MN Firearms Safety

Location

Classroom Structure

The Chaska VFW has been kind enough to allow us to use a large portion of the meeting room in their building, so that we can provide a safe, yet fun class for the students.  Class size runs between 36 and 45 students, which is a number that works well for the available space.  Class time consists of interactive instruction, group discussions and hands on practice.

From the beginning of our classes, we decided that teaching firearms safety could not be successful without actual hands on practice, with real firearms.  Even during the instruction periods, each student table has two or more firearms available for the students to examine.  Working with the firearms, students will handle many different styles and be able determine if a firearm is unloaded, easily locate the various parts of the firearms, learn to properly handle and transfer a firearm,  know how to find the manufacturer, make and model of a firearm and much more.

A good part of the class time, all using real firearms, involves learning shooting positions, the various ways to carry a firearm safely, the mechanics of sighting in a firearm to aim accurately, and practice shooting with specially equipped “laser rifles.”

Class Times

Classes begin at 6:30 p.m. and run until 9:15 p.m. Tardiness is not acceptable, which means a student is expected to be at class and seated by 6:30.  If a student is going to be late, it is up to the student to discuss the reason with an instructor, in advance of the class.

Homework

Each student will receive a Student Handbook when registration is complete. Our course follows the Student Handbook and assignments will be given to read and complete workpages related to the topics that will be discussed.  During the time classes are being held, a listing of the homework assignments will be available. Click here 

At the beginning of each class, homework will be checked and discussed.  Completion of all homework is required as a requirement of passing the class.

Attendance

Simply put, attendance at all classes is required.  We recognize that sometimes, the unexpected occurs and a student may need to miss a class, but any anticipated absence must first be discussed with the instructors.  If a permitted absence is granted, the student will be required to make up the class time in a way determined by the instructor.  All homework will be posted on this site, so not having the homework done for the following class will not be excused.  An example of a non-excusable reason to miss a class is a conflict with a non-required school/sports activity.

Becoming Certified

Certification for a student is based upon attendance/tardiness of the class times, completing all homework, passing the written test, passing the range day test and finally, demonstrating to the instructors safe and responsible use of firearms at all times.

Quizzes.
Throughout the classes, numerous quizzes will be given to review the classroom materials covered earlier.  The style of quizzes will vary from classroom discussions to written.  Quizzes allow the instructors to determine what students are learning, as well as providing a  valuable guide to assessing the teaching methods for the instructors.

Final Test.
A student must receive a score of 75 or higher to pass the final written test.  Instructors read each test question to the students and provide adequate time to answer the questions.  The final written test is taken and graded on the same night, so each student will know their personal results quickly.

Range Day Test.
The range day is a test of the students’ ability to properly and safely use the handling and shooting techniques that have been taught in the classroom.  This is a pass/fail test based upon a zero tolerance for unsafe actions.  Read more about the Range Day.