Training In An Age
Of Social Distancing

With the addition of potentially tens (if not hundreds) of thousands of first-time gun owners in the first half of 2020 alone, the need for training and education has never been greater. However, with social distancing concerns paramount, conducting training has never been more challenging. It’s a unique paradox facing dealers, ranges and instructors across the country alike.

In-Person Training

Dealers hosting in-person training have taken the logical step of reducing class sizes to hinder the spread of COVID-19 and to adhere to state orders.

Clay Ausley, owner of Fuquay Gun in Fuquay-Varina, N.C., shared while smaller class sizes result in less revenue, the store has taken a long-term view.

“We now staff twice the amount of instructors, which keeps our classes down to nine students to one instructor,” he said. “The margins aren’t so good on training now, but we’re keeping clients happy and with us — instead of at a competitor’s shop. We’re more in it for long-term loyal customers; so even if we’re not turning good profits, it will come back around at some point.”

At Carson City, Nev.-based Battle Born Ammunition & Firearms, President/CEO Kristy Scott reduced class sizes from an average of 20–23 students to eight. Interest in these classes, however, has exploded due to recent events.

“Our business increased dramatically, not only the purchasing of firearms but with classes,” she declared. “I think people are really scared and concerned for their safety.”

One-on-one training — as covered in this month’s Personal Defense Market column — is another consideration when group size is a concern. Jack Pickett, co-owner of Pickett Armory and Harry Beckwith’s Gun Shop in Florida, noted this format has been accepted by his customer base.

“The clientele seem to be somewhat more receptive to individualized instruction because of everything going on,” he stated. “We’re seeing a lot more people sign up for one-on-one advanced training, too.”

Virtual Venues

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face communication has been replaced by video conferencing — and tech-savvy business owners are adapting to this “new normal” and broadening their reach.

Ava Flanell, owner of Elite Firearms & Training in Colorado Springs, Colo., described how her operation made an early pivot to offer virtual training.

“There are a ton of new gun owners, some who were even anti-gun previously, with no knowledge or experience,” she said. “It’s why I started offering virtual classes nationwide. Interacting with students in person is always preferred, but it wasn’t an option. I didn’t want there to be zero resources for people who had no idea what they were doing — that’s when accidents happen, which no one wants.”

As Flanell noted, this pandemic opened up the possibility for her to engage with first-time gun owners across the country. She’s even had a couple instructors sign up for classes to see concepts demonstrated from a female’s point of view.

“People tend to think virtual classes are less personable, but I think it depends on the teacher. I get to know every student in the group and I encourage conversations so it feels more like a classroom setting,” she said.

The virtual venue is not without its limits, however.

“The most challenging aspect of virtual training has been the hands-on portion,” Flanell continued. “Nothing can replace hands-on training. However, it helps if you’re good at demonstrating and explaining things.”

This limitation has kept Battle Born’s Scott from pursuing remote training.

“For me, with the number of women and brand-new students I teach, I wouldn’t be able to do it remotely,” she said. “It’s important for me to be able to see their grip, etc.”

Dumac Targets Zeroes In On Fun

Amidst the current news cycle surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on daily life, Dumac Targets reminds everyone one thing hasn’t changed: it’s still fun to go out target shooting. Produced at Salt Lake City-based Dumac Printing, Dumac Targets added new designs depicting the coronavirus, bats and murder hornets.

“We brainstormed these fun targets as a great way to let people shoot back at the virus and the 24/7 depressing news,” said Randy Schoeck, Dumac owner. “All day, every day, we hear about sickness, massive layoffs and unemployment around the country. Now gun shops and shooting ranges can offer their customers that chance to let off some steam while continuing to hone their shooting skills.”

With thousands of people becoming first-time gun owners in the past couple months, an emphasis on education, safe gun handling and practice is crucial. Schoeck shared his company’s lighthearted focus.

“We’ve had shooters — both pistol, some longer range guys and even archers — tell us it helps lighten up the mood punching holes in images of things that started this whole mess,” he said.

These full-color targets measure 18″ x 24″. Special pricing is available to stores and ranges, in volumes of 50, 100 and 500.

Dumac Targets is also contributing a portion of the sales of these targets to a first-responders fund. Contact targets@dumac.net for more. / targets.dumac.net

SIG Expands E-Commerce Capability With Gearfire

SIG Sauer Inc. has integrated with Gearfire to add a “Buy Now” option to sigsauer.com, expanding the website’s e-commerce capability — allowing consumers to purchase firearms online, direct from local dealers. This new feature allows customers to enter a zip code, and select an authorized SIG SAUER dealer in their region they can buy directly from.

“In these times where people are limiting their movement, the integration of Gearfire to sigsauer.com is important to ensuring our consumers are connected to our retailers and to help facilitate the purchase process,” said Tom Taylor, SIG CMO and EVP.

The new “Buy Now” dealer locator feature also identifies SIG SAUER Elite and Master Dealers in the area.
/ sigsauer.com

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