Author: Editorial Team

What’s the Best Ammo to Buy?

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Deciding on a type of ammunition to use depends entirely on your situation, your equipment, and purpose.

In regards to handgun ammunition, I recommend the use of full metal jacket (FMJ) ammunition for practice, and jacketed hollow points (JHP) for defensive purposes.

FMJ ammunition is cheaper than JHP, and is often softer to shoot, providing an easier load while training. When using FMJ ammunition in pistols, the rounded nose of the round often feeds better on more compact handguns.

JHP ammunition should be used for anything smaller than .45 caliber in a handgun. The feature of the hollow point bullet is so that the bullet will expand on impact, providing a wider surface area after penetration, therefore transferring it’s energy to the surrounding tissue. This helps to prevent an “over penetration” issue where bullets could exit the subject, and continue on a path that could injure unintended targets.

Ammunition that offers better penetration through greater feet per second (FPS) speed should be considered. The use of +P (P stands for pressure) ammunition offers higher pressure loads to get the round traveling faster, helping the JHP round to expand more reliably. Whenever using +P ammunition, always consult the owners manual of your firearm to verify it can safely fire the higher pressure cartridges.

Best practice for JHP ammunition from a legal standpoint would be to consult your local police or sheriffs department to find out what they are using. This could possibly allow for a better legal defense should you be in a confrontation that resulted in having to defend yourself in court.

Another noteworthy issue is to make sure that whatever you select for personal protection ammunition, that it will function in your firearm reliably. This means (for semi-auto pistols) running a minimum of 100 rounds through the pistol to guarantee it\’s compatibility with the selected ammunition. This should be 100 “trouble-free” rounds.

Whatever the ammunition you decide on, make sure that it is reliable in your particular firearm, that it will perform as expected, and will do so safely.

NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course

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Learn to shoot safely!

This class teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for owning and operating a pistol safely. Successful completion of this course fulfills the Virginia State Police requirement for a VA. Concealed Handgun Permit to show competence with a pistol as outlined here.

This course is at least 8-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest position, and two handed standing positions; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development.

Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination, and course completion certificate.

NRA First Steps Pistol Orientation

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Firearm Instruction, Responsibility, and Safety Training — is the NRA’s response to the American public’s need for a firearm orientation program for new purchasers.

NRA FIRST Steps Pistol is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific pistol action type for classes of four or fewer students. This course is at least three hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot a specific pistol action type. Students will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; the particular pistol model parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, FIRST Steps Course completion certificate.

About Us

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Having a heavy interest in the safe use of firearms, and an obligation to protect his family, Cam Coble began studying firearms, self-defense, and conflict avoidance.

Being a student of firearm self defense, Cam wanted to teach and instruct others in the safe operation and use of firearms, and to share his passion for being able to defend self and others against hostile intentions.

Cam has a military background, and competes actively in local USPSA matches, as well as local and state IDPA matches.

Now a certified NRA Firearms Instructor, Cam currently offers NRA pistol instruction, as well as other non-NRA courses.

Contact us using our online form for questions, or to set up classes.

In case you’re interested in IDPA, here is a video from a 2012 local IDPA match as taken from a hat mounted camera:

Why Training?

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Why do I need to train? I can already hit the target, what more is there?

Everyone likes to think that they will “rise to the occasion” when a possibly life altering event occurs. In reality, a potentially deadly incident is no time to pick up new skills.

Simple fact is that under stress, you will fall back to the skills you already have. Decisions are things that must be made before a situation occurs, never during a confrontation. 

Do you have the skills necessary to survive a personal attack?

Can you handle a situation where you are outnumbered?

Have you formulated a plan?

Can you execute your plan safely?

Training will help you to make these decisions ahead of time, and gather skills necessary to survive. The right training will prepare you for a successful plan of action to defend yourself and loved ones against attacks.

Training Classes

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Looking for a safe way to learn how to shoot? Maybe you’re new to shooting handguns, or are looking to satisfy the Virginia requirements for obtaining your concealed weapons permit?

We go out of our way to provide a safe, active environment for learning. Whether you want to be a part of a group, by yourself, or want to be in a class with others, we will accommodate your needs.

Our classroom is one where you are encouraged to interact with other students, and instructors. When coming to a Safe Shot Training class, you can expect friendly atmosphere where there are no assumptions on your level of current knowledge. No one is born knowing the safe operation of firearms. Our classes strive to develop proficient skills in firearm use, storage, targeting, manipulation, and deployment.

We can accommodate the complete beginner, as well as shooters looking to improve their skills. We encourage both young and old to get into shooting, to make it fun, and bring the family.

Don’t have a firearm? We offer rentals for you to be able to use during the class, as well as to help you decide between models and features of current firearms you may wish to consider for a future purchase.

Bought a firearm, and don’t feel comfortable with it? We have a special class for you… one-on-one to help you understand how to manipulate, fire, clean, and maintain it safely.

Firearms are lots of fun! Just look at the grin on anyone’s face the first time they find that they can shoot what they aim at! Let us help you to become proficient in the use of one of America’s greatest freedoms… the right to defend.

Introduction to Concealed Carry

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Learn to protect yourself and your family!

This class teaches the basic safety, knowledge, mindset, and attitude necessary to be a responsible armed citizen. Successful completion of this course fulfills the Virginia State Police requirement for a VA. Concealed Handgun Permit.

This course is at least 4-hours of classroom instruction. Students will learn:

  • Rules for Safe Gun Handling
  • Responsibilities as an Armed Citizen
  • Mental Preparation
  • Legal Issues
  • Equipment Selection
  • Skills Development

Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive a course completion certificate for submission of their Virginia Concealed Handgun Permit.

This is not an NRA course.