Getting into Guns Professionally

[j1133s]

Looks like all of the classes are on the weekends, which I work...

Many "NRA training counselors" (NRA instructor trainers) I know will put together a class at your time of choosing if you can get together with another 1 or 2 students. Maybe you can check this if you have friends interested too.

I should mention that none of my NRA or firearm instructor friends (some are really good shots) are able to make any decent money teaching. They do it mainly because they like to spread gun safety and shooting skills and are very pro-2A.

I remember when NRA personal defense outside the home first came out (5yrs ago?), a friend of mine drove 4hrs and paid 3 days hotel just to get trained as an instructor. And this friend teaches "free" NRA classes, i.e. he doesn't get a dime (and usually pay for something with each class).

[HealthyGunz]

Well I'll check out the NRA classes then. Thanks. And I know I'm not an expert and I want to learn. That's why I posted this. But I also generally know when I'm doing something right or not. How do I know what I am teaching is good? Not just because it works for me, but I am also a kinesiology student and I've read now 3 pistol books written by experts and watched training videos. But I've also found that being rigid is not what's desirable in shooting. There are certain rights and wrongs but you can't force yourself to do only one way because what happens if that way doesn't present itself when you're being attacked from 2 feet away and need your pistol?

[locosway]

It's all muscle memory, and this is something I stress when people are choosing a martial arts. Doing your forms and katas will only get you so far in a real fight.

[j1133s]

Well I'll check out the NRA classes then. Thanks. And I know I'm not an expert and I want to learn. That's why I posted this. But I also generally know when I'm doing something right or not. How do I know what I am teaching is good? Not just because it works for me, but I am also a kinesiology student and I've read now 3 pistol books written by experts and watched training videos. But I've also found that being rigid is not what's desirable in shooting. There are certain rights and wrongs but you can't force yourself to do only one way because what happens if that way doesn't present itself when you're being attacked from 2 feet away and need your pistol?

You'll confuse the newbies. Just stick to the basics; if NRA, then you'll have a course outline to follow.

SD instruction is more involved than basic shooting skills. The closest NRA offers is the Personal defense outside the home, you can check that out. Generally, people look not just at the SD instructor's certifications but also his/her background and experience.

[Outta Control]

One thing to ponder is that just because you are an instructor at an art that doesn't mean you are going to be good at it. You may have the skills needed teach but that doesn't mean you can. If you are not a people person you will quickly find out that either people will not listen to you or even attend your training events. I have seem very well qualified instructors from all areas of education (college professors, motorcycles, martial arts, etc) that can not flat out teach at all. Most of these guys are so into themselves and that they know everything that you quickly loose interest. The best thing to do is to hone your skills and research your strengths as a person then you will find your niche in the field.

[Oceanbob]

What...

What do you call a Firearms Instructor without a Girlfriend?









Homeless.

[locosway]

What do you call a Firearms Instructor without a Girlfriend?









Homeless.

I wanted to do it as a hobby mostly. I have a good job now, and I have 3-4 days off each week. If things get serious and I can make money at it then I'd switch jobs in a heartbeat.

[DannyInSoCal]

What do you call a Firearms Instructor without a Girlfriend?









Homeless.

Hahahahah

Being a firearms instructor is no different than any other business.

Once you have earned your proper certification/training - It always comes down to marketing.

Sure having a list of practical experience helps (military/LE) - But superior marketing with a message that reaches the right people at the right time will always win.

Want proof? Look at who is President.

Zero experience - Great marketing - Good timing.

Now once you've gained the consumers trust/money - You'd better have the skills to perform and exceed your clients expectations - Or your success will be short lived...