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Firearm safety the ultimate target for beginners
Josey1
Member Posts: 9,598 ✭✭
Firearm safety the ultimate target for beginners Jerry Hill / Outdoors Clearly, the events on and since Sept. 11 have changed forever how Americans feel about their personal security.Some people who had never dreamed of owning or using their own firearms began seeking out guns. But owning or possessing one in no way means knowing how to use one. On the contrary, in fact - the weapon might become more of a threat to the owner than being unarmed.Two local firearms experts, Gene Pitts of Myakka City and Sal Petripoali of Sarasota, say inquiries about training courses have increased during the past two months, but the actual number of their students taking courses with them hasn't risen to any great degree."Our average student probably is as interested in knowing and understanding the laws regarding when and how they can carry firearms as anything else," said Petripoali, who runs the Mastering Arms program along with Pitts. "Close behind handling and marksmanship, they realize the firearms use they see in movies or on television is not even close to reality."It is really satisfying from my standpoint to see people taking responsibility for themselves and their guns, realizing they are dealing with a deadly weapon."Neither Petripoali nor Pitts really believes the average citizen is threatened personally by terrorists. But they are concerned with untrained neophytes keeping - and maybe using - firearms.In their course, they try to provide the basics, from handling skills to elementary protection. Successful completion of their course qualifies the student to apply for a state permit to carry a concealed weapon.The state denies permits to:n Previously convicted felons.n The mentally disturbed.n Substance abusers.n Those accused of domestic violence.Based on a quick telephone survey of ranges throughout the area, the average cost for a basic training course is about $100, which is what Pitts and Petripoali charge. The state charges $114 for a five-year carry permit, and the Manatee County sheriff's office charges $5 for fingerprinting.Their course consists of five hours of classroom instruction and three hours of hands-on instruction. Classes are usually conducted on weekends at the Manatee Gun and Archery Club, approximately 27 miles east of Bradenton just off State Road 64 at 1805 Logue Road. Average class size is 10 students.Pitts and Petripoali have almost a half-century of firearms experience between them. Petripoali was a Marine sniper in the Persian Gulf war but said he never pulled a trigger in combat during that conflict.Pitts was a Marine instructor for 26 years and has been a National Rifle Association-certified instructor for almost two decades."In the Corps, I was teaching Marines the offensive use of their weapons, but this is just the opposite," he said. "Our students are only interested in learning to protect themselves and their families."Jerry Hill, outdoors writer, can be reached at 745-7013.SOLUNAR TABLETop fishing times and days in the lunar month. For best results, begin fishing one hour before and continue one hour after times given. Dividing line for Minor North and Minor South is approximately across the center of the continent - or about the 40th parallel. (X indicates best times.)North South Major Major Minor Minor Minor Minor Today 8:35a 9p 1:45a 3:10p 2:05a 2:55p Monday 9:25a 9:50p 3:05a 3:30p 3:10a 3:35p Tuesday 10:15a 10:40p 4:25a 3:50p 4:15a 4:10p Wednesday 11:05a 11:35p 5:50a 4:15p 5:20a 4:45p Thursday X12n - 7:10a 4:40p 6:25a 5:30p Friday X12:55p 12:25a 8:25a 5:10p 7:30a 6;:10p Saturday X1:50p 1:20a 9:40a 5:50p 8:30a 7p Sunday 2:40p 2:15a 10:45a 6:40p 9:30a 7:55p Monday 3:35p 3:10a 11:35a 7:35p 10:25a 8:45p Tuesday 4:25p 4a 12:20p 8:40p 11:15a 9:45p Wednesday 5:15p 4:50a 12:50p 9:45p 11:55a 10:40p Thursday X6p 5:40a 1:20p 10:50p 12:30p 11:35p Friday X6:44p 6:20a 1:40p 11:55p 1:05p - Saturday X7:25p 7:05a 2p - 1:35p 12:25a Sunday X8:05p 7:45a 2:15p 1:05a 2:05p 1:20aOUTDOORSCALENDAROngoing - Boater's World in De Soto Square is holding a series of free seminars. Nov. 20: Norm LeGore shares tricks for catching bait without a cast net. Dec. 4: Capt. Jack Hartman discusses winter techniques for snook, trout and redfish. Dec. 11: Bob Jones discusses boats, motors, electronics and maintenance. Dec. 18: Capt. Bill White discusses the Sof-Spoon tackle for snook, trout and reds. Jan. 8: Capt. Larry McGuire will discuss winter fishing. All seminars begin at 7 p.m. Call 747-8339 for details.Send items to Outdoors Calendar, P.O. Box 921, Bradenton, 34206. You can send e-mail to BH-sportsdesk@bradentonherald.com or faxes to 745-7097. http://braden.infi.net/content/bradenton/2001/11/11/sports/1111hill.htm