A dry erase board on the wall listed a few rules for the shooting range. Topping the list was perhaps the most important: “Don”t Shoot The Instructor!”
Pointing out the rules, NRA certified range master Jim Walker drew a few nervous giggles from his shooting class for women, many of whom are beginners, at the Konocti Rod & Gun Club.
“Who needs a gun today?” Walker asked the group. Five manicured hands raised up. The loaner is included with the class costs $10, but ammo is an extra $5. The Walkers — Jim and his wife Teddi — help each participant strap on the Velcro belt with the holster and empty magazine . The Glock 19 feels solid in the hand. The slide mechanism on top snaps loudly back into place after checking the chamber to see if the weapon is ”live” with ammo.
Not all the women in the class are beginners. Doris Gorospe is pint size, reserved, and a deadly shot. Her interest in guns started at ten reading Louis L”amour novels packed with shoot-outs and gun fights. She has her own Ruger SP101, first gun she bought in 1989 and the one she uses still. Compared to the massive lumpy .45s, the double-action Ruger is small-framed. Gorospe says that she has always been interested in games with a target, like pool and darts, so target shooting came naturally.
Sitting on either side of her are two quiet men in camouflage wear: law enforcement officers who volunteer to assist the Walkers with training, on and off the firing range.
The Walkers first address safety issues when handling a weapon or accepting it from another person, including a trained instructor. “Always assume the gun is loaded,” Jim Walker said. The group practices multiple times opening the guns, holding the barrel down away from the body and other people, checking the magazine for live rounds.
Shooting stance is next. Walker demonstrates a pose seen in the movies, legs wide, body slightly forward, chest exposed, arms extended and aiming the gun, both eyes wide open. “Never ever do this,” he roared. “You are off balance in that position. Military and law enforcement use that position because they want to advance and it is easier to run forward from that stance, their body armor taking the impact of the bullets.”
Walker often pauses to emphasize a point. “You are not trying to advance upon your attacker,”he said quietly.
He teaches the “Weaver” stance, created by an L.A. Deputy Sheriff Jack Weaver in the late 1950s. Walker also warns that a handgun in the home is not to be deployed without a real cause.
“If someone is coming at you for your stuff throw it at ”em and run,” he said. “That”s what insurance is for. You can always replace stuff.”
Once on the range, an instructor is assigned to each pair, ready to jump in if necessary. Ear protection is required for the class, as well.
The next class is set for January, 2015. For information contact, Jim Walker 707-245-7305. Konocti Rod & Gun Club is located at 3800 Highland Springs Rd., Lakeport.
