Firearm Training Guide: Gun Safety Courses & Shooting Instruction Tips
- Hootey Cline
- Feb 19, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 28
From the Bench: A gunsmith's ongoing education in safety and skill
By Hootey Cline, Blue Coat Arms Company
Originally published June 13, 2019 | Updated July 1, 2025
After nearly a decade working with firearms and observing countless shooters, I've learned that some of the most dangerous people on a range aren't beginners – they're experienced shooters who think they know everything. Let me share what I've observed about training, safety, and the importance of staying humble in this craft.
Firearm Training Levels: Basic vs Advanced Gun Safety Courses
Basic vs. Advanced: Why Everyone Starts at the Beginning
The reality I've witnessed: There's a massive difference between basic safety courses and advanced tactical training, but here's what surprises many people – everyone should start with basic courses, regardless of experience level.
Why this matters:
Fundamentals vary between instructors: What you learned from Uncle Joe might differ significantly from certified instruction
Bad habits compound: Years of informal shooting can create deeply ingrained unsafe practices
Standards evolve: Training methods and safety protocols improve over time
Ego gets in the way: Experienced shooters often resist basic instruction, missing crucial safety updates
What I've learned: The most skilled shooters I know regularly return to basic courses to reinforce fundamentals and learn new techniques.
Gun Safety Fundamentals Every Firearm Owner Must Know
Non-Negotiable Safety Fundamentals
Every firearm owner should master:
Safe firearm operation: Loading, unloading, and clearing procedures
Range etiquette: Understanding commands, protocols, and courtesy
Mechanical knowledge: How your specific firearm functions
Emergency procedures: What to do when things go wrong
My observation: These aren't suggestions – they're requirements for safe participation in the shooting community.
The Accountability Reality
You WILL be called out for unsafe behavior – and this is a good thing. The shooting community has zero tolerance for safety violations because:
Lives are at stake: Unsafe behavior endangers everyone present
Reputation matters: One accident can damage the entire community's standing
Standards must be maintained: Peer accountability keeps everyone sharp
Personal experience: I've had to correct unsafe behavior countless times, from new shooters and experienced ones alike. It's never personal – it's about keeping everyone safe.
The "Country Shooter" Challenge
Experience vs. Training
A common scenario: Someone approaches me saying, "I've been shooting all my life" – often meaning they've shot informally on family property without formal instruction.
What I've observed:
Complacency develops: Informal shooting often lacks the discipline of structured training
Bad habits become normal: Without correction, unsafe practices become routine
Limited exposure: Shooting the same gun in the same way doesn't build comprehensive skills
Overconfidence emerges: Familiarity breeds assumptions about competence
The challenge: These shooters often resist formal training because they feel it's beneath their experience level.
Breaking Through Resistance
Approaching experienced shooters: I've learned to frame training as skill enhancement rather than basic instruction:
"Let's refine your technique" rather than "You need to learn safety"
Focus on advanced applications while reinforcing fundamentals
Acknowledge their experience while introducing new concepts
Emphasize continuous improvement as a mark of serious shooters
The Learning Mindset
Openness to Correction
You MUST be willing to learn and correct bad behavior – this applies to everyone, including me. Here's what I've learned about maintaining a learning mindset:
Mistakes happen at all levels:
Beginners make obvious errors: Usually safety-related and easily corrected
Experienced shooters make subtle mistakes: Often technique-related and harder to spot
Instructors aren't perfect: Even certified trainers continue learning and improving
Complacency is the enemy: The moment you think you know everything is when accidents happen
Personal reflection: I still catch myself making mistakes or learning new approaches. The key is recognizing and correcting them quickly.
The Ego Challenge
Pride vs. Progress: I've seen experienced shooters struggle with accepting correction because:
Public embarrassment: Being corrected in front of others feels uncomfortable
Identity threat: Shooting skill often becomes part of personal identity
Investment protection: Years of practice feel wasted if techniques need changing
Authority resistance: Some people struggle with being taught by younger or less experienced instructors
What works: Framing correction as refinement rather than criticism helps people stay open to learning.
Fundamental Safety: The Finger Discipline
The Most Critical Rule
Your finger should NEVER be on the trigger until ready to shoot – this is the most violated safety rule I observe.
Proper technique:
Index finger parallel to the frame or along the trigger guard
Conscious placement: Actively think about finger position when handling firearms
Fight the reflex: Our natural tendency is to grasp objects with all fingers
Constant vigilance: This requires ongoing attention, not just initial learning
Understanding the Challenge
"Shooters are not naturally safe, they are made safe" – this quote captures an important truth about human nature and firearms.
The biological reality:
Grasping reflex: Humans naturally close all fingers when gripping objects
Stress response: Under pressure, fine motor control deteriorates
Muscle memory: Repeated practice creates automatic responses
Conscious override: Safe gun handling requires deliberate mental engagement
Training implication: Safety must be practiced until it becomes automatic, overriding natural reflexes.
Safety Systems: Mechanical vs. Passive
Understanding Your Firearm's Safety Features
Mechanical safeties: Manual switches or buttons that block firing
Passive safeties: Automatic systems that prevent firing without deliberate trigger pull
What I've learned: Many gun owners don't fully understand their firearm's safety systems:
Over-reliance on mechanical safeties: Treating them as foolproof rather than backup systems
Ignorance of passive systems: Not understanding how trigger safeties or firing pin blocks work
Maintenance neglect: Safety systems require proper maintenance to function correctly
False confidence: Assuming safety systems eliminate the need for proper handling
Key principle: Safety systems are backups to proper handling, not replacements for it.
The Humility Factor
Nobody Knows Everything
There is not one person in the firearms industry who knows everything – this includes manufacturers, instructors, gunsmiths, and competitive shooters.
What this means practically:
Continuous learning: Even experts continue studying and training
Specialization exists: Different people excel in different areas
Technology evolves: New products and techniques constantly emerge
Experience varies: Everyone has different backgrounds and perspectives
Personal example: After nearly a decade as a gunsmith, I regularly encounter firearms, techniques, or situations I haven't seen before. This keeps me humble and motivated to keep learning.
Building a Learning Community
Collaborative approach: The best learning happens when experienced and novice shooters work together:
Mentorship opportunities: Experienced shooters can guide newcomers
Fresh perspectives: New shooters often ask questions that challenge assumptions
Shared experiences: Everyone has something to contribute to the conversation
Mutual accountability: We all help each other maintain safety standards
Modern Training Landscape
Evolution Since 2019
Training accessibility has improved:
Online components: Many courses now include online theory portions
Video resources: High-quality instructional content is widely available
Simulator training: Technology enhances traditional live-fire instruction
Specialized programs: More options for specific applications (concealed carry, hunting, competition)
Quality standardization: Industry organizations have developed better standards for instructor certification and course content.
Choosing Quality Training
What to look for in instruction:
Certified instructors: NRA, USCCA, or other recognized certifications
Appropriate facilities: Safe, well-maintained ranges with proper equipment
Clear curriculum: Structured programs with defined learning objectives
Safety emphasis: Instructors who prioritize safety over everything else
Ongoing support: Programs that provide resources for continued learning
Practical Applications
For New Gun Owners
Start with professional instruction: Don't rely solely on friends or family for training Master fundamentals first: Safety and basic marksmanship before advanced techniques
Practice regularly: Skills deteriorate without regular reinforcement
Stay humble: Approach learning with an open mind and willingness to be corrected
For Experienced Shooters
Periodic refresher training: Even experts benefit from returning to basics
Seek new perspectives: Different instructors offer different insights
Challenge assumptions: Question techniques you've always used
Mentor others: Teaching reinforces your own knowledge and skills
For Everyone
Safety is non-negotiable: Never compromise on safety procedures
Respect the learning process: Everyone progresses at different rates
Support the community: Help maintain high safety standards through peer accountability
Stay curious: There's always something new to learn about firearms and shooting
Blue Coat Arms Company's Role
Supporting Continued Education
Our commitment to training:
Training recommendations: Connecting customers with quality instructors
Safety reinforcement: Emphasizing proper techniques during service interactions
Resource sharing: Providing information about local training opportunities
Ongoing support: Available for questions about firearm operation and maintenance
Future Training Plans
Planned offerings (pending certification):
Concealed carry classes: Practical skills for personal protection
Basic firearms safety: Fundamental safety and operation courses
Gunsmithing 101: Introduction to basic firearm maintenance and repair
Our approach: Emphasizing safety, continuous learning, and respect for the craft.
Common Training Myths Debunked
Myth: "I Don't Need Training Because I'm Experienced"
Reality: Experience without proper instruction often reinforces bad habits. Even Olympic athletes have coaches.
Myth: "Basic Courses Are Too Simple for Me"
Reality: Advanced shooters often discover fundamental gaps in their knowledge during basic courses.
Myth: "I Can Learn Everything from YouTube"
Reality: Video resources are valuable supplements but can't replace hands-on instruction and immediate feedback.
Myth: "Military/Police Training Covers Everything"
Reality: Professional training is excellent but often focuses on specific applications rather than comprehensive civilian needs.
Building Better Shooters
The Path Forward
Individual responsibility: Each shooter must commit to ongoing education and safety
Community support: We all benefit when everyone maintains high standards Professional instruction: Quality training is an investment in safety and skill Continuous improvement: The learning never stops, regardless of experience level
Creating Positive Change
Lead by example: Demonstrate proper safety and training habits
Encourage others: Support new shooters and experienced ones seeking improvement
Share knowledge: Contribute to the community's collective wisdom
Maintain standards: Hold yourself and others accountable for safe practices
Final Thoughts
Six years after writing the original version of this article, I'm even more convinced that humility and continuous learning are essential in the firearms community. The most dangerous person on a range isn't necessarily the beginner who knows they don't know – it's the experienced shooter who thinks they know everything.
What I've learned most: The moment you stop learning is the moment you become dangerous. Whether you're handling your first firearm or your thousandth, approach it with respect, caution, and a willingness to learn.
The bottom line: Good training isn't about ego or proving competence – it's about developing the skills and mindset necessary to handle firearms safely and effectively throughout your life.
No matter your era, we got your six – whether you're taking your first safety course or your fiftieth advanced class, the commitment to continuous learning and safety remains constant.
Questions about training recommendations or firearm safety? Blue Coat Arms Company is here to help connect you with quality instruction and support your ongoing education. Contact us at 217-416-5962 or BlueCoatArms@gmail.com.
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