There are many reasons why working with a Firearms Instructor in private training environment can be key to achieving your shooting goals. Whether they be self-defense based, competitive sports-driven or for just fun recreational time at the range, Here are six critical reasons why you should have a private session or two, or three, as well as the benefits that you are likely to achieve.
1. You Don’t Know Where to Start. Walking into the range for the first time or wanting to go shooting with your family can be a scary task. From choosing a gun and pairing it with the correct ammunition, to knowing the rules and etiquette, to understanding the 5 basics of marksmanship, there is a lot to know. Having a private lesson will give you an introduction to all these things and set you in the right direction to have a fun and safe time at the range.
2. You Have a Specific Illness, Injury, or Condition. It can be as simple as mastering cross-eye-dominate skills or learning how to see your sights again after Lasik. It might be a more complex physical limitation and you need options for how to make it work for you. It can even be an emotional road block or trauma you want to overcome. Working 1:1 with your instructor can be a very personal and private experience, so be ready to answer questions so they can better understand where you are starting from and help you make the proper adjustments.
3. You’re Not Seeing Results. Maybe you have taken a group class or had a family member teach you. At first everything was great, and you are satisfied with your target. Maybe you picked up a bad habit while working on new drills and don’t realize the mistakes you are making that are getting in the way of your progress. Having a tune-up is very valuable to get back on track or in some cases change course with a new gun, different ammo, change the holster, vision assessment, etc.
4. Help You Set Realistic Goals. Just like any task in life you must have a goal and plan to achieve it. If your intent is to get your carry permit or to participate in action shooting sports it can feel overwhelming to get started. Setting goals, especially attainable goals, will keep you on track. This will help you with training as well as purchasing the gear and equipment that you need and avoiding purchasing gear that you don’t need.
5. Fit Range Time Into Your Schedule. Sometimes fitting a group class or event into your schedule is not easy, especially if you work or have kid activities nights and weekends. Scheduling a lesson with a private instructor will give you the flexibility to choose a time that works best for you.
6. Help you develop a Personalized Training Plan. It may not be financially possible to have a private lesson on a weekly basis, even monthly. Your instructor can help you plan for the time you spend on your own and at AG & AG events, so that your range time and dry-fire practice is more meaningful. Use your Shooting Journal to track your progress and schedule a quarterly tune-up session with your instructor.
