Firearm Instructor question

[rifleman2000]

I have the opportunity to attend NRA firearm instructor certification classes. This is something that I would like to do for a while, but what is the end result? I have a full time job and envision teaching classes on my spare time but I am not sure what other issues I will have to deal with (insurance, range use permission, etc.)

If any instructors can weigh in, I would appreciate the input.

[ST911]

I've had several NRA courses. The NRA is not the most progressive body, but it is one of the few that is granted widespread recognition for various purposes. Instructors teaching within the bounds of their rules benefit by using an established, standardized, validated, and NRA-backed curriculum. The NRA training and certification is a great baseline to build on.

There are insurance carriers that will require an NRA cred for insurability. There are ranges that will be more open to your training if it's NRA.

Always keep in mind that an instructor credential is only the beginning of the process that makes you worthy of teaching others.

[John_Wayne777]

If you want to do formal instruction either as a side job or a hobby, it's good to have the instructor certs.

[rob_s]

If you want to do formal instruction either as a side job or a hobby, it's good to have the instructor certs.

I agree. I am lacking in this regard myself and looking to rectify the situation.

Among other things, even in you do other types of training, in Florida as long as you hit the requisite points in the class you can still offer your students a certificate that is good towards a CWP. IMHO not having that option available to students is extremely remiss, majorly so if you're limited to one state, or teach in one state primarily. And you should double check to see if you can help the students meet the requirements if you go out of state.

I don't believe their is any reason someone should have to go to a 2-day progressive and modern class and then go sit through a 3 hour gunshow class later on just to get the permit.

[ToddG]

Being a good shooter and being a good instructor are two different things.

Going to the NRA instructor school will not improve your shooting (especially the non-L.E.A.D. schools). It will teach you about pedagogy. It will provide you with a canned, peer-reviewed, standardized curriculum to follow when you teach.

I've seen a lot of bad NRA-certified instructors. There are folks who have no idea how to diagnose a shooter or even the proper way to hold a pistol. Some think they know more than the NRA and stray far into la-la land with what they teach, often to the detriment of the shooter. The whole idea behind the NRA program is that if you are teaching an NRA course you are teaching the NRA course and not some variation thereof with your own little modifications.

That's why, btw, I don't teach NRA classes. But having the cert -- and going through the training to get the cert -- is still beneficial.

Personally, I wouldn't teach someone how to load a magazine without insurance. Instructor insurance is fairly inexpensive and is available through a number of companies. The company I use is discussed at my site here.

In the end, getting your NRA instructor cert is sort of like a getting a college degree. By itself it doesn't guarantee you know anything or know how to do anything. But at least you've proven you're willing to put in the time and effort to get certified, and presumably had to pass a standard to get your qualification. It's far superior to folks who learned how to teach simply by being a student at half a dozen classes ...

[NCPatrolAR]

The best thing about the NRA instructor courses I've seen is that they help you learn how to teach someone. You won't be a phenominal instructor but you should develop a firm understanding of learning types, use of visual aids, and other key things that will help you to teach in a better manner. If possible, try to get into some of LEAD programs if you want more "progressive" instruction

[Scouse]

It is a huge advantage for you to teach, you never really understand a subject, till you teach it (or try too!) the NRA is a good base to start from.

They have been round awhile yes?

I am new to M4 Carbine (I have one, a RRA as well) but new to the group, but this is a great group of people.

[rifleman2000]

I appreciate the input. For some background on me, I am a former US Army Infantry officer with plenty of time up front and instructing/training Soldiers. Most of my advanced weapon proficiencies are from training with a good friend of mine that was a certified SWAT firearm instructor. I am very confident in my ability to teach AND shoot.

[rob_s]

I appreciate the input. For some background on me, I am a former US Army Infantry officer with plenty of time up front and instructing/training Soldiers. Most of my advanced weapon proficiencies are from training with a good friend of mine that was a certified SWAT firearm instructor. I am very confident in my ability to teach AND shoot.

Please don't take this personally but....

I have run into a whole lot of military instructors who did not have the personality and/or skills required to make the switch. Not saying that to burst your bubble, but just pointing out that one may not have as much to do with the other as you think. Acknowledging that there may be a difference and that it may be something you have to work on is key to being successful.

Similarly, many of us have been exposed to instructors with "SWAT training" that didn't amount to much.

Not saying that either is bad, just saying that neither are automatically good either.

[Scouse]

Please don't take this personally but....

I have run into a whole lot of military instructors who did not have the personality and/or skills required to make the switch. Not saying that to burst your bubble, but just pointing out that one may not have as much to do with the other as you think. Acknowledging that there may be a difference and that it may be something you have to work on is key to being successful.

Similarly, many of us have been exposed to instructors with "SWAT training" that didn't amount to much.

Not saying that either is bad, just saying that neither are automatically good either.

Common now Rob, don't be shy... Let it out... LOL