Ellie's Training Adventure - Troubleshooting

I was more confident going into Troubleshooting than the first two classes. However, I was still a little stressed imagining what could go wrong with a firearm. Could it backfire? Could it hurt me in some way? What was I going to be dealing with? I didn’t know anything about how a gun could fail, and I don’t consider myself a fixit girl, so I knew this class would be a challenge.

In the Troubleshooting class, the instructors expect you to already be familiar with firearm safety and proper use. This class focuses on learning how to correct common firearm malfunctions. Regardless, I’m glad Andrew took some time to review the seven fundamentals of shooting. He explained the importance of them as they pertained to troubleshooting problems that can occur.

We learned about common problems, how to diagnose malfunctions, and how to clear them. For example, defective rounds, backward bullets, and failure to fully extract are all problems I didn’t know could happen while shooting -- I certainly didn’t know the solution. I was overwhelmed trying to remember the different procedures to clear each one, but Andrew made sure to reinforce them several times in class and on the range.

Range time was tricky but a good challenge! I shot 50 rounds from a 9mm, and I never knew what was coming! The instructor staged malfunctions by loading dummy rounds, shell casings, and backward bullets into the magazine. Even in the Troubleshooting class, it is natural to expect your firearm to work correctly, and it’s a little disconcerting when it doesn’t. Despite using the proper stance and aiming accurately, sometimes a bullet would discharge, and sometimes it wouldn’t. At that moment, I had to remember and apply what I had just learned.

The thing I keep forgetting is that these classes are designed to take you from whatever knowledge and experience you have - in my case, none - to comfortability and confidence with a firearm. After taking this class, I know now that if I hear a “click” instead of a “bang” after I pull the trigger, I will be able to fix it competently. And, if I am ever in a dangerous situation and my firearm malfunctions, I will know how to clear it. That gives me peace of mind.

The first three classes on the path to proficiency -- New Shooter, On Target, and Troubleshooting prepare you for the License to Carry class. Even though I might be prepared to shoot after the On Target class, I learned that no one can help you if your firearm malfunctions when taking the Texas LTC. So, taking the Troubleshooting class prepares you to succeed in passing the LTC. The LTC Prep Package would be a great gift to anyone who wants to get their LTC or just wants to be a better shooter. I can think of a few people in my life who would love this experience. I’m so excited and think I’m ready for the LTC now!

By Ellie Everett, Marketing Intern