Going to BIT & Pistol Instructor class tomorrow

[Edmond]

what can I expect?

I'm looking forward to becoming a certified instructor so I can introduce new people to shooting.

I think that we seriously need to change the attitude on firearms here in IL and this will be one way that I can make a contribution. I just saw the news and I guess they had a march in Englewood where two young girls were killed recently by gang gunfire. They're calling for more gun control...:rolleyes:

I realized that I needed to do my part in the proper education of firearms.

[imas]

Good job. I've thought about getting into instructing. Where would I start? I guess the NRA handles the certifications?

[Trebor]

How'd it go?

[Edmond]

It was long! We put in 7 hours for the BIT and about 11 for the Basic Pistol. They really break down the program, it's a very helpful teaching tool and I think I can teach the material well. Paperwork probably won't get processed for another month, the TC said they process this paperwork on the last Thursday of every month and it won't happen this month so it should happen next month.

It's just a matter of time before I do the Personal Protection, RSO and Home Firearm Safety.

I scored 98% on both exams, should've scored 100% but I was thrown off by a question on each exam.

But this is just the beginning. I would like to do LFI 1, LFI 2, etc... as I have only done their Advanced Handgun Skills class. If the funds permit it, I will take the AHGS class again this fall.

[Trebor]

Congrats!

Only 18 hours? You had it easy. My class did basic instructor training, basic pistol and personal protection in the home over one looong weekend. I think we logged about 46 hours from Friday evening to Sunday night.

Btw, you can do RSO as a home study course. When you get your certs and your instructor materials order form, order one (1) copy of the "RSO Student Pack." Read the material, follow the instructions, take the test, and send the documentation into the NRA with the appropriate payment. You don't have to take it from a TC.

There are some great deals for NRA Instructors offered by some of the firearms companies. Call Kahr Arms and ask for materials on their NRA Instructor Purchase program. Great savings on Kahr pistols. S&W and Berretta and Ruger also have programs.

In all cases, you need to send your certs in before you can place an order, and have the firearm shipped to a FFL. The hardest part was figuring out who to talk to at each of the companies. I just called customer service and told them I wanted to know about any instructor purchase programs they had and eventually I reached the right people.

Crimson Trace and Aimpoint also offer instructor discounts.

[Edmond]

Rob,

The TC was talking about that. He had mentioned instructors getting discounts on certain items. I'll have to look into that down the line.

That is interesting about the RSO. That would save me some time and money. If I spend the weekend sitting in a classroom, that is a weekend that I'm not working and making money. We're starting to get into the busy season right now and I would prefer to work over the weekends.

Thanks for the information, it will really come in handy. Some of the guys and gals at the office might want a Crimson. We always tell people at the office to ask us (supervisors/instructors/management) about a product before they buy it. Otherwise, they could buy something that we will not allow them to carry. Plus, we're in that position for a reason: we're there to help them get the lower prices on items and most of the time, we do get them lower prices. One bozo went out and spend $625 on a G17 when one of my guys got his G19 for $495 delivered.:what: