really qualify you to teach others.
Originally Posted By Spartan24:
To take the NRA pistol instructors course, what do you need prior?
To take the NRA pistol instructors course, what do you need prior?
I called and scheduled one but had to cancel it because my unit is calling me in that weekend but when I talked to the guy on the phone he said "experience". Which makes sense you don't go into to be a handgun instructor without some experience before hand. A 2 or 3 day course doesn't really qualify you to teach others.
When I decided to get my NRA certs so that I could offer CCW courses through my training organization, the class I went to was about 50% people who had never done any training at all - giving or receiving. Some had just bought their first handgun (no joke) and others were asking questions like "what is rimfire vs. centerfire?" and "how do I pick the right ammo for my gun?" No joke. The class itself was not very good, basically an overview of the NRA courses and a lot of sales pitches for that particular organization's advanced courses. Though the instructors are pretty well known in AZ, they taught very little about how to instruct, deal with students, do admin work, etc. I was not impressed in the least. They were supposed to do a "pre-qual" before the course to make sure that these future instructors could actually manipulate their weapons and fire them safely and accurately. But they didn't, which I now know is a no-no in the world of the NRA. Most other places I've heard of since then have a pre-qual that everyone goes through, though I'm sure it's fairly basic.
Unless you want to teach NRA courses or offer CCW courses, NRA certs don't do much for you. And in my experience no class will teach you to be a good instructor - you either have it, or you don't. Only 3 of the 17 people in my NRA cert class are actively instructing, that I know of.
Reservist - check out Generations Firearm Training, they're in Mesa and they do instructor courses.
I have no intention of actively instructing but I have taken some kids from my college out to the desert and charged them for instruction. I figured it would be nice to have a certificate of some kind instead of just my word that I know what I'm doing when it comes to pistols.
I have also taken 4 of my friends and taken them from being dirt shooters with pistols to C class shooters in the USPSA within a few months.
Between the two I had a lot better of a time training people for USPSA stuff.
And to the first part of your post WOW I had an idea it might be like that but just wow. Rizzo if you taught an instructor course for this NRA pistol instructor I would take it from you. I also wanted the ability to sign off on AZ CCW's for very close friends and family which from what I understood the NRA pistol instructor cert qualifies you to do that. Me and Ofishl1 from the AZHTF have been trying to jump into an instructor course for awhile now but these instructors we have been finding are just cheeseballs the last guy we found wanted us to take the class in a trailer parked outside of his house... I won't name drop him on here.
We found a great glass on Oct 15th at SGC and its cheap and offers a lot I think it's 3 classes combined I want to say it was BIT (basic instructor training), home defense using a handgun, and handgun tactics. The price was only 250.00 and it was two 12 hour days of training. We were planning on jumping in that but my drill got moved to that weekend and I can't get out of it. Ofishl1 got a hold of that trainer and is trying to work out a way for him to do the class for us on another date but he is so busy he is having trouble getting us in.
9/30/2011 3:14:42 AM
In AZ you need NRA Basic Pistol and NRA Personal Protection in the Home to become a DPS certified CCW instructor. Just make sure to find a good organization that's actually interested in teaching you something and not just shoving you through a course. Call me anytime if you want more info: 520-831-3683.
9/30/2011 7:11:47 AM
Im actually starting this process myself. I have found a couple instructors here in Florida near me. I look forward to hearing everyones progress.
9/30/2011 10:00:59 AM
Originally Posted By rizzo1318:
And in my experience no class will teach you to be a good instructor - you either have it, or you don't. .
And in my experience no class will teach you to be a good instructor - you either have it, or you don't. .
Sooo true.
In our area, there's so many people that are former cops, HR folks, etc that just flat out can't teach. One guy set up shop and had brochures that had so many spelling mistakes, you couldn't take him seriously. Things like "No live ammo aloud in class".
11/3/2011 7:30:55 PM
I would also suggest seeking out courses with as many other instructors as possible.
Beyond the firearms aspect you should also look into basic instruction courses. If you are still in the military check out things like the Army Basic Instructor Course (of course things like the Small Arms Master Gunner Course, Less Lethal Weapons Instructor Course and other shooting schools are a no brainer).
If that isn't possible you can looking into teaching and public speaking courses at civilian schools.
The main thing is trying to become well rounded as an instructor as well as a shooter. Try and budget for at least a few shooting courses with other instructors each year. It not only shows you new TTP's but also teaching and presentation styles. Even if it is a rather basic course, you will still learn something. I try and make it out to at least one class every 3 months or so. The same thing goes with the current crop of "training" DVD's. Panteao has a deal right now where 18 bucks a month lets you watch all of their DVD's. That is a cheap price to pay to see several of the tops names in the business.
And finally, read everything you can get your hands on. Not just browsing through gun rags either. Read Musashi, Sun Tzu, Grossman, Boyd, Hackworth, etc. Learn about psychology, physiology and anatomy. Learn what our bodies do under stress and then how to counteract that.
Beyond the firearms aspect you should also look into basic instruction courses. If you are still in the military check out things like the Army Basic Instructor Course (of course things like the Small Arms Master Gunner Course, Less Lethal Weapons Instructor Course and other shooting schools are a no brainer).
If that isn't possible you can looking into teaching and public speaking courses at civilian schools.
The main thing is trying to become well rounded as an instructor as well as a shooter. Try and budget for at least a few shooting courses with other instructors each year. It not only shows you new TTP's but also teaching and presentation styles. Even if it is a rather basic course, you will still learn something. I try and make it out to at least one class every 3 months or so. The same thing goes with the current crop of "training" DVD's. Panteao has a deal right now where 18 bucks a month lets you watch all of their DVD's. That is a cheap price to pay to see several of the tops names in the business.
And finally, read everything you can get your hands on. Not just browsing through gun rags either. Read Musashi, Sun Tzu, Grossman, Boyd, Hackworth, etc. Learn about psychology, physiology and anatomy. Learn what our bodies do under stress and then how to counteract that.
11/4/2011 9:49:14 PM
Originally Posted By Reservist:
What steps do I need to take to become a legitimate handgun instructor. I've begun charging people for one on one handgun instructions already but I want to be legitimate I think it would get me more customers. I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. So far I've just been teaching basic safety, proper grip, proper sight alignment, follow up shots, target transitioning, and I've been running them through courses and timing them and making them re run it over and over until they speed up. Whats my next step?
I've only charged 2 people so far but I've taught a lot of people.
What steps do I need to take to become a legitimate handgun instructor. I've begun charging people for one on one handgun instructions already but I want to be legitimate I think it would get me more customers. I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. So far I've just been teaching basic safety, proper grip, proper sight alignment, follow up shots, target transitioning, and I've been running them through courses and timing them and making them re run it over and over until they speed up. Whats my next step?
I've only charged 2 people so far but I've taught a lot of people.
If you are gonna be charging people for instruction, the first thing that you should be doing is setting up an LLC and getting liability insurance.
11/5/2011 2:12:54 PM
You want to train Boys Scouts? If so, the NRA is running a limited program where they offer great discounts up to 70% off for Boy Scout Leaders and Merit Badge Councilors.
11/13/2011 8:13:29 AM
Originally Posted By ColtRifle:
If you are gonna be charging people for instruction, the first thing that you should be doing is setting up an LLC and getting liability insurance.
Originally Posted By Reservist:
What steps do I need to take to become a legitimate handgun instructor. I've begun charging people for one on one handgun instructions already but I want to be legitimate I think it would get me more customers. I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. So far I've just been teaching basic safety, proper grip, proper sight alignment, follow up shots, target transitioning, and I've been running them through courses and timing them and making them re run it over and over until they speed up. Whats my next step?
I've only charged 2 people so far but I've taught a lot of people.
What steps do I need to take to become a legitimate handgun instructor. I've begun charging people for one on one handgun instructions already but I want to be legitimate I think it would get me more customers. I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. So far I've just been teaching basic safety, proper grip, proper sight alignment, follow up shots, target transitioning, and I've been running them through courses and timing them and making them re run it over and over until they speed up. Whats my next step?
I've only charged 2 people so far but I've taught a lot of people.
If you are gonna be charging people for instruction, the first thing that you should be doing is setting up an LLC and getting liability insurance.
DING, DING, DING! We have a winner!! I've looked into this also and after talking to our county prosecutor, Police Chief, and my attorney I've decided I'm not "teaching" anyone anything until I've got NRA credentials and liability insurance. If a student hurts themselves or someone else while training YOU could be sued. If one of your students uses their gun and someone is killed or injured (justifiably or not) YOU, the person that taught them, could be sued. Imagine a smart ass attorney asking a student on the witness stand "And why, Mr. Jones, did you shoot poor Mr. Smith twice in the chest with your uber blaster gun? Wasn't it clear enough to you that he was hurt after you shot him the first time?" Your scared shitless student answers, "Well, uh.....my gun sensei guru teacher guy told us to always shoot at least a double tap/controlled pair into the chest cavity. It makes the bad guy bleed out quicker." And because he's on the stand, under the microscope, your student tries to deflect his/her panic judgement onto YOU, the instructor. Since you do it commercially, as a business, the "victims" family decides you must have deep pockets and comes after you, and maybe the student now "emotionally scarred" comes after you too because you didn't explain things well enough or didn't teach non-lethal options.
If you're going to do this "commercially" and professionally you must protect yourself from liability.
11/13/2011 10:45:16 AM
Originally Posted By XSabers:
DING, DING, DING! We have a winner!! I've looked into this also and after talking to our county prosecutor, Police Chief, and my attorney I've decided I'm not "teaching" anyone anything until I've got NRA credentials and liability insurance. If a student hurts themselves or someone else while training YOU could be sued. If one of your students uses their gun and someone is killed or injured (justifiably or not) YOU, the person that taught them, could be sued. Imagine a smart ass attorney asking a student on the witness stand "And why, Mr. Jones, did you shoot poor Mr. Smith twice in the chest with your uber blaster gun? Wasn't it clear enough to you that he was hurt after you shot him the first time?" Your scared shitless student answers, "Well, uh.....my gun sensei guru teacher guy told us to always shoot at least a double tap/controlled pair into the chest cavity. It makes the bad guy bleed out quicker." And because he's on the stand, under the microscope, your student tries to deflect his/her panic judgement onto YOU, the instructor. Since you do it commercially, as a business, the "victims" family decides you must have deep pockets and comes after you, and maybe the student now "emotionally scarred" comes after you too because you didn't explain things well enough or didn't teach non-lethal options.
If you're going to do this "commercially" and professionally you must protect yourself from liability.
Originally Posted By ColtRifle:
If you are gonna be charging people for instruction, the first thing that you should be doing is setting up an LLC and getting liability insurance.
Originally Posted By Reservist:
What steps do I need to take to become a legitimate handgun instructor. I've begun charging people for one on one handgun instructions already but I want to be legitimate I think it would get me more customers. I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. So far I've just been teaching basic safety, proper grip, proper sight alignment, follow up shots, target transitioning, and I've been running them through courses and timing them and making them re run it over and over until they speed up. Whats my next step?
I've only charged 2 people so far but I've taught a lot of people.
What steps do I need to take to become a legitimate handgun instructor. I've begun charging people for one on one handgun instructions already but I want to be legitimate I think it would get me more customers. I'm already planning on taking a handgun course to see what other instructors are teaching. So far I've just been teaching basic safety, proper grip, proper sight alignment, follow up shots, target transitioning, and I've been running them through courses and timing them and making them re run it over and over until they speed up. Whats my next step?
I've only charged 2 people so far but I've taught a lot of people.
If you are gonna be charging people for instruction, the first thing that you should be doing is setting up an LLC and getting liability insurance.
DING, DING, DING! We have a winner!! I've looked into this also and after talking to our county prosecutor, Police Chief, and my attorney I've decided I'm not "teaching" anyone anything until I've got NRA credentials and liability insurance. If a student hurts themselves or someone else while training YOU could be sued. If one of your students uses their gun and someone is killed or injured (justifiably or not) YOU, the person that taught them, could be sued. Imagine a smart ass attorney asking a student on the witness stand "And why, Mr. Jones, did you shoot poor Mr. Smith twice in the chest with your uber blaster gun? Wasn't it clear enough to you that he was hurt after you shot him the first time?" Your scared shitless student answers, "Well, uh.....my gun sensei guru teacher guy told us to always shoot at least a double tap/controlled pair into the chest cavity. It makes the bad guy bleed out quicker." And because he's on the stand, under the microscope, your student tries to deflect his/her panic judgement onto YOU, the instructor. Since you do it commercially, as a business, the "victims" family decides you must have deep pockets and comes after you, and maybe the student now "emotionally scarred" comes after you too because you didn't explain things well enough or didn't teach non-lethal options.
If you're going to do this "commercially" and professionally you must protect yourself from liability.
The NRA offers insurance you can by for a couple of hundred dollars for 1.5MM in coverage. If you teach under the BSA flag, you get coverage from them 100%.
Get an LLC and have it setup by a good lawyer. Have a good CPA on hand to manage you taxes.
11/16/2011 8:13:52 PM
Also, pay close attention to the liability block if you take an NRA LE Instructor course. Develop your courses, perform regular revisions (and keep historical revs on hand), and document all of the training you've had as well as document all training you give. Liability insurance won't save your butt if you fail to keep good records.
12/25/2011 2:22:14 AM
The next step would be to find a good NRA Training Counselor and get certified as an NRA Instructor. NRA has one of the only nationally recognized programs. This will allow you to certify people in most states for their Concealed Carry Permits. Start w/ the Basic Pistol and add what ever certifications you would like from there. If you have any questions, Please feel free to contact me.
Andy Reinhardt
303 ARms Inc.
NRA Training Counselor
Andy@303arms.com
303-522-4354
Andy Reinhardt
303 ARms Inc.
NRA Training Counselor
Andy@303arms.com
303-522-4354
1/8/2012 12:46:10 AM
I agree with the last poster Reservist, and the absolute of LLC and insurance, I finally did get through the NRA Instructor course that we were trying to hit together, (BIT) and Personal Protection in the Home (PPITH) which are 2 separate disciplines.
Now I am certified to teach both and CCW, have to say our NRA Instructor Trainer was top notch and gave great direction. He recommended attending other instructors for future disciplines for diversity, however I found him outstanding and will most likely return for any future additions to my Instructor profile. The NRA opens separate venues and log-ins to their web for certified instructors for purchasing materials at very reasonable costs. In addition recommendations for some better insurance programs. I have had many people, (a lot of women) ask me when they see the NRA Instructor shirts I have been wearing, "do you teach basic handgun stuff? What about for the home..?"
Our instructor was right, in these days and times, there are many people that just want to get comfortable with a handgun, and especially in the home, not necessarily speed shooting in matches like we do.
I would be happy to fill you in anyway I can on what I have learned, I wont start teaching until February however.....for the last month been training for the Western States Singlestack Classic at Rio Jan 27
There are priorities...
Now I am certified to teach both and CCW, have to say our NRA Instructor Trainer was top notch and gave great direction. He recommended attending other instructors for future disciplines for diversity, however I found him outstanding and will most likely return for any future additions to my Instructor profile. The NRA opens separate venues and log-ins to their web for certified instructors for purchasing materials at very reasonable costs. In addition recommendations for some better insurance programs. I have had many people, (a lot of women) ask me when they see the NRA Instructor shirts I have been wearing, "do you teach basic handgun stuff? What about for the home..?"
Our instructor was right, in these days and times, there are many people that just want to get comfortable with a handgun, and especially in the home, not necessarily speed shooting in matches like we do.
I would be happy to fill you in anyway I can on what I have learned, I wont start teaching until February however.....for the last month been training for the Western States Singlestack Classic at Rio Jan 27
There are priorities...
1/23/2012 12:35:58 AM
This has been an interesting thread. I've thought about doing this as well...
Interesting indeed.
Interesting indeed.
1/24/2012 1:16:41 AM
Originally Posted By Ofishl1:
I agree with the last poster Reservist, and the absolute of LLC and insurance, I finally did get through the NRA Instructor course that we were trying to hit together, (BIT) and Personal Protection in the Home (PPITH) which are 2 separate disciplines.
Now I am certified to teach both and CCW, have to say our NRA Instructor Trainer was top notch and gave great direction. He recommended attending other instructors for future disciplines for diversity, however I found him outstanding and will most likely return for any future additions to my Instructor profile. The NRA opens separate venues and log-ins to their web for certified instructors for purchasing materials at very reasonable costs. In addition recommendations for some better insurance programs. I have had many people, (a lot of women) ask me when they see the NRA Instructor shirts I have been wearing, "do you teach basic handgun stuff? What about for the home..?"
Our instructor was right, in these days and times, there are many people that just want to get comfortable with a handgun, and especially in the home, not necessarily speed shooting in matches like we do.
I would be happy to fill you in anyway I can on what I have learned, I wont start teaching until February however.....for the last month been training for the Western States Singlestack Classic at Rio Jan 27
There are priorities...
I agree with the last poster Reservist, and the absolute of LLC and insurance, I finally did get through the NRA Instructor course that we were trying to hit together, (BIT) and Personal Protection in the Home (PPITH) which are 2 separate disciplines.
Now I am certified to teach both and CCW, have to say our NRA Instructor Trainer was top notch and gave great direction. He recommended attending other instructors for future disciplines for diversity, however I found him outstanding and will most likely return for any future additions to my Instructor profile. The NRA opens separate venues and log-ins to their web for certified instructors for purchasing materials at very reasonable costs. In addition recommendations for some better insurance programs. I have had many people, (a lot of women) ask me when they see the NRA Instructor shirts I have been wearing, "do you teach basic handgun stuff? What about for the home..?"
Our instructor was right, in these days and times, there are many people that just want to get comfortable with a handgun, and especially in the home, not necessarily speed shooting in matches like we do.
I would be happy to fill you in anyway I can on what I have learned, I wont start teaching until February however.....for the last month been training for the Western States Singlestack Classic at Rio Jan 27
There are priorities...
Who did you end up going through? I'm trying to get some free time but my schedule has been shitty lately. I haven't even really been hitting the matches as I'm sure you can tell except PRGC for the 3 -gun or one Thursday match.
2/1/2012 11:09:09 PM
So what I've decided to get my instructor certs in the coming year. Here is my question, how long do they last?
I've thought about doing this for a long long time but figured I wasn't a door kicker while in the Navy so why bother...
But after talking to the wife-brother-and good friend (and people at work) I've been talked into it. I'm also in for similar reasons as Reservist.
I inquired about getting involved in Appleseed as an instructor a while back but the local person never got back to me...
I've thought about doing this for a long long time but figured I wasn't a door kicker while in the Navy so why bother...
But after talking to the wife-brother-and good friend (and people at work) I've been talked into it. I'm also in for similar reasons as Reservist.
I inquired about getting involved in Appleseed as an instructor a while back but the local person never got back to me...
2/2/2012 10:12:36 AM
I'm taking my class in two weeks. Can you give me an idea of insurance costs?
2/2/2012 12:58:07 PM
Originally Posted By wheelchairman:
I'm taking my class in two weeks. Can you give me an idea of insurance costs?
I'm taking my class in two weeks. Can you give me an idea of insurance costs?
The NRA offers insurance for instructors. I think it's about $325 or so per year. Hopefully someone can come along and give a correct figure. I'm not sure what their requirements are though.
2/2/2012 1:17:09 PM
Originally Posted By ColtRifle:
The NRA offers insurance for instructors. I think it's about $325 or so per year. Hopefully someone can come along and give a correct figure. I'm not sure what their requirements are though.
Originally Posted By wheelchairman:
I'm taking my class in two weeks. Can you give me an idea of insurance costs?
I'm taking my class in two weeks. Can you give me an idea of insurance costs?
The NRA offers insurance for instructors. I think it's about $325 or so per year. Hopefully someone can come along and give a correct figure. I'm not sure what their requirements are though.
That would be great. I know it will be covered in class but figured I'd get a rough idea here.
2/5/2012 10:03:38 PM
There are a few options.
http://www.locktonrisk.com/nrains/instructors.htm?utm_source=nrainstructors&utm_medium=instbanner&utm_campaign=instbroadercoverage
http://www.locktonrisk.com/nrains/instructors.htm?utm_source=nrainstructors&utm_medium=instbanner&utm_campaign=instbroadercoverage
2/6/2012 3:28:56 PM
Protected Citizens Shooting Academy conducts NRA Instructor Courses. They do it throughout VA and MD.
