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Sportsman's Warehouse in Tucson is between
Ina and Orange Grove just off Thorny dale.
Follow the signs for Home Dept, they are
right next door
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The class is eight hours (required by state
law) and runs from 9am to 5pm all in one
day. It includes range time (and fees) as
well as fingerprints. Students left at the
end of the day with complete packets. Assuming
they brought a check for the state fee with
them, they could have mailed their applications
right after class
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We were welcomed by the store manager as
the doors opened for the day at 9am. We were
directed upstairs to the second floor at
the front of the store. The classroom was
ready for us, and Tom welcomed the students
as they arrived
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The classroom is between the employee break
room (and washrooms) and some storage. The
classroom is well lit, large and comfortable.
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Tom's teaching aids make an impressive display.
As soon as students arrived they knew this
was going to be in interesting day.
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Tom started out as soon as the last student
arrived with introductions and a quick run
down of his history with Border patrol and
various training he's instructed and participated
in and how those experiences would relate
to the class.
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We headed right into SAFETY, In fact
a few times during the class we paused and
re-read the 5 safety rules. By the end of
class even the newest shooter should have
remembered them. Tom carried a blue Safety
Gun (solid plastic used for training) during
class. No loaded guns are allowed in class
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Tom used an outline,
but the class was not rehearsed. He knows
the subject and is comfortable instructing
it. He's obviously comfortable in front of
a group and his professionalism was one of
the highest I've experienced at a CCW class.
Tom answered each question the class asked
and we still ended on time, a sign of an
able instructor
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We started
out with some information on how to effectively
draw a pistol, where to shoot. this really
got the students interested quick. I was
impressed with this structure, it really
made the day interesting and started off
with a 'bang'
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We had a taste of WHAT do do then we covered
WHEN to do it. We covered a lot in the first
hour and most of us stayed around during
the break and talked about what we just went
over
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We started up again with an explanation
of the choices for CCW. Various revolver
and pistol options. Tom had examples of each
common style of handgun and explained the
reasons for and against each for CCW
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While obviously not recommended for CCW,
it was interesting to see the difference
between old and new style single action revolvers.
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When we were talking about marksmanship
and how to best defend yourself, Tom brought
out a great set of visual aids to represent
the front and rear sight
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Using the visual aids, Tom was able to
easily demonstrate common marksmanship errors
and issues
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We went over correct and incorrect draw
and stance. Not that Tom said one was better
than another, but that keeping your body
in a position of control over the pistol
is what's important, then of course practicing
good habits
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We took 45 minutes for lunch (plenty of
options in that area, literally dozens of
restaurants within 5 miles) We finished
up on laws after lunch. Tom would read the
section , then offer an example of it's application.
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There
is great benefit taking a class from prior
law enforcement instructors, they have endless
stories and examples from their years on
the job. Tom was no exception. Having served
in Tucson Tom had great stories about the
area too
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There are a lot of laws to cover, but the
lecture went quickly with brief stories to
highlight points or answer questions.
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We discussed the concept that while the
constitution says you can only be tried once
for the same crime, you can actually be tried
up to four times from various levels (state
and federal) and civil and criminal
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The class took the written exam (all passed)
and we headed to the range for the shooting
test
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the Marksman
you can enjoy the excitement of live shooting in a safe, supervised
environment. The Marksman can provide all the materials for your
shooting needs; from ear and eye protection, ammunition, targets and
rental firearms. You may shoot your own firearm or choose from one of
ours. After your time out on the shooting range, relax in the lounge
area or shop for all of your firearm needs in our full retail store. |
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The shooting portion of the Arizona Concealed
Carry Weapons permit was conducted at the
Marksman II (one of two indoor shooting ranges
in Tucson)
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We drove over (mostly car-pooled) to the
range a few miles south of Sportsman's Warehouse.
Marksman offers an indoor range, full gun
shop, plenty of holsters, ammo and rental
guns
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We had two lanes reserved so there was no
waiting. The new management has really changed
around the indoor range. It's very well lit,
clean and bright. It was clear in the range
not all full of smoke
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With just five shooters we rotated through
quickly. Everyone passed on their first
attempt. Students used a variety of pistols
and one revolver. A Rug er GP-100 (revolver)
one 1911, a Sig, a Beretta and a Ruger 9mm
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While these guys were not professional shooters,
and only one student had done any competition
shooting their targets were impressive. This
one was the best and was shot by a guy who
hadn't shot in many years.
 
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The range has many styles of target and
plenty of rental guns.
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Students talked with the staff at the range
and watched the other students shoot. With
two lanes reserved it went quick
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Students turned in their eye and ear protection
and headed back to Sportsmans Warehouse
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Students were signed off, and
had everything needed to send off their CCW
application at the end of class.
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We filled out forms as a group and Tom
fingerprinted the students in no time (another
plus for prior-LEO)
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The use of the pistol for life-or-death
encounters should be taken very seriously,
for not much else is more important than
saving your life and possibly taking someone
else's away.
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