Gun Training Courses See Surge in Enrollment as Americans Seek Self-Defense Skills

Rising Gun Ownership Fueled by Safety Concerns and Changing Cultural Attitudes

Americans are increasingly turning to firearms training as concerns about crime, police funding, and potential civil unrest drive a surge in gun ownership, according to Fox News. Training facilities across the country report record enrollment as new gun owners seek professional instruction.

"There's a lot of things, a lot of chaos that happens, especially like big cities, and, you know, people don't want to be the victim anymore," says Eric Stieber, who recently attended a week-long handgun class at Gunsite Academy near Prescott, Arizona.

With more than 40% of US households now containing a firearm and annual gun purchases exceeding new car sales, the demand for proper training has never been higher.

Training: Essential for Responsible Gun Ownership

Kevin Regan, a Maryland real estate executive, emphasizes the importance of preparation: "If you buy a piano, you're not Billy Joel. If you buy a gun, you're not Wyatt Earp. If you buy a gun, you need to practice."

This sentiment is echoed by Texas trauma surgeon Bill Morgan, who warns against inadequate preparation. "The number one takeaway I got from this experience is - don't go out and buy a gun and just go down to the shooting range and think that you're trained, because you are not," Morgan states after completing an intensive simulation exercise.

Real-World Scenarios Test Skills Under Pressure

At facilities like Gunsite Academy, students participate in realistic training scenarios including:

• The "Playhouse" - an indoor simulator where participants must distinguish between threats and innocent bystanders
• Target practice with human silhouettes at varying distances
• Navigating terrain with concealed targets requiring quick identification and response

Miami investor Ari Paul underscores the responsibility that comes with gun ownership: "No one should buy a firearm unless they were prepared to train intensely and treat it seriously. Because I think without proper training, you're more likely to do harm than good."

Growing Diversity Among Gun Owners

Training facilities report increasingly diverse student demographics, with women now comprising over 10% of attendees at facilities like Gunsite.

"I think there are a lot more, especially women who are interested in shooting and handguns and protecting themselves," notes retiree Cindy Hartin, who acknowledges some hesitation when discussing her training with others. "I'm a little cautious when I mention it to friends and family, but most people are really excited to hear and ask me lots of questions."

Shifting Cultural Perceptions

Gunsite owner Buz Mills has observed a significant shift in attitudes toward firearms over recent decades. The stigma once associated with gun ownership has diminished considerably, particularly following Supreme Court decisions and state legislation favorable to gun rights.

"Are people in general, becoming more comfortable being associated with firearms than they had in the past?" Mills asks. "Yes, and that is absolutely the truth. Because firearms are becoming more mainstream."

As firearms training continues to grow in popularity, schools like Gunsite have expanded their offerings beyond basic handgun instruction to include tactical training with AR-15 and bolt-action rifles, reflecting the evolving needs and interests of America's gun owners.

Source: Fox News