Lessons In Firearm Education

Took handgun safety class from this non-​profit organization. Good course covering handgun basics. They follow the NRA and emphasize safety. Their Hawaii gun law coverage is good as well. The volunteer instructors are great, bringing their own firearms to share with the students. You’ll see a lot of the instructors volunteering at the Sports Shooting Fair because they are passionate in educating people in firearms (not weapons).

I attended the Hand Gun Safety Class that is required by the State of Hawaii .
Only after they take your money, will they say that it will take 4 – 6 weeks to get the affidavit necessary to purchase a handgun. When all other classes would get the needed paperwork to you within a week of completion of the class. While that might not seem like a BIG deal, and after 7 weeks with no affidavit I saw them at the gun show. When I approached them asking about the status of the affidavit the President of LIFE HAWAII said that there were unexpected issues that came up not only with our class but with prior classes as well (so is that MY problem or YOURS?). They said the forms we’re complete and ready to mail out, or I could return on Sunday (to the Gun Show) and they would bring it with them and I could pick it up in person. When I called on Sunday I was told that they were unable to «put the packet together and that they left it at home «because they got out late from the Gun Show the night before. Never did they put the packet together.
The affidavit were NOTARIZED days after I seen them at the Gun Show. So I was LIED to again. Now this was after 7 — 8 weeks. So basically, if me and my Girlfriend didn’t go to the Gun Show to ask about the affidavits, we would probably have WAITED even longer.
I’m actually curious if others in the February 2014 class complained about the ridiculous wait time for affidavits. TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE!
Bottom line, DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME OR MONEY HERE.

After 7 long and excruciating weeks… I FINALLY got my affidavit.
I attended the Handgun Training back on February 9^th, and only today (April 1^st) did I received it. So if you’re looking to get that piece of paper quickly, this is obviously NOT the place to go. I heard of other instructors and Firearms Shop getting the affidavit notarized and back to an individual within a week’s time.

On Oahu, in order to get a gun you need a slip of paper that says you took a basic training class that meets the state’s requirements. L.I.F.E. is the cheapest class you can take to get that piece of paper BUT it’s a fun, quality class with great instructors.
The class material follows the NRA basic training guide and covers gun safety, gun components, ammunition components, hire to soon, different stances, etc. Different instructors cover the different parts; so, it’s interesting to hear their backgrounds and witness the different personalities and teaching styles.
Hawaii gun laws are also covered. What I liked about this section is that the instructor for this portion, Bill, doesn’t just spit out the wording verbatim. He explains how these laws came to be, some history, and how they apply to you in various situations. Example: if someone is assaulting your child and you grab your gun and head downstairs to confront the assaulter, if the assaulter leaving by the time you come down, you can’t shoot because you’re not preventing anything… The person is leaving.
Then the fun part… Shooting! I was nervous, who wouldn’t be? But the instructors are great at making you feel comfortable because of their expertise and step by step instruction. We had 8? Instructors and 16? Students in class, so there wasn’t a long wait and you can hop to different instructors and fire different guns. I fired at least 15 different guns, from Glock 17, 17L, 19, Springfield XD-​9, Taurus 66, Ruger .22 Mark 3 Target, .40, .45, .38.
What’s great about different instructors is that they’ll show you something a previous instructor didn’t mention, little tricks they do, etc.
The class is held once a month. You can check the website for times and registration. The basic class was held at Kokohead Shooting Complex from 8 to 4. Be sure to go 30 min early for registration. I came 15 min early but they were late setting up so I got lucky.
When you register, an email is sent confirming your spot and telling you everything you’ll need for class and where to go. They provide snacks and drinks. It gets hot out there. Stay hydrated.
BOTTOM LINE:
Best deal you’re going to get. A great class, a great time! If you’re looking to get that piece of paper, sign up here!