Just started the process...

[Harold Pressley]

Hello everyone, as you can see my name is Harold Pressley. I live just outside of the Charlotte, NC area and just stumbled across this forum with a Google search. After many hours of reading I decided to join up as I have a few questions for some of you experienced NRA Instructors. I am scheduled to take my first NRA Instructor course (BIT and Pistol) in May and I couldn't be more excited. I have a great passion for the shooting hobby/sport and would really enjoy being able to share that passion with others. With that said what advice would you guys offer a new instructor? I also am scheduled to attend the NCJA to get my Conceal Carry Instructor's certification in June. Also, I will tell you just a bit more about myself and what my plan is right now. Fortunately for me I have a private range on my personal property that is about 70 yards long with adequate backstop. I also have a very nice well lit, climate controlled building for classroom use that is about 2.5 miles from my range. With that said I would think I have the major requirements covered? Obviously I know there are other things I will need and that is what brings me here. Please share any and all advice that you will as it will be duly noted and greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[grizzerr]

Welcome to the ranks of instructors! Sounds like you're off to a good start with a training facility, but there is a lot more to do.

First thing you should do is get your liability insurance on yourself and your range design a liability release form for each student to sign. Your current home owners insurance will not be sufficient and your carrier is very likely to have an issue with a range on the property for commercial purposes.

Other things you'll need are handouts for the students. As a new instructor you can get a lot of those from the NRA and depending on the NC requirements may have other materials from them. You'll also need pens and paper for unprepared students.

You'll also need training aids such as blue guns(s), dummy rounds, posters, possibly a video system for videos or power point presentations.

For your range you'll of course need target, backers, stands and uprights. You'll also need multiple staple guns and staples, both masking and duct tape and at a minimum a first aid kit. I also recommend bringing extra eyes and ears protection for the students who forget them.

This is just a beginning for you and if I can help further let m know.

 

[nosreme]

Get familiar with the characteristics and field-stripping procedures of the guns students are most likely to have. No matter how good a shooting teacher you are, students will expect you to know almost all that's knowable about their gun, and if you sound the least bit hesitant or unsure, your credibility will suffer a bit. Sorry to say, but if, like me, you're a 1911 and L/N-frame revolver guy, put on some latex gloves an play with a glock and an S&W M&P as the takedown for both involves a couple of fine points.

BTW, IIRC, the NRA Instructor Course materials include a good list of what you'll need.