For many women, purchasing a personal firearm can be a daunting task, let alone learning how to use one.
The majority of shoppers purchase a firearm for either hunting or personal protection.
There are many things to learn about firearms and that is why the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department will host a free firearm safety course for women in January.
“Over the years, we’ve had a large number of people request firearm training,” Maj. Kelvin Stanford said. “In the past, we’ve had to utilize other firing ranges due to the fact that work was being done on our range.”
The sheriff’s department firing range was recently completed, Stanford said, and will enable the department to host training events.
Stanford said a lot of women are unsure about how to care for and fire their weapons.
“This is a chance for the women to be around professionals,” Stanford said.
He said when people gain experience with their weapons, they become more comfortable with their use.
The class will be broken into a two-day session, the first involves instruction in a classroom setting and the second a morning at the firing range.
The class will be limited to 20 applicants due to safety reasons, Stanford said. However, there will be a waiting list for future training if more than 20 people show interest.
During the class, participants will learn about range safety, proper shooting techniques, stance and posture while shooting, practical range time and deadly force.
At the range, instructors will verse trainees on live fire exercises.
Stanford said all participants will need to bring their own handgun and ammunition. The target, target stands and ear and eye protection will be provided by the sheriff’s department.
Prior to enrolling in the class, Stanford would like to speak with prospective participants.
“If someone doesn’t own a firearm or just buys one, they might not purchase one that is a good match to their hand size,” Stanford said. “I want to speak with applicants personally to ensure they have what they need.”
The class will be held at the Lenoir Rowell Criminal Justice Center in Millard on Jan. 22 and 24.
On Jan. 22 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the classroom portion will be held. On Jan. 24 at 8 a.m., enrollees will participate in live fire exercises at the firing range.
Women that are interested in the training may contact Stanford at 601-403-2340 and by email at kstanford@pearlrivercounty.net.
After the applicant speaks with Stanford, he will send them an application to fill out. Each applicant must include their full name, date of birth and social security number for criminal background check. Participants must be 21 years of age or older with no felony or domestic violence convictions.
“The number of violent incidents is growing,” Stanford said. “This hands-on training by qualified instructors will teach participants the correct way to use their firearm should the need arise.”