According to the New York Times, gun sales have been the highest since January 2013 when the tragic mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School happened. Of these almost 2 million gun sales, many are first-time gun owners looking to protect themselves during these uncertain times.
While it is our second amendment right to keep and bear arms, a gun owner also must do so responsibly and confidently.
Building a Foundation Through CCW Classes
CCW classes are designed to provide the foundation for individuals to become responsible gun owners. In general, these classes include 8 total hours of gun instruction on the following topics:
- Introduction to handgun ownership
- Mechanics of handgun equipment
- Basic fundamental skills of gun handling
- Handgun safety
- Handgun laws
There are also 2 required hours at a gun range as part of a CCW license designed to help build familiarity with handling and using a firearm.
However, for many first-time gun owners, obtaining a CCW license should only be step one in the process. It is the responsibility of any gun owner, specifically ones who carry in public, to continue their training to build the confidence necessary to respond in high-stress, threatening situations.
Building Confidence Through Situational Awareness Training
It is common for individuals to walk away from CCW classes with a basic understanding of gun ownership. However, many of these individuals also walk away with a lack of confidence in their ability to use a firearm for protection. CCW classes are a foundation for more complex and targeted situational awareness training.
Virtual situational awareness training sessions are designed to provide shooters of all skill levels a safe, judgment-free, and educational environment to practice potentially life-saving skills. The only way to dissect and improve your reaction in lifelike shoot/don't shoot scenarios is by practicing regularly and by doing it in an environment that supports growth and allows for mistakes.
Some of the skills that are vital for gun owners to master to build real-world confidence include:
- Shoot/Don't Shoot judgment calls
- Marksmanship
- Drawing from concealment
- Muscle memory
- Mitigation techniques
- Safe gun handling
When purchasing a firearm, if you plan to carry it regularly as a civilian, you are accepting the possibility that you will, at some point, encounter a deadly situation that requires your quick and logical judgment. And if you know you currently don't have the confidence necessary to respond in a high-stress scenario. It is specifically geared toward building these life-saving skills.
While fixed target practice is a critical component to gaining muscle memory and marksmanship skills, there is nothing like engaging in virtual shoot/don't shoot situational awareness drills to get a natural feel for making critical split-second decisions.
At EVR, we fully support your second amendment right. However, we also fully support the importance of proper training for gun owners. Our goal is to provide a safe and judgment-free atmosphere for gun owners to build on what they learned in CCW classes and grow into safe and confident gun owners.
Our Carry With Confidence Training Series is the next logical step after you obtain your CCW license. It is specifically designed to teach the skills and confidence necessary to react in dangerous or life-threatening situations.
We encourage you to learn more about our Carry With Confidence Training and decide if situational awareness training is the right next step for you.