Instructor FAQ
Welcome to the LGC Instructor Program Frequently Asked Questions page, where we do our best to address the most common questions and concerns about instructor eligibility, expectations, insurance, and more. If something is not addressed here, please do not hesitate to send an email to education@theliberalgunclub.com. To review our course offerings, please visit the training page.
What are the prerequisites for instructor eligibility?
At the very minimum, instructors need to meet the following conditions before applying:
- Not be a prohibited person as per 18 U.S.C. § 922.
- Possess at least one handgun, preferably in .22LR (courses are based around pistol marksmanship).
- Be a member of the LGC in good standing.
- Have prior exposure to formal training (includes CCW classes) or existing instructor credentials.
Do I need insurance to teach?
Insurance is not required but we highly recommend it. USA Shooting endorses Lockton Affinity. If you opt to teach under the umbrella of New England Security Partners, you will be covered under their policy.
Will I need access to a classroom to teach LGC courses?
It depends. The Intro to Range Safety and Shooting Course can be taught entirely at the shooting range if you do not have access to a classroom, though new shooters will benefit from getting a safety and handling demonstration (with a blue/demo gun if you have one) in a quiet setting. Firearms Familiarization and Intro to Defensive Shooting require a classroom setting or at least a quiet place to present in front of people.
How much should I charge for my services?
Each instructor will have to determine what is appropriate for their area and the population they are trying to reach. We recommend researching the cost of comparable courses nearby. Some instructors will choose to teach for free–we do not expect this from anyone and it’s entirely up to you where to set your pricing. The Instructor section of the forum would be a good place to discuss these kinds of details.
What should my class size be?
Once there are more than three or four people involved, it becomes very difficult to maintain control of the environment. If you are teaching more than three people, you should strongly consider enlisting the help of a more experienced shooter or another certified instructor as an assistant. Your students will benefit from increased instructor attention and you will reduce the risk of unsafe behavior occurring.
How will students find me?
The LGC receives training inquiries via the contact form on our main website. Even if you choose not to do any proactive marketing of your services, the LGC will refer these training requests to the instructors in a given region based first on proximity, then on a rotating basis if requests come in from the same region. Eventually chapter presidents will be responsible for connecting interested students with instructors in the region.
What is a good setting for teaching?
Take the following factors into consideration when choosing where to teach:
- Indoor vs Outdoor – Outdoor ranges are usually quieter, but may have fewer options in terms of target placement. Most indoor ranges are louder and not as well ventilated, and thus less comfortable for new shooters. However, they may have classroom space you can use for safety briefing. Mechanical target retrieval is a bonus at indoor ranges.
- Public vs Private – Beginner shooters benefit from quiet, controlled environments for their first time behind a gun. If possible, find a way to secure time at the range when nobody else is shooting nearby, or reserve a private bay/section if that option exists and is affordable. Be aware of how range-specific restrictions on caliber or rate of fire may affect your instruction.
- Target placement – Beginner shooters should start out at 7 yards or even closer. If the minimum distance for pistols at your range starts at 15 yards, consider using a different facility.
- General Amenities – Your students will get tired, thirsty, and hungry. Make sure your facility has restrooms, water for drinking, and a place to sit down.
Are LGC courses recognized for the training requirement of concealed carry permits?
At the moment, LGC courses are recognized in MA as eligible to satisfy the training requirement for the LTC. In all other states (to the best of our knowledge), the training requirement is usually described as a law enforcement agency course or an NRA course, and any courses not matching this description must be approved by the state agency in charge of issuing CC licenses. Some states’ definitions theoretically would accommodate an LGC course, but we need people on the ground to help navigate this process. Please contact us at education@theliberalgunclub.com if you would like to help.
As an instructor, should I get medical training?
ABSOLUTELY. At a bare minimum, you should take First Aid/CPR. Beyond that, Bleeding Control and Wilderness First Aid courses will extend your ability to provide supportive care when help is further away. Tactical Combat Casualty Care or Mass Casualty Care courses go even further but are more context specific and may not be relevant to your teaching environment. Even if you have medical training, you should make sure to learn the emergency protocols at any facility where you choose to teach.
One of our CA chapter members is a Bleeding Control instructor and recommends this first aid kit to cover most situations.
What am I expected to provide my students as an instructor?
If your students are taking the first two courses and do not own firearms, it would be reasonable for you to provide eye and ear protection, targets, ammunition, and the use of your firearms for the shooting portion. Students are usually expected to cover their own range fees. Students for the Intro to Defensive Shooting course should have their own firearms, holster, magazine pouches, personal protective equipment, and ammunition. We recommend these targets for defensive shooting.
For recommendations on student supplies and accessories, please see this Amazon wish list.
How much time should I be spending with students?
Intro to range Safety and Shooting – ~2 hours
Firearms Familiarization – 4-6 hours
Intro to Defensive Shooting – ~8 hours
Firearms Familiarization – 4-6 hours
Intro to Defensive Shooting – ~8 hours
Currently the LGC has instructors in these states
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Massachusetts
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Virginia
Washington
Washington, DC
Wisconsin
Are you a current firearms instructor that would like to offer LGC courses? Want to take one of our courses? Check out our frequently asked questions here first.