Another Training Error I Made

Some years back, friends whom I had trained advanced in their training, and obtained certification to teach CCW in Arizona.  They encouraged me to do the same, and on multiple occasions we trained small groups of students to apply for their permits.  These were good times.

But I marred one of our last teaching sessions.  And I was alleged to be the more experienced teacher and shooter!

This was when Arizona required 16 hours (usually taught over two days) including range time, to complete the written and field test for qualification.  I was pretty full of myself.  Cocky.  And had expectations students had been as steeped in MY old school thinking:  Col. Cooper, calibers beginning with the number 4, that sort of thing.

We asked the students to bring in their choice of firearm for the range qualification (to check for safety), and one young gentleman brought in a Beretta model 21 Bobcat, in .25 ACP.

I, unfortunately, commented negatively on his choice of firearm, and caliber.  I did stop short of questioning his manhood, however.  He did mention he wanted to purchase a J-Frame .38 Smith, and I applauded that as a better choice.  And the next day @ quals, that’s what he had.  And I spent extra time familiarizing him with the revolver, technique, and getting him qualified.

After the class, Stan (of Karmann and Stan, my students turned teachers) took me aside and gently suggested that my approach was wrong, that perhaps we shouldn’t beat up students.

And he was right, of course.

Never question another’s choice of firearm.  It might not be YOUR choice, but so what?  As long as it’s safe, appropriateness  can be discussed in class, generally.