The most important thing you can do when you decide to purchase a gun is to get the proper civilian firearms training. Just "having a gun" is not enough. Training from a proficient instructor will ensure you handle your weapon safely and accurately.

Here are some of the concepts that an instructor should cover in civilian firearms training.

Master the Basics

The number one fundamental of firearms training is to master the basics.

While this article speaks specifically to civilian firearms training, many of these fundamentals apply across the entire spectrum of preparedness training. So take these tools, make them your own, and use them to improve your competence in all the skills you set out to learn.

How to Get Started with Civilian Firearms Training

One of the most challenging steps to starting training is going out and doing it. 

Research the Instructor, Course, and School

Use any search engines, forums, blogs, etc., to do your initial search for an instructor, course, school, etc. Search for a reputable school with high ratings. Then do some digging to learn more.

Research the background of whatever school you are going to or the instructor you are taking the course from.

Identify and compare the:

Background

Skill level

Does he/she compete

Years in business

Years teaching

Online reviews and testimonials

Instructor’s backgrounds are based upon the totality of their background and experience. So, when researching instructors, make sure you take that into account. Here are some more tips on assessing a firearms instructor.

The very best way to find an instructor is through word of mouth. Find out who your friends have used and how they liked their instructor. One reader shared that she went to a remote outdoor at her first firearms class, and the instructor threatened to shoot her if she "swept" the area with her newly acquired gun. Needless to say, she was too nervous to learn much during that course. Fortunately, she didn't give up and found another instructor that came highly recommended.

You may be a little nervous attending your first course, and that's perfectly natural. But if the instructor himself or herself makes you uncomfortable, like in the story described above, leave. Don't worry about being rude. Trust your instincts.

Focus on the Basics

Focus on the basics of whatever you are doing. Focusing on the basics isn’t sexy, but it is essential.  Embrace the boring, repetitive stuff, and in a short amount of time, your skill level could drastically improve.

Don’t outpace your mindset and ability. Be realistic in your personal views and overall expectations. Even if you are experienced, you can always find something to help yourself improve.

Self-Evaluation

Perform an honest self-evaluation on yourself and your ability. Don’t be overconfident in your skills. Be realistic with yourself and your capabilities.  Once you have an accurate view of your abilities, train to that and improve from there.

Standards

Training to accepted standards provides you with both a goal and a benchmark to measure yourself and your progress.

Research accepted standards for whatever skill it is that you are trying to master. Once you have the standards, work to meet and then exceed them.

When working on your shooting skills, some accepted standards are Hackathorn, Vickers, and International Defense Pistol Association (IDPA).

Common Training Mistakes

Don’t wait to start training. The sooner you start, the sooner you’ll improve. Understand your ability and skill level. Train to provide a realistic challenge appropriate to that level.

Resist the urge to go too fast. I'll repeat it: learn the basics. The basics are the foundation to all the more difficult skills you’ll use later.