Charles L. Cotton wrote:I could do a full podcast on this topic. Unfortunately, the only people that would listen are those who are already on our side of the training issue.
Here are some facts I've learned over decades of being an instructor.
- 1. Most LTC students are not serious shooters, thus they don't shoot matches or attend training classes;
2. Most female LTC students attend class only because of one of the following:
- a. The man in their life convinced them to come (father, husband, boyfriend, brother);
b. Something happened to them or someone close that wakes them up to everyday dangers;
c. They personally survived a violent crime;
3. Only a fraction of LTC students will take even intermediate classes, much less advanced classes;
- a. Most think additional training isn't necessary (See No. 7 below);
b. Many are turned off by high pressure sales pitches during LTC classes;
c. Many simply don't have the money for additional training (class fee, ammo)
4. The biggest market/need is truly basic training and:
- a. Women are the most likely to attend;
b. (See No. 2 above)
5. Many non-LTC firearms instruction advertising intimidates potential students;
6. Many non-LTC classes are perceived to be overpriced;
7. "Other guy syndrome" infects most people (only the other guy/gal will be a crime victim);
8. Most people who train to a moderate or high level of proficiency do so because:
- a. Their job requires it; or
b. They enjoy guns and shooting
I have offered free training for select people in our church, yet few accept the offer. Some will attend one or two sessions, but life always gets in the way. The feeling is, once again, it won't happen to me and I really want to go shopping Saturday morning. I have more paid students than people attending classes or coaching sessions for free.
I have some ideas guys/gals, but truly reaching the untapped population will require instructors to donate time and most are not in a position to do so. I was putting togehter a consortium to promot firearms education and training in the minority community. There is a huge need in that population. At a point, the "what's in it for me" element raised it's head and the project went no further.
I don't fault any businessman for wanting to make a profit. Although I do a good bit of free training, I charge for most of my classes. However, reaching a larger segment of the gun-owning, gun-carrying population requires an altruistic approach as opposed to a commercial market-expanding approach. But even if every firearms instructor in Texas committed to teaching X students for free, perhaps even providing guns and ammo, the student needs to be willing to spend the money to practice on a regular basis. Without that commitment from the student, all the free training in the world will not make a long-term impact.
Now here's a fact that instructors and those of us who train and shoot a lot aren't going to like. Most people don't need any training beyond truly basic training. I know that statement will draw the ire of many, but look at the number of homeowners, often elderly women, are forced to shoot an attacker in their home. These women likely don't have any training beyond someone showing them how to load and fire their pistols, yet they prevail in a deadly assault. Sure, this same person would not fare as well with multiple armed attackers, or a run-and-gun street battle, or fighting from inside their car, but that's not how the majority of self-defense shooting happen.
At the end of the day, those of us who join gun clubs, participate here on the Forum, go to gun shows, shoot matches, and train extensively love what we are doing. Guns and shooting are a hobby so we don't mind investing time and money. Contrary to what anti-gun liars will claim, we pray we never have to put our skills to use in a combat setting, but if the need arises, we have the required skills to survive a deadly assault. It's not that we trained for that day, it's simply a side benefit of our hobby.
BTW, I'm not talking about sheepdog personalities as described by Col. Grossman. That's a different mindset and motivation entirely.
Chas.