My wife had already signed up when I first heard about Home Front Freedom. She had only two free Saturdays before she started her new job, so it had to get done or she would continue to depend on a self-defense plan that included a weapon that she had not been trained to use safely, effectively, or legally, and that she could not legally conceal away from home. I had been uncomfortable with this state of affairs for her, but learning about defending yourself is something that each person has to decide to do for themselves. I was glad my wife wanted to get the training and the license to carry concealed. So I bought her a new gun, and getting my schedule free at the last-minute, I went to the website and signed up for the class too. Just like my wife (but with a bit more experience), I had been thinking about getting a CC license for years but had never found the time.
Erik, our NRA qualified instructor was very thorough in teaching the basics of how handguns work, handgun safety, shooting techniques, some emergency techniques, and the laws that apply to the armed citizen. When we went to the range later in the day, I was glad to see him closely supervising my wife as she was having trouble with her weapon. She had the opportunity to experience the same kind of problem that might happen in a real life situation, and learned how to fix the problem and get back to shooting.
We both needed this training, and we both enjoyed our Saturday together with seven other students and the Home Front Freedom team, each one of whom we truly enjoyed meeting and getting to know a little bit. The classes were taught in these folks’ home where we were made welcome and comfortable. The food served for lunch was really good (even by my wife’s standards) — a good fresh salad and tasty lasagna; there was fresh coffee, and there were soft drinks and snacks available the whole time. It really was quite pleasant. And these people are so kind and friendly that aside from having to pay attention and learn some things it was like visiting relatives.
And of course, finishing up the day at the range where we got to practice the techniques we had learned in the classroom, with live ammo was the grand finale. It was great to see my wife confidently and safely handling her weapon – and putting all those rounds into a target even though the new gun jammed several times. And I learned again what a little pressure can do to affect my target acquisition.
The folks at Carteret County Sheriff’s Office are very helpful and getting our applications in was simple. We apparently have 60-90 days to wait on our licenses, but even if we did not get the licenses at all, I would still be glad we took the course and say it was well worth the time and money.
Philip Clarke
