October 12, 2024

Northern Chester County Sportsman’s Club, 343 Hopewell Rd., Elverson, PA. 19520

(8:00 til 5:00 depending on Student needs and abilities)

The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course is specifically designed to provide you with the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude to be a responsible and safe gun owner.

We start with you in a classroom with a skilled and experienced NRA Certified Instructor and together you will have a rewarding day learning about many subjects including Safety and Emergency procedures, The three Cardinal Rules of firearm safety. How to operate and load/unload semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. You learn about ammunition and how it works, the many different types, and how to insure you get the right ammo for your gun, as well as how to properly store it.

You’ll learn the steps to firing a shot and the proper position to use as you learn how to shoot. In addition, you will get instruction in using your sights and getting a proper sight alignment and sight picture so that you can with practice hit what you are trying to hit repeatedly and at will.

We will discuss who can, and who should not have access to firearms.

You will shoot a qualification course using our pistols and ammunition. You don’t need to own a gun for the class. In fact, we’ll even go over what is important and what isn’t when buying a gun. We talk about all aspects of this so that when you’re ready to make the purchase you will have some idea of what to look for in your first gun.

You will take a written test to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding, but don’t panic, your instructor and class mates are there to support you.

When you arrive for class, you will receive the very nicely done NRA “Basics of Pistol Shooting Handbook”. The Winchester Shooting Sports Program book and the NRA Firearms Safety Card to keep handy at the range.

You then be on your way home with a big smile on your face and within a day or two you will receive your certificate attesting to the fact that you have taken a positive step in the direction of responsible gun ownership. Congratulations.

Northern Chester County Sportsman’s Club, 343 Hopewell Rd., Elverson, PA. 19520 (8:00 til 5:00 depending on Student needs and abilities)

The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course is specifically designed to provide you with the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude to be a responsible and safe gun owner.

We start with you in a classroom with a skilled and experienced NRA Certified Instructor and together you will have a rewarding day learning about many subjects including Safety and Emergency procedures, The three Cardinal Rules of firearm safety. How to operate and load/unload semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. You learn about ammunition and how it works, the many different types, and how to insure you get the right ammo for your gun, as well as how to properly store it.

You’ll learn the steps to firing a shot and the proper position to use as you learn how to shoot. In addition, you will get instruction in using your sights and getting a proper sight alignment and sight picture so that you can with practice hit what you are trying to hit repeatedly and at will.

We will discuss who can, and who should not have access to firearms.

You will shoot a qualification course using our pistols and ammunition. You don’t need to own a gun for the class. In fact, we’ll even go over what is important and what isn’t when buying a gun. We talk about all aspects of this so that when you’re ready to make the purchase you will have some idea of what to look for in your first gun.

You will take a written test to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding, but don’t panic, your instructor and class mates are there to support you.

When you arrive for class, you will receive the very nicely done NRA “Basics of Pistol Shooting Handbook”. The Winchester Shooting Sports Program book and the NRA Firearms Safety Card to keep handy at the range.

You then be on your way home with a big smile on your face and within a day or two you will receive your certificate attesting to the fact that you have taken a positive step in the direction of responsible gun ownership. Congratulations.

Northern Chester County Sportsman’s Club, 343 Hopewell Rd., Elverson, PA. 19520 (8:00 til 5:00 depending on Student needs and abilities)

The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course is specifically designed to provide you with the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitude to be a responsible and safe gun owner.

We start with you in a classroom with a skilled and experienced NRA Certified Instructor and together you will have a rewarding day learning about many subjects including Safety and Emergency procedures, The three Cardinal Rules of firearm safety. How to operate and load/unload semi-automatic pistols and revolvers. You learn about ammunition and how it works, the many different types, and how to insure you get the right ammo for your gun, as well as how to properly store it.

You’ll learn the steps to firing a shot and the proper position to use as you learn how to shoot. In addition, you will get instruction in using your sights and getting a proper sight alignment and sight picture so that you can with practice hit what you are trying to hit repeatedly and at will.

We will discuss who can, and who should not have access to firearms.

You will shoot a qualification course using our pistols and ammunition. You don’t need to own a gun for the class. In fact, we’ll even go over what is important and what isn’t when buying a gun. We talk about all aspects of this so that when you’re ready to make the purchase you will have some idea of what to look for in your first gun.

You will take a written test to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding, but don’t panic, your instructor and class mates are there to support you.

When you arrive for class, you will receive the very nicely done NRA “Basics of Pistol Shooting Handbook”. The Winchester Shooting Sports Program book and the NRA Firearms Safety Card to keep handy at the range.

You then be on your way home with a big smile on your face and within a day or two you will receive your certificate attesting to the fact that you have taken a positive step in the direction of responsible gun ownership. Congratulations.

We often hear our instructors admonish us to dry fire. They will encourage us by stating that it takes thousands of repetitions to train our bodies to
perform the various steps needed to shoot at a level of competence.

You positively need to dry fire between range visits. How much, I’ll give you a formula, 500 dry presses for every live fire round. Want to do less OK?
100, 50, 20. How much time can you spend and how badly do you want it?

They will exhort us with chants, “slow is smooth, and smooth is fast”

These are not mutually exclusive both are true, but which should I adhere to? The answer is more complex than A or B. If you will read to the end of this
article, however, you will understand with a little effort exactly why they aretwo edges of the same blade.

We need to begin with our cerebral cortex. And then onto the nerves, andfinally achieve the result we wish to achieve.

You tell your brain that you want to perform the “X” function using your right hand. This fires the synapses which activate your nerves. There are
billions of nerves in our brain that process our requests and put into effect the motion we tell the brain we want to accomplish. There are many more nerves
between our nerves and our trigger finger for example.

That nerve finds a path to the next nerve, and that to the next, and so on
until the action is completed

This involves countless nerves along the “pathway” to completion. These pathways which convey the action signal are known as “neural pathways.” There
may be several options, but one will be optimal.

If we use the Identical neural pathway each time we perform that specific movement a wonderful substance called myelin envelops the nerves and isolates
them for that specific movement.

This “coating” is akin to the insulation on an electrical wire. It insulates the nerve path from going astray on its way to the desired destination. Bit by
precious little bit the myelin is built up to do its job of keeping the order on track for execution.

Now that you understand that the fun begins.

The more myelin is built up on the neural pathway, the faster the signal canreach its destination.

It takes a lot of precise repetitions to insulate the pathway to achieve the result time after time, and even more to build speed.

Boys, and girls, this is not Rocket Science. It is just this simple, butplease think of the above process as you ponder the following advice from your instructor.

“It will take thousands of repetitions to be able to do this (pick something like the correct trigger press or reset) repeatedly time after time.

Now let’s go back to the “baby” for an illustration.

In learning to walk, a baby pulls themselves up somewhat tentatively to astanding posture. Then Boom, down they go. They don’t give up though, they know
they are not meant to crawl forever. So, what do they do? They get back up and try again.

After a time they can stand, though somewhat wobbly as they have built some myelin, but need more.

So they keep getting up, they fall, and they get up. Finally, they stand pretty steadily.

Next, they get adventurous and take a step, and down they go. Each day they “practice” the first step is a day closer to the second.

It’s not long before they are running around the house and terrorizing the family as they laugh a giggle.

If you figured they were developing myelin as they fell and got back up, you’d be correct. They continued to build it and now they have enough to send
those signals from the cerebral cortex at the speed of light, through the correct neural pathway to be able to run all over the house.

They laugh and giggle because they are happy. Happiness comes from success,and success comes from work. The baby can’t speak, but he knows he succeeded.
We know he succeeded because he did not give up, he put in the work.

Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.

The moral of the story reverts to being a baby. Don’t quit, keep going, fall, get up, rinse and repeat.

Each of us is different, and success will come easier to some than others, but it is within everyone’s grasp.

I never criticize a student who is working hard and struggling, rather I will reach out to help, and encourage them.

Ask for my help if your homework is distasteful and undone. I will put my foot up your ass and tell you not to waste my time.

Instructors do their best and should not be expected to accept less than their students’ best in return.

If I am not challenging my students, I am not doing my job. It’s not that you are not good enough for me, it IS that you are not as good as you can be
for yourself. By challenging you your success proves I was right.

]]> https://gemanuel.com/why-dry-fire-is-important/feed/ 0 https://gemanuel.com/nssf-first-shots/ https://gemanuel.com/nssf-first-shots/#respond Wed, 26 Jun 2024 18:39:00 +0000 https://gemanuel.com/?p=1275 What’s In It?

The National Shooting Sports Foundation is empowering all shooters and prospective gun owners to obtain the essential safety training needed to responsibly wield firearms for legal purposes. In today’s uncertain times, many of you are either already armed or contemplating firearm ownership for self-defense. This is a significant decision, and you might be asking, “I have a gun, what’s next? How do I ensure I’m doing this safely?” Congratulations on asking these crucial questions—it shows your commitment to responsible firearm ownership, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Introducing First Shots, a program meticulously crafted by the NSSF to kickstart your journey towards safely exercising your right to own firearms. Our three-hour class, held monthly on the second Tuesday, gathers like-minded individuals like yourself to cover essential information on firearm handling and safety.

First and foremost, safety is our priority. We’ll delve into understanding and adhering to safety protocols rigorously, ensuring you know how to handle firearms responsibly at all times. You’ll learn about different types of firearms, including revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, how they operate, how to load and maintain them, and crucially, how to select the right ammunition for your firearm.

But it’s not just theory—you’ll experience the thrill firsthand. We’ll move to the range where you’ll load magazines, handle firearms, operate controls, align sights, and take your first shot. The exhilaration of firing your first round and seeing where it lands will be a moment to remember.

We provide everything you need for this adventure: note-taking materials, classroom materials, all necessary range equipment, firearms, ammunition, eye and ear protection, and targets. Plus, our instructors will be right beside you, offering personalized coaching throughout your First Shots experience.

For just $50.00 per person, you’ll gain knowledge, have fun, and build confidence in handling firearms. Participants must be at least 16 years old; those under 21 require a parent or guardian to join them.

Ready to take the plunge? Visit the “Upcoming Training, First Shots” tab on our menu, choose your date, and sign up. We’ll take care of the rest, ensuring you leave with newfound skills and a smile on your face.

Looking forward to welcoming you soon,

George

Elverson, PA 19520

NRA BASIC PISTOL