I recently attended a SIRT training class with USCCA instructors. Class was informative and instructors were super nice and knowledgeable. I didn’t realize it was a low-level class (if that is what it should even be called) when I signed up but I stayed because you can always learn something. Right? Class was full and began with introductions of students and level of training. What shocked me was how many there were who had little to no training. Mostly older women, a few elderly men and a few younger who didn’t even know how to hold a gun. Various health, mobility and mental issues, etc. IDK but this class gave me the feeling that the elderly are scared however, I was encouraged that so many were curious and made an effort to take that first step. I worry that many won’t utilize the training resources on this website or are not able due to lack of knowledge of the internet/technology or simply fear. Bottom line I guess is if you know someone like this, help them with their path to safety. There are many out there. If things in this country were to really “go south”, or even just a home invasion, they would not fare well. Just my observations and kudos to USCCA. Hope y’all do a follow up with your students.
I’ve been a student of this class several times. This is a total basic for people who don’t know how to handle loaded firearm.
I actually enjoyed the class, even it was a low level. Sometimes dry fire class gives more info than live fire class.
I’m not surprised you saw people who barely knew what to do…but that’s why you saw them on laser class. They must learn basics with SIRT, or any dry firearm, before they hit the range.
@S_R Reading your post, you nailed it spot on. Regardless of age, gender, health, first timers EVERYONE will benefit by just starting off with a SIRT training class. Everyone is a target by vicious criminal felons as they scout, observe and when they zero in on their target it’s game on whether burglarizing someone coming out of the bank, carjacking, home invasion, rape you name it and in these days, many are fed up and have no choice but to take a stand and start defending themselves. It’s time to put the FEAR on fear!
It is truly inspiring to see so many seniors taking that brave first step toward self-defense, proving that it is never too late to prioritize personal safety and confidence.
I have finally found a place to teach other than my living room! This is what I thought was going on. I’ve decided not to do the CCW license classes since there are many locally who provide them. My market is women, seniors and first time owners, To start I’m offering a Personal Safety and Home Protection class, Firearm Safety and Basics and then a Laser Practice and Safety class. The clients without much (or no) experience must take all three before we will take them to the range with live fire. I think there is a need for this kind of teaching. My classes will be small and focus on individual instruction. So price wise I can’t compete with the large CCW classes offered in our area. Will see how well it goes.
We are finding an increase in Older/Elderly students in the hand to hand world and not surprisingly the gay community. So I’m not surprised that it’s showing up in firearms training.