I had been looking forward to taking a firearms course for weeks. It was my first step into responsible gun ownership, and I wanted to ensure I was learning from a professional who would teach me everything I needed to know—proper handling, safety, and real-world application. I had high hopes walking into that classroom, but within ten minutes, I knew I had made a mistake. I left before the class even truly began, and here’s why.
First Impressions Matter
The moment I stepped into the classroom, something felt off. The instructor, a man who looked more like he was ready for a day at the range than teaching a structured course, barely greeted anyone as we took our seats. Instead, he spent the first few minutes talking about himself – his experience, his credentials, and a long-winded tale about how he was an “undercover operative” in law enforcement. It was clear that he was more interested in impressing us with his background than teaching us anything useful.
Focus on Students
I’ve always believed that a good instructor should be focused on their students. They should ask about our experience levels, our goals for the course, and any concerns we might have. But this guy? He was absorbed in his own ego, rambling on about his supposed high-risk missions rather than discussing firearm fundamentals. That was red flag number one.
A Disjointed and Confusing Teaching Method
As the instructor finally moved on to discussing firearms, I noticed something else that made me uneasy – his explanations contradicted themselves. One moment, he insisted that keeping a gun unloaded at all times was the safest practice. The next, he said that a firearm should always be loaded and ready. He gave inconsistent advice on holster positions, drawing techniques, and even basic grip styles.
Dismissing Questions
When students asked questions, he dismissed them with vague responses or changed the subject. It was becoming obvious that he didn’t actually have a structured lesson plan. Instead, he was just throwing out information with no logical flow, making it difficult to follow along. For a course that was supposed to teach beginners, it was a disaster.
No Hands-On Learning
One of the main reasons I signed up for this course was to gain real experience handling a firearm under professional guidance. I expected demonstrations, practice exercises, and hands-on instruction. Instead, all we got was a lecture that felt like it was being made up on the spot.
When one student asked when we would actually get to handle the firearms, the instructor waved him off, saying, “Oh, we’ll get to that later,” and continued talking about something completely unrelated. I later found out from another attendee that “later” meant a quick five-minute session at the very end of the class – hardly enough time to develop any real skills.
The Instructor’s Own Poor Gun Handling
The final straw for me came when the instructor picked up a handgun to demonstrate something – without checking if it was loaded. He barely glanced at the firearm before pointing it in a direction that, while not aimed at anyone, certainly wasn’t in a safe direction either.
Then, he proceeded to grip the gun in a way that made me cringe. His technique looked awkward, as if he had never actually fired a gun before. He insisted on using an outdated grip method, arguing that it was “the only right way” while mocking other techniques. At that moment, I knew this wasn’t just a bad class – it was a dangerous one.
An Overemphasis on His Opinions
Throughout the short time I was in that room, the instructor made it clear that he had very strong opinions about certain firearms, holsters, and training methods. And if you didn’t agree with him, he would brush off your question or flat-out tell you that you were wrong.
When one student mentioned they were interested in learning how to use a SIG Sauer, the instructor immediately shot back with, “Just get a Glock, and don’t waste your time.” Another student asked about different carry positions, and the instructor scoffed, saying, “The only way to carry is strong-side hip. Everything else is just asking for trouble.”
I understand that experienced shooters have their preferences, but a good instructor should be willing to teach based on what works best for the student, not just what they personally like. This guy wasn’t there to educate – he was there to push his opinions onto us.
A Lack of Safety Awareness
One of the most concerning things about the class was the complete disregard for safety protocols. The instructor didn’t start the class by emphasizing the core firearm safety rules. In fact, he barely touched on them at all.
There was no discussion about checking a firearm’s chamber before handling it, proper trigger discipline, or how to safely store a firearm when not in use. For a class that was supposed to be an introduction to responsible gun ownership, this was a massive failure.
I later learned from someone who stayed for the whole course that when it came time to practice at the range, the instructor barely supervised students, allowing them to fumble with their firearms without correction. That alone was reason enough to justify walking out.
Recognizing a Bad Firearms Instructor
After that experience, I took some time to reflect on what made this instructor so bad. It wasn’t just one thing – it was a combination of many warning signs. Here’s what I learned to look out for when choosing a firearms course:
- An instructor who talks more about themselves than the subject matter.
- Contradictory or vague explanations that confuse rather than educate.
- A class that lacks hands-on instruction or structured practice.
- Poor firearm handling from the instructor themselves.
- A dismissive attitude toward student questions or different firearm preferences.
- A failure to emphasize and reinforce fundamental safety principles.
If you encounter even one of these issues, it’s a red flag. If you encounter multiple, do yourself a favor and walk out – just like I did.
The Importance of Finding the Right Instructor
After that fiasco, I didn’t give up on finding the right training. I took my time researching instructors, reading reviews, and even asking to observe a class before committing to it. Eventually, I found an instructor who was everything the first one wasn’t – knowledgeable, patient, structured, and focused on the students, not himself.
That experience reinforced just how important it is to learn from someone who takes firearm education seriously. Whether you’re new to guns or looking to refine your skills, the right instructor can make all the difference. Don’t settle for someone who just wants your money or is more interested in their own opinions than your learning. If something feels off, trust your gut and find an instructor who actually deserves to teach.
Because when it comes to firearms, bad instruction isn’t just frustrating – it can be downright dangerous.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.