ShooterMcGavin ~
What you missed out on is something every CPL holder really
needs, but that few get: a working knowledge of the law as it applies to the concealed carry permit holder. That is the one thing that is covered in every CCW class throughout the country, but is not required of WA citizens. The specific requirements in CCW classes does vary from state to state, and may or may not even include a shooting component, but they
all cover the basics of the deadly force laws as they apply to defensive gun use.
It is my firm opinion that people need this information; it's also my firm opinion that it is the individual's responsibility to learn it even if the state does not cram it down their throats. (And, um ... for the record, I believe the state should not be cramming it down anyone's throat, and that WA laws are excellent in this area -- but that's an argument for another thread!)
There's lots of ways to learn the information, but the easiest way to learn it is to take a basic-level class somewhere.
The high-speed, advanced stuff is admittedly more fun, but it's an irresponsible instructor who would teach someone
how to shoot without first making sure the student knows
when to shoot, and more especially when
not to shoot, and also knows how the laws apply to him.
If you're within driving distance to Chehalis, WA (halfway between Seattle & Portland), the
Firearms Academy of Seattle offers a
free Handgun Safety Seminar which covers this information. The seminars include several hours in the classroom followed by several hours on the range, a total of six hours instructional time. The range work is
very basic, but it does lay the foundation for good shooting and it provides people with a chance to see whether the instructional style at FAS suits them or not. If it doesn't, you've lost one day out of your life, 50 rounds of ammunition, and no money.
Worth a look.
pax
PS Fair disclaimer: I'm an Assistant Instructor at FAS, and am obviously a big fan of their programs. But I volunteer to work these seminars. They're an excellent intro to the school, and there's no sales pressure there at all. Marty & Gila figure this is their outreach to the gun community, and that FAS easily sells itself to students without any of that sales crap.