We all have a duty to protect ourselves and our loved ones. Recently, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke Jr. created quite a stir when he voiced a commercial making it clear that we all have a role to play when it comes to defending ourselves against criminals:
I am Sheriff David Clark, and I want to talk to you about something personal, your safety. It is no longer a spectator sport. I need you in the game. But are you ready? With officers laid off and furloughed, simply calling 911 and waiting is no longer your best option. You can beg for mercy from a violent criminal, hide under the bed, or you can fight back. But are you prepared? Consider taking a certified safety course in handling a firearm so you can defend yourself until we get there. You have a duty to protect yourself, your family and friends. We are partners now. Can I count on you?
The sheriff is making an important point (one that I agree with). Police are vital in helping to protect people's safety, but they can't be there all the time. In fact, even before the budget cuts, police generally do not arrive until after the crime has occurred. This is not their fault, it is just a matter of fact. They are generally the second responders. You, as the de facto first responder, have a duty to protect yourself and your family. The best way to do that is with a firearm that you have been trained to use.
At On Target NW, Inc., I understand the importance of live-fire training as part of the complete training package. No one would expect you to be prepared to be an expert driver without first receiving classroom training and practical experience from an experienced driver. This is followed by an on-the-road practice period where you are mentored by an experienced driver prior to taking the final written and on-the-road driving test for your license.
The same holds true for firearms owners. While it is possible to obtain ownership of your firearm without demonstrating proficiency in its use (millions have done it in the last several months), it seems foolish to me that someone would carry and rely on the firearm for self-protection without first obtaining training from an experienced firearms instructor, in the proper use and care of the firearm and the legal and ethical decision making process that goes with the choice to use it for self-protection.
I also know that it is highly likely that all of your training will be called into question, when and if you choose to use your firearm for self-defense.
This is why every firearm course I offer includes live-fire training. If more than one student is in the course, the student/coach model will be used to reinforce the basic fundamentals of shooting.
During the live-fire training you will learn the "Three Secrets" that the average shooter never learns or masters. You will also learn a fourth technique that will improve your ability to shoot effectively by 10-fold, without ever firing a live round.
You will learn how to chamber check, load, unload, and confidently and quickly clear malfunctions that can (and will) occur while shooting.
If your intent is to use your firearm for self defense, as part of the live-fire training, we will demonstrate the proper presentation from a concealment holster, the accurate delivery of controlled shots to stop the threat from your attacker, followed by the appropriate after-action drills to control the safety of the scene prior to re-holstering. We will also discuss the different options for concealment systems, and the pros and cons for each.
Finally, you will learn the merits of using laser sighting systems on your self-defense firearm, both for live-fire and dry-practice feedback during training, and for self-defense encounters.
When you are done with one of my courses, you can feel confident that you have been sufficiently trained in the fundamentals of pistol and/or rifle shooting, and if you consistently apply the things you have been taught, both during live-fire and dry-practice, you will be able to shoot better than 90% of all "trained" shooters, including most military and law-enforcement officers.
If you are already licensed or you just want a tune-up of your fundamental shooting skills, my live-fire training is also available a la carte on an hourly basis.
