Where should I send Left Leaning Friends

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Xring0

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My wife has some friends from college who are somewhat left wing. They are nice people, like a lot of left wing people are, but they don't COMPLETELY share our views on firearms...YET.

They asked me where to go, in order to get CCW permits, because they've seen the need to have a gun at hand, because there just isn't always a cop around when needed. Knowing that neither of them had any familiarity with firearms, I advised them to take a familiarization course first, then spend a little time on the range, practicing the skills they are taught in their familiarization class. After they become comfortable with the operation of the firearm, they should pursue CCW permits without being dangerously undertrained. That way, they won't be in a situation where they are legally able to carry a deadly weapon, because, as we all know, once you pull the trigger, it's too late to say you're sorry. They agreed wholeheartedly, with my proposal. They are responsible individuals, who could think of nothing worse than having a permit, carrying a weapon, but being inept.

What I would like to find is an instructor in Central Ohio, who is not going to try to force indoctrination on these people. They will come around, if they are educated about the benefits of bearing arms. I understand the passion we all feel for this cause, but I want to try to find somebody who will help me turn these people into converts, instead of giving them shell shock. They'll enjoy the hobby, and become good advocates, but only if they don't feel like they are being targeted for a propaganda campaign.

Again; I am looking for an instructor in Central Ohio who will familiarize some people with firearms, later proceeding to CCW instruction, but indoctrinate them gently.
 
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I have taken CCW classes in two very different states. At no time was any indoctrination part of the discussion or classroom time. It was simply what is legal and what is not. If someone had a question about how to operate a certain type of gun, that was explained - that was it.
The same goes for instructions; the best folks leave their personal views out of the classroom as it does not matter what ones personal political beliefs are, you are there to learn how to safely operate your gun of choice.
 
Without knowing more details it's hard to advise you. I did a quick search of what is offered in Ohio. A lot of it looked geared toward more experienced shooters. Just for fun, I looked at the NRA website and found a few instructors offering beginner level classes. From what I found, the NRA would be where I'd start looking.
 
Ohio requires "training" to get a CCW. Lots of emphasis on legality of self defense and much mention of "safe storage." As best I can tell, the mandatory range time is not to teach you how to shoot, it is a demonstration of competency to show you already know how to handle and shoot a pistol.

So real shooting instruction is good to have. Unfortunately, that is way out of my area.
As per mokin, NRA programs are standardized and recognized; a good start.
Here is a commercial range in Nashville, lots of classes. I would think this a common system Of course they are a profit center for the company, you might be able to line something up with a part timer or a dedicated training facility. One that I went to was very nice but is now doing only training for AGEs. I took another class from an itinerant trainer who would set up at any range with enough students to make it pay.

https://www.royalrangeusa.com/course-descriptions
 
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Xring0 said:
Again; I am looking for an instructor in Central Ohio who will familiarize some people with firearms, later proceeding to CCW instruction, but indoctrinate them gently.
Click to expand...

A good instructor should just focus on training the skills instead of engaging in any indoctrination (other than for the need for training).

One of the worse things you can do as a trainer is waist the time and money of the people attending. They've paid good money and should get every moment of that time and your attention on developing the skill they came to you for.

Organizations that focus on training women may be a good start. https://www.agirlandagun.org/
 
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Where in Central Ohio exactly? There are more than a few. Once the CCW course is completed they'll need to go to the local sheriffs' department, have their fingerprints taken, fill out the forms for the background check and then once everything is submitted for approval they'll be notified (either yay or nay). Should they be approved they will receive an 'Ohio License to Carry a Concealed Handgun.'
 
Xring0 said:
My wife has some friends from college who are somewhat left wing. They are nice people, like a lot of left wing people are, but they don't COMPLETELY share our views on firearms...YET.

They asked me where to go, in order to get CCW permits, because they've seen the need to have a gun at hand, because there just isn't always a cop around when needed. Knowing that neither of them had any familiarity with firearms, I advised them to take a familiarization course first, then spend a little time on the range, practicing the skills they are taught in their familiarization class. After they become comfortable with the operation of the firearm, they should pursue CCW permits without being dangerously undertrained. That way, they won't be in a situation where they are legally able to carry a deadly weapon, because, as we all know, once you pull the trigger, it's too late to say you're sorry. They agreed wholeheartedly, with my proposal. They are responsible individuals, who could think of nothing worse than having a permit, carrying a weapon, but being inept.

What I would like to find is an instructor in Central Ohio, who is not going to try to force indoctrination on these people. They will come around, if they are educated about the benefits of bearing arms. I understand the passion we all feel for this cause, but I want to try to find somebody who will help me turn these people into converts, instead of giving them shell shock. They'll enjoy the hobby, and become good advocates, but only if they don't feel like they are being targeted for a propaganda campaign.

Again; I am looking for an instructor in Central Ohio who will familiarize some people with firearms, later proceeding to CCW instruction, but indoctrinate them gently.
Click to expand...
I have nothing useful here except to ask if you'd feel comfortable teaching them? Not ccw but familiarizing.....
In the last year I helped 1 family of new gun owners (had shot quite informally with shotguns on the wife's side and a couple conceal type pistols and .22s on the husband's side, both in a redneck community community going out for fun friends family screwing around type scenarios, also nothing against this!) a friend and I teamed up for a good cause, set up a small range, pooled our arsenals, and let them both try everything we had, the key was hd. Before we even picked up a gun, we did a lil refresher on basic firearm safety, for each model that they handled we coached them through the controls, loading, clearing, etc, etc.... This process took several hours but they were avid pupils and decided on an ar 15 and revolver to be their perfect fit. We spewed no indoctrination (the wife being antirifle pushing an AR-15 would have been counter productive anyway) and really spent as much time educating as we did shooting.

That all being said I mostly want to say good on ya for being a truly good friend in this situation and helping them out in a truly useful manner!
 
Well, 1, Welcome to THR, @Xring0 .

For 2, I'll second @Buzznrose 's suggestion. Starting them out with people they are likely to feel comfortable around is probably the right start.

For 3, I'll also echo the general sentiment that good instructors do not have political leanings affect their classes. The subject is the subject; physics are physics; the law is the law. So, whether just gun operation, or actual CHP instruction, political leanings ought not be a part of it.

This last can confuse those who are immersed in their politics, of whatever leaning. Which is more of a philosophical and psychological debate--not one of gun handling and legality.
 
@Xring0, send them to their county sheriff. Sheriffs are involved in the CCW approval process and must decide whether the training an applicant received was adequate. That would mean that they know who are approved trainers.
 
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