I’d back it 
it’d probably sell out as fast as it hit the shelves
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You thinking of your FFL employer having/sponsoring it? Good for you. Love the safety aspects. Seen other shops do it. I think it makes good business sense too. One wee item I see kinda overlooked is rifle training, and hunting, in case your team wants branch out later. Good luck mate.
If you get started, hope you send us a link so we can send our friends to you.
Seen this?:
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I think that is awesome! Unfortunately I have personally never seen that done at a store even with people who had obviously never handled a firearm before. I have also unfortunately run into a few “experienced” firearm owners who could benefit from a safety class as well. So I wouldn’t just limit the offer to first time purchasers.
If the anti self defense crowd truly cared about preventing firearm deaths they would take some of the hundreds of millions of dollars they are throwing at disarming law abiding citizens and put it towards funding and promoting safety training programs. That might actually save a life or two.
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Really great idea to get such info to newbies before they put money into the mix.
As a contribution to this concept, the FAQ page on my instructor site includes the following:
What gun should I get for self defense or for concealed carry?
I cannot answer that question, but I can give you some questions to ask yourself, and things to think about, to help you decide for yourself. Email or message me to set up a phone or video call for this discussion. This is a free service
Two of my thoughts to start with:
- If a gun store clerk answers that question without asking you questions beyond how much you want to spend, listen politely, thank them, and walk away without buying that day. They are focused on what they want to sell, not what will work for you.
- If anyone insists you MUST have a Glock (or any specific brand or model), be wary. Glocks are very good guns, extremely reliable, quite popular, and carried by many true experts. That said, while they are right for a lot of people, they are not right for everyone. Definitely consider a Glock when making your decision, but use my added questions and thoughts to pick the right one for you.
What gun should my wife/girlfriend/daughter have for protection?
The one she selects for herself, preferably using the questions and ideas I refer to above. It is not my place, or yours, to select someone else’s defensive handgun. Any women considering getting into firearms, and men who support their interest, should read articles on Kathy Jackson’s blog The Cornered Cat, in particular the article Gun Store Miss Adventures.
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My local offers 2 free courses: New Gun Owners and How to Clean Your Firearm.
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Recommend training that involves a lot of live fire working from a holster. Just 'cause someone buys a firearm because it feels good over the gun store counter does mean they will be comfortable using/carrying it in their real life.
I think what you are saying is essential in the training process but my class idea aims to establish safety and fundamental training as a foundation. Too often these elements get too little attention.
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I believe that to be real training, firearms training should involve a lot of shooting. Classroom is fine, but pales in comparison with learning to draw, point in and fire something that recoils, blasts a ball of fire out of the muzzle, and strikes a target down range.
I introduced my sister to guns – both pistol and rifle – at a 4-day course at Front Sight (unfortunately, now bankrupt) in Nevada. In the end (800 rounds later), she could draw her new Walther from concealment, point in and accurately shoot a controlled pair in under 1.5 seconds.
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…eventually
Sequential learning - not all at once –
Math: numbers, counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, algebra, matrices, probability, statistics, calculus, etc.
Firearms: safety, basic legal (firearms & criminal) , fundamentals, range marksmanship, equipment, speed & accuracy, advanced legal (self defense law) holster draw, tactical procedures, etc.
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I don’t disagree. On the other hand, I’ve seen students complete shooting skills classes and proceed to muzzle sweep others on the range and lack trigger discipline. Too often, fundamentals get short-changed in the process. Being a dead shot shouldn’t be the only objective.
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It is incredible listening to people say they’ve been shooting for many, many years and then watch them at a range. Two acquaintances I’ve known for 5/6 years were saying how long they’ve been shooting many different firearms, handguns and rifles. I went to an indoor range with them one day, main point, one day. They were on the fireing line with 3 handguns each, all loaded and passing them back and forth between themselves. One of them carried a loaded weapon behind everyone just to show his new firearm to another person. Yep, I put a stop to that and told them some range rules. Yep, they didn’t like that they were being given orders. I packed up my wears and politely excused myself. As I said earlier, thats all it took, one day, never around those people again so long as they have a firearm.
I agree with everyone in this entry, training should be the top priority to all who even think of owning a firearm.
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I have had similar experiences. I’m sad to say that I’ve been muzzled by a few instructors and RSOs over the years. People tend to get comfortable with their own perceived expertise and become less than vigilant with safety. Newbie or seasoned shooter- the universal safety rules are absolute and there is no wiggle room for exceptions. I’ve been told I’m over-the-top on these rules. I wear that like a badge, not a criticism.
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Welcome @Frederick55 one rule that comes to mind which I think should be add to the four rules of safe firearms handling is never hand or put down a firearm to someone until it is checked for clear. They should hand it back or put it down the same way. Unless someone knows how to load and clear a firearm they should not be allowed to use live ammo.
The one thing they should know before carrying in public is guns are used to try to save lives not take them.
Clearing a weapon when you relinquish or receive it is a good habit to form. Even if you watched someone clear a weapon before they handed it to you, its still a good practice to do it again when you receive it.
Thanks for mentioning that!
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At Front Sight, the 4 day training classes included considerable classroom time on topics like legal liability, firearms safety rules, shoot/no-shoot scenarios, a basic shoot house (don’t shoot the guy with a cell phone who pops up in moving target) and gear selection. The classes also covered the operation of various types of firearms (striker guns, DA/SA guns, single action autos, revolvers). The range time also included shooting at 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15 yards under time pressure and turning targets. Lots of practice clearing malfunctions and reloads under time pressure. Some of the classes included night shoots with flashlights. Advanced classes included shooting while moving and turning as well as on the ground.
Too bad Front Sight is bankrupt. I think anyone who invests in a firearm and commits to using it to defend themselves or other should take training classes like those taught by front sight.