A Growing Trend: More Senior Citizens Demand Firearms Training

  Jan 30th 2017

The firearms market has mostly been dominated by middle aged males, however, lately there has been a surge of firearms training in the senior citizen community. According to the National Rifle Association (NRA), there has been a 400 percent increase in the demand for basic firearms training by senior citizens since 2010. Gun stores are also reporting an increase in gun sales to the senior population in recent years. Sensibly Armed, a firearms store in Berks County, PA, stated that, “the number of guns sold to seniors has more than tripled in the past three years.” In July 2015, Breitbart News reported a shift from traditional long guns used for hunting to semi-automatic pistols in sales. These types of handguns are mainly used for self-defense. The NRA also reported that in 2015, 22,739 people older than 65 took firearms courses from certified instructors. Firearms training courses offer a level of security to the elderly population — after all, it doesn’t matter what age an attacker might be if you’re properly trained to handle a firearm.

Gainesville Firearms Training & Safety

Six Maritime, a patron of Florida gun safety, emphasizes how important it is to exercise caution when handling a firearm and to receive proper training. Firearms are a great way to add a level of security to your life. It doesn’t matter your age, if you are trained they can serve to protect your life, the lives of those around you and your valuables. However, before a firearm can be used efficiently as protection, you need to be trained in how to safely handle and operate the weapon so that it doesn’t endanger you or an unintended person.

• Receive Proper Instruction: When learning how to use a firearm, it is crucial to seek out a certified instructor. You should research various possible instructors and learn about their experience and training background, as well as check for reviews and feedback. The more qualified the instructor is the more you can rest assured that you will be learning the most about your firearm and how to safely operate it.
• Obtain a Concealed Weapons License: A concealed carry weapons (CCW) permit allows you to carry your handgun with you or in close proximity to you in a concealed manner. We recommend looking for Gainesville CCW classes as they can offer many benefits. A CCW permit allows you to carry your weapon in certain public areas for you and others to feel at ease. It also makes buying future firearms easier for you as a consumer. CCW classes can be very helpful because they teach you about important laws regarding the usage of your firearm and when certain actions, especially in self-defense, are acceptable and when they are not.
• Train & Practice: Training and practice are two different things. Training refers to the correct techniques that are learned when handling your weapon, but these techniques have to be practiced. It is important for you to go out to a gun range and practice your marksmanship as well as proper gun care, handling and safety. If danger ever does arise you will be prepared and confident with how to use your firearm.

Gun Training in Gainesville, FL

Firearms training is a great way for senior citizens and anyone of any age to learn how to properly and safely use a firearm and be able to protect themselves and those around them. At Six Maritime, we offer firearms training courses for all levels and all ages in the Gainesville, Alachua and Ocala regions. Contact us today to schedule your class.