Free Re-takes at Wild West Academy

Mark Cortis the instructor of Wild West Academy really encourages to follow up on the free re-takes. I was a bit nervous about doing that [that low self esteem again] but thought it would be a good idea. Even though I learned so much that one class in 8 hours, I myself didn't feel comfortable to go out and get a gun and carry it. I needed more experience.



I went once, twice, three times [a lady, oops sorry thought of that song] and around the 13th time I believe I broke the recored of coming back. Still always being encouraged to do so. I got better and better. I was able to try different guns as well and see what fit me best. The first gun I used ended up being the first gun I bought [Glock 17-9mm].



Through out all these times I became more and more comfortable and was looking forward to move on and go through with the CPL process. And through out all these times I ventured out and hit the ranges. All so many first and exciting experiences. Let me tell you all about it...

AR-15's ROCK


What else can I say? I had too much fun for my own good.
Way too Cool, I wanna do it again!

The Class

3 hours on the range and 5 hours in the class room. I was the only girl there. Darrel was absolutely right. I didn't have to have any fear of being around all the macho guys. I actually felt OK once I was in there. The Instructor was awesome, non-intimidating and made feel equal to all.

After the range class I felt more confident then ever. I left class knowing how to load shoot and unload a 9 mm Glock and Berretta 92 FS. I didn't know what a Glock was and thought a Berretta was a car. I never considered ever to carry a gun, until now.

The one mistake [I say that sarcastically, because it is no mistake] was the Instructor encouraged all of us to return for the free re-takes. Today, I do not see many doing this. I certainly did, and every Sunday to date give a take a few Sundays off I returned for more. To become more comfortable and get better. I highly recommend to take the free life long
re-takes.

Ahh now for the 5 hour long book class room, NOT. It was fast and even ran over 5 hours [I didn't want to end]. The book was there but we didn't read it. Marks life experiences and knowledge of the law was more informative then any book could have ever taught us. There was never a dull moment. We were given situations (What if) and great discussions took place. [Everyone has to determine their own threshold].

I left there with a greater awareness of the world around me, now considering the thought of getting my cpl [certified pistol license] and carrying a firearm.

Class starts in a half hour - Oh noooo

Thank God and program friends to walk me through the fear.



8:30 A.M Great Lakes Crossing/Bass Pro Shop parking lot. Trucks pulling in, guys stepping out, [Your Male Marine Type] and me. What the hell am I getting myself into, I asked myself.



Fear? You betch ya. Insecure/Low-Self Esteem, oh yeah! [I was scared to death and feeling very intimidated before I even walked in]. I knew zero about handling a firearm.



I called Patsy and Darrel. Just needed the support and reminder of , Yes I can do this. With Patsy's "girlfriend" words and Darrels Male point of view [about men showing woman how to use guns], I was able to take the next steps to walk through those doors. I never imagined that day I would be teaching woman and men what I went there to learn. Beyond my Wildest Dreams indeed.



Let me tell ya about the class....

Web Address








When and How It All Started

Memorial Week-end 2008 was when my interest in guns came alive

With the guys in one room and the woman in the other, I over heard Darrel talk about guns. I shouted out that I wanted to go shooting, he said lets go and that is where it started. He sat me down and taught me the first 3 safety rules of handling a gun.

1.] Always Keep the Gun pointed in a safe direction
2.] Always Keep Finger off Trigger until Ready to Shoot
3.] Always Keep the Gun Unloaded / Action Open when not in Use

Off to the woods we went. I shot the gun oh about 10 times and that is all it took, I was hooked.

Tuesday I looked at the NRA site looking for some kind of classes for beginners. I spotted one class that looked like what I needed but it didn’t start until September. If you are anything like me, that was just too long to wait. I scrolled down and found a really cool name http://www.wildwestacademy.com/ . Sunday was the class and I signed up. His [Mark Cortis] motto is Any Time Any Where.

To be continued…..

Introduction

Welcome to my world of finding firearms, getting through my fears and going through all the firsts. How it was and what is like now.