Responsible gun ownership

To the Editor:

After the horrific mass killings in Connecticut, Americans have responded, perhaps paradoxically, by rushing out to buy firearms for self-defense. Gun sales have skyrocketed to record levels and the NRA reports having registered thousands of new members.

Many buyers think that simply owning a gun will protect them. This is a fallacy. Without knowing firearm safety and how to handle a tense situation, a home owner may pose more danger to himself with a weapon than without one. While it may be an individual's right to keep and bear arms, it is also one's responsibility to get proper training. Self-protection means not merely owning a gun, but knowing how to use it in a dicey moment.

To address these concerns, Justin Corey and Shawn Brust have for three years been holding gun trainings for owners who wish to advance their skills in a safe and responsible manner. Corey and Brust are experienced former members of the Army's Special Forces who now teach firearms use. The goal of these classes is to give residents who want to protect themselves and families the skills needed to ensure safety, responsibility and confidence.

On December 22, I attended an all-day outdoor class in South Paris. This class addressed the issues of shooting under stress, fatigue and distraction. The session was called "Level Two tactical handgun training," a follow up to a basic class and a separate Level One session required for these students.

The training covered many necessary skills for self-protection with a firearm. The instructors focused on skills and drills to test the students' mastery of the previous training, then introduced new exercises drills to push the students to perform under stressful situations. The instructors instill safety and confidence through testing, repetition and constant critical feedback. A final drill required students to perform movements and other skills with heart rates pushed to race pace.

When students were asked about their experience, one wrote, “Simple, safe, professional and fun. Instructors are efficient with time and drills. A great way to spend the day on the range.”

Another student said, "We covered some advanced shooting techniques that are rarely covered in other pistol courses. Justin and Shawn are great instructors who know how fast and how far they can push their students."

Corey and Brust don't only focus on firearm safety. They train how to sniff out danger - a skill called "situational awareness" - and teach martial arts.

Kevin Ellingwood

South Paris