A couple of weeks ago I received an email asking if I had any Basic Rifle courses scheduled. The short answer was “Nope” – however, I’m a pretty flexible critter so I asked the person what they were looking for. They indicated the “needed” to take this class and were willing to travel the 500+ miles to take the class. How could I say no?
So, I met Tracy and Fred Saturday at our Chapter House and Range for the NRA Basic Rifle class. I had to ask, why the heck travel all that way, surely there was someone closer? Nope, she had sent out 12 emails and I was the only one to reply. Gotta question why these folks are going through the process of becoming NRA certified instructors and then not serving the folks in the shooting community.
Some of their local folks would only do a class if there were 5 or 10 students. Honestly, in the rural areas of Mid-America – these folks may wait a mighty long time to teach a class.
So, we had an intimate little class with lots of conversation, questions and range time. It was nice. One other little item – both were competitive F-Class shooters. Why then take the class?? Tracy is looking to become a NRA Basic Rifle Instructor for their shooting club and the TC in their area would not do a dual-training – Basic Class and Instructor Class together. She had to take the NRA Basic Rifle class and have the certificate before she could enroll to take the Basic Rifle Instructor course. Kinda odd to me – yet there ya go.
We had a great time, they shot their six courses of fire – bench rest, standing free arm, standing arm rest, prone, kneeling and sitting. 98+ degrees on the range. I’d show you the photos I took, but honestly the camera never left my pocket – I was too busy wiping down with the sweat towel and changing targets!
Anyway, we had a great time – covered lots of ground – and prepped the way for a new rifle instructor. Not a bad way to spend a weekend!
Thanks for stepping up! That is one of the 'problems' with a lot of the instructors... sigh
ReplyDeleteI can see both sides of the class size thing. I'd like 10 or so too in my classes, but in my area I do a lot of husband/wife, father/son or just a couple of friends that want to learn to shoot pistol or rifle or shotgun. I really like the NRA Basic courses - good material, a logical flow and some assurance to the new student the instructor has some idea what he/she is doing. Over all, they're good programs.
ReplyDeleteSo I stick with my average of 4 students per class, don't sweat the little stuff and have a good time!
Awesome! Small classes are good, lets all the students feel like they're involved, and everyone gets the one-on-one attention they need.
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