THE LINE OF FIRE:Some citizens fear for safety if courts uphold S.F.'s voter-approved ban on handgun

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 12/5/5 | Cecilia M. Vega

[xsrdx]

If you can afford one of these expensive courses then that is fine but you do not have to go through one to be competent and safe with a handgun.

The NRA offers outstanding basic firearms instruction for the cost of a cheeseburger and a movie. I'm not advocating that every new shooter attend a course at Gunsite.

IF a new shooter has access to a friend or relative that is competent in firearms handling, super - many people have nowhere to turn except the guy who sold them the gun, or some dude at the range - there is no guarantee that either will provide adequate instruction.

Training lends confidence, and teaches the basics of what it means to shoot well - providing a foundation for future learning, in the classroom or at the range. It's certainly possible to self-teach, but for those who don't know where to start adequate training is essential.

Firearms training is not simply about "certification" to satisfy right to carry critics, it's about individuals seeking competent instruction in the use of a complex and unforgiving tool.

[Navy Patriot]

Re: #41,

Your points are excellent, and I fully support firearms training in the variety of ways you mentioned, and have participated in several of them myself. A competent and trained pro-gun person like yourself would both train and instruct to produce a safe and competent trainee.

I am concerned about the disingenuous anti-gun activist. With him it's about control not safety, and he will attempt to get control of the training for the very purpose of preventing your type of individual from doing the training. The approved trainers will be so expensive and strict that only politicians and their large contributors will be able to pass the required training course. Do you really think that Diane Feinstein is more proficient with a handgun than you or me, or is she more proficient at getting the permit to own and carry in San Fransicko?

[Navy Patriot]

Handgun is in the right pocket, magazine in the left

I was concerned that Hurst needed to know the pros and cons of the various ways you "store" a firearm that is designated for personal defense. Obviously you are aware of those various ways. More power to you.