Ranges that permit shotgun?

JamesCanby said:

So. You now admit that those who are NOT exempt from the training requirement must demonstrate firearm safety by live-firing at least one round as part of their training.


The vast majority of people who contact me about getting their HQL are NOT exempt. For those who ARE exempt, I direct them to apply directly, but if they still want the training I offer, they must take the whole class, including the live-fire portion.

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shrinkwrap said:

A hunting license is a valid exemption to the training requirement (this was always clear to me, although I didn't think too much about other states).

A moment ago an MSP trooper from the firearms unit called to tell me that it is indeed correct that at least 1 round must be fired, and that it's OK to do into a training barrel.

Simunitions, which actually expel a projectile, are.

Computer firearms simulators are NOT acceptable unless an actual projectile is expelled.

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JamesCanby said:

I will not risk the loss of my MSP Qualified Firearms Instructor License by refusing to abide by their guidance, and I believe that none of the MSP Qualified Firearms Instructors that I know agree with me.



This is not just an income opportunity for those of us who teach firearms safety. We believe that we are teaching at least the basic competencies to those who desire to purchase a firearm. Those competencies include knowing the basic safety rules, the MD State laws regarding firearms, and by observing how those students handle themselves and the firearms we provide during the live-fire exercises.


If I saw one of my students demonstrating carelessness, unsafe actions or poor attitudes during the live-fire portion of the class, I would not certify them.


As a Chief Range Safety Officer I see too many examples of people who have little or no regard for the knowledge, skills and attitude required for the safe and effective use of firearms.



As an instructor I use my best efforts to make certain I am certifying a student that will become, with practice, a dependable and safe firearm user.

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JamesCanby said:

I will not risk the loss of my MSP Qualified Firearms Instructor License by refusing to abide by their guidance, and I believe that none of the MSP Qualified Firearms Instructors that I know agree with me.



This is not just an income opportunity for those of us who teach firearms safety. We believe that we are teaching at least the basic competencies to those who desire to purchase a firearm. Those competencies include knowing the basic safety rules, the MD State laws regarding firearms, and by observing how those students handle themselves and the firearms we provide during the live-fire exercises.



If I saw one of my students demonstrating carelessness, unsafe actions or poor attitudes during the live-fire portion of the class, I would not certify them.



As a Chief Range Safety Officer I see too many examples of people who have little or no regard for the knowledge, skills and attitude required for the safe and effective use of firearms.



As an instructor I use my best efforts to make certain I am certifying a student that will become, with practice, a dependable and safe firearm user.

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shrinkwrap said:

Agreed 100%. I brought the question up only because I heard about the use of a bullet trap to fire the single round required (which is, of course, ridiculous from a safety standpoint). I too have have been teaching for many years as a sideline, to hopefully get more people interested in shooting and, of course, mainly to shoot safely. My reading of the regs, which are quoted above, indicate that 1 round must be fired; I insist on 25. Unless those who argue that the requirement does not exist are willing to agree to pay for my legal fees in the event of an enforcement action against me, I'll also follow MSP's guidance on this (easy, since I exceed the requirement anyway).

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