Firearms training for minors?

[mikebravo]

Hello all,

I am an avid shooter in Oregon... but am also a minor. I was wondering if there are any good and reputable pistol and carbine training programs (similar to Costa Ludus, Magpul Dynamics, Thunder Ranch, Front Sight Academy, etc.) that are willing to train minors. I know that Magpul Dynamics does not train anyone under 18, and a lot of other companies do not talk about age at all, so I am unsure about what their position is. Now, I'm not talking about gun safety classes, I'm talking about a place where I can go to advance my skill set with my equipment. I have trained briefly with a local instructor, but am looking to improve beyond that. If there is anyone who does classes, it would need to be reasonably local, i.e. within driving distance, because I simply cannot afford a $400+ class with $400+ of ammo on top of a plane ticket. Do you have any advice?

Thanks,
Mikebravo

 

[creeper1956]

There are some firearms training centers that will allow minors to attend course training after evaluation by an instructor... but typically must be accompanied by a parent or guardian prior to evaluation. KR Training in Bryan TX. comes to mind as one of those centers.
In your neck of the woods... have you contacted Oregon Precision Firearms outside Bend? It's my understanding that owner Mike Herbes is "young shooter friendly" and can be very accommodating to, in particular, Oregon residents.

C

 

[mikebravo]

I'll look into that, thanks.

 

[Al Thompson]

Well Mike, you are a minor and I'm a (retired) Major, so perhaps that evens things out.

Can't speak for trainers in your corner of the country, but I note that most ranges around here require a parent to be present for a minor to shoot. It's a matter of state law.

Is having a parent around possible? My sister sits and reads a book while my nephew and I shoot.

Feel free to PM.

 

[mikebravo]

My parents would be glad to be there, sorry for not stating that in the beginning, I did assume that a parent would have to be present.

 

[bikerdoc]

MB,
Instruction by video should also be considered. Search for Paul, Gomez, Southnarc, Ayoob, and others mentioned in S & T. This will give you a knowledge base to take to your live instruction as you can afford it.
Good luck, and kudo's for having your head on straight.

 

[Al Thompson]

http://www.oregonfirearmsacademy.com

http://www.thunderranchinc.com/

And Kathy Jackson is (IIRC) in Oregon. She's pretty good about replying to email from her website. I'd think she would be an outstanding resource as an instructor or having local recommendations.

http://www.corneredcat.com/

Grant Cunningham is also in Oregon

http://grantcunningham.com/hosting_class.html

Can't tell you if age is an issue with anyone of these folks or the range where they teach, but that should give you some leads.