Jul 5, 2024 5 min read

Recently I had the privilege to host a most unusual self-defense class. As a law enforcement firearms instructor as well as a civilian teacher of the firearms arts, my classes usually have a similar look for the most part. They have motivated individuals seeking knowledge of the combative arms.

I operate a shooting school called Alpha Omega Shooting Solutions. On any given Saturday morning throughout the semi-warm-weather months the sound of freedom, also known as gunfire, can be heard echoing through Jensen Hollow. More often than not, those making the noise are men and women who have taken an interest in protecting themselves, possibly purchased their first handgun and have taken the appropriate steps to learn firearms safety and gun-handling skills. They are frequently clad in tactical gear and look more like they just stepped off the pages of Shooting Times or Soldier of Fortune magazine. This most recent class was certainly not that.

I applaud anyone who seeks this path, first off, because I find it admirable to defend those in one’s charge. Mom and or dad protecting their young cubs is the most familiar story that I see at my school. Another oft repeated sad tale is that of the man or woman who has recently lost a spouse and they feel the need to take active steps towards their own safety. “My wife passed and she was the one to alert me to sounds that go bump in the night.” “My husband is no longer around to handle things and in his absence, I might have to do the handling myself.” “I live alone and can’t depend on someone else for my protection.”

For whatever list of reasons that folks turn out, I am happy to provide the training and education they seek. Any time I can help to make individuals safer it is so much for the better. Occasionally a parent will come calling to have their youngster begin a course of study in firearms safety. Depending upon the age and skill of the youngster, we might hold a shooting primer for a much younger target audience. The right time to teach safety is when kids are interested and responsible enough to handle instruction. This most recent class was to be unlike any of the above that I have described.

A few Saturdays ago, I hosted a class like no other I have ever been a part of. It was comprised of three ladies – ages 78, 78, and 79. All the ladies attended with their own revolvers, which was an added bonus. Revolvers simplify the teaching process and quicken the learning curve. Since I have known a couple of the women since I was a young boy I knew that the mood would be relaxed. Two of the three participants had extremely limited experience with firearms. One shooter had some limited exposure but was admittedly a novice. In all honesty, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I braced for what could be a long day at the range. I couldn’t have been more wrong when it turned out to be a most enjoyable and fulfilling range session, largely because of the positive attitude and proper mindset of the shooters.

From the time they arrived, the shooting trio proved energetic, enthusiastic and interested in learning. Having brought their own revolvers, some of which were well-suited choices while others simply didn’t work for them. Comfort and fit is everything when it comes to shooting. As always, safety is the primary focus.

Because a couple of the girls were looking for better choices of weaponry for their individual needs, we shot an array of my personal .22s, .38s, and 9mm revolvers. (Yes, you read that correctly.) A 9mm cartridge is rimless and such a revolver requires the use of a moon clip that holds the rounds in a sort of speed-loader affair, but I’ll cover this platform in a later column. The more we shot the more they announced their pleasure or displeasure with the different pieces. Two of the ladies were able to select the caliber and model of revolver they planned as future purchases and another was able to rule out a single-action handgun from the start because of its loading characteristics. I have no problems with single actions for self-defense but they do require a bit of familiarization. One of the women discovered that years before she had selected the “Goldilocks-Just Right” configuration, when she bought her .38 originally. This occurred quite by accident but her choice of the right revolver for her proved reaffirming to say the least.

By day’s end I observed a great deal of learning taking place, some real strides towards improvement, confidence abounded in their gun-handling skills and most importantly, many smiles. My ladies were real troopers and made for a fantastic experience. These gals were truly the poster children for continuing education, and as an old school teacher myself, I couldn’t have expected more. God bless them.

Class dismissed.

Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.