Course Description
Blackstone’s Youth Firearms Safety Instruction sessions are designed to teach children how to safely operate small caliber handguns and rifles and utilize them on an indoor range. A certified Blackstone instructor will teach basic firearm mechanics, safe firearm handling, fundamentals of shooting, and range rules. Our customized one-on-one approach to instruction ensures that all participants feel comfortable and informed before ever stepping foot on the range. On the range, basic shooting mechanics like stance, sight picture, and trigger control are emphasized to maximize the child’s success their first time out on the range. By allowing them to learn in a welcoming and safe environment, kids will learn to appreciate safety while exploring the fun aspects of shooting! Upon completion of the course, the instructor has the ability to certify children (ages 10-13) to safely use the range under the direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian.
Requirements
- Children must be at least 10 years old to be eligible to receive the Youth Range Safety Certification.
- Child must be able to see over the shooting lane bench
- Parent or legal guardian must attend and participate in each session
- See below for more details
Course Length
- One 90 minute Private Instruction Session
Subjects Covered
- Basic Firearm Mechanics & Safe Handling
- Fundamentals of Shooting
- Golden Rules of Firearm Safety | Blackstone’s Range Rules
- What to do if….
- Live-fire Range Shooting – Pistol & Rifle (.22LR)
- 1-1 Hands on Instruction by a Blackstone Certified Instructor
Included
- Eye & ear protection rental, firearm rentals, & targets
- A total of (2) 50rd boxes of .22LR ammunition
*Additional ammunition available for purchase.
Cost
Non-Member: $149.99/session
Member: 1 Free session, up to 2 children. Additional sessions are $149.99
Sign Up Instructions
Non-members and additional youth certifications:
Go to the Private Instruction page: Select “Individual Training” > Select an Instructor and Date > During Checkout select “Youth Firearms Safety Instruction”
Members:
To certify up to 2 children for free, please call or visit Blackstone Shooting Sports.
Age/I.D. Requirements
In order to ensure the safety of all guests and team members, minors 10-13 must attend and be certified by Blackstone’s Youth Firearms Safety Instruction program before accompanying a parent or legal guardian on the range. We encourage any minors 9 and younger to enjoy shooting on the range only during Blackstone Private Instruction.
Each session can include up to 2 children
Disclaimers
Safety is our number one priority, which is why we require all children and their parent or legal guardian to complete this program. Because this is a certification class to ensure optimal safety, we restrict the number of participants to one child and up to two parents, additional children must be booked separately.
Shane Caughey
In 1992, Shane began his career with the Gastonia Police Department, serving as a member of the SWAT team. Currently, Shane is the Lead Firearms Instructor for the Basic Law Enforcement Training Academy at Gaston College in addition to his work here at Blackstone Shooting Sports. He loves to work with people at a variety of levels on any skill!
PATRICE
Patrice, born and raised in California, moved to North Carolina in 2018 with her wife and son. Patrice is a certified North Carolina security trainer and was awarded Pistol Expert during her 8 years in private armed security. She is a firearms enthusiast, but even more so has a passion for instructing new shooters.
Book a Lesson with Patrice
CALVIN
Calvin is a retired police Captain and currently is a full-time college instructor. He is a certified Firearms Instructor and Concealed Carry Handgun Instructor through the North Carolina Criminal Justice Training and Standards. His hobbies, besides shooting, are fishing, reading, cycling and scuba diving. He enjoys the shooting sports and is excited to help you!
Book a Lesson with Calvin
STEPHEN
Stephen is a firearms instructor for the state of North Carolina, responsible for firearms and tactical development. With over 22 years of law enforcement experience, the majority of his career has been spent on tactical teams. Stephen has numerous certifications and enjoys helping firearm Firearm enthusiasts to become safe and more confident in their abilities.
Book a Lesson with Stephen
ERIC
Eric was born and raised in Stanley, North Carolina. He graduated with his Masters from East Carolina University and went on to serve the Gastonia Police Department for 15 years. Eric is currently the Sergeant over the training bureau and lead firearms instructor for the department. Additionally, Eric served on the Gastonia Regional SWAT team for 13 years and now sits as one of the Team Leaders. He is passionate about firearms and excited to train with you!
Book a Lesson with Eric
TAYLOR
Taylor, born and raised in Gaston County, began his career with the Mount Holly Police Department. After a few years Taylor transitioned into a K9 handler and firearms instructor with the state of North Carolina. In 2015, Taylor was assigned to a Focus Mission Team with Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and help with firearms instruction. Currently, Taylor serves as a patrol officer, firearms instructor, and Public Order Bike Officer.
Book a Lesson with Taylor
JIM
Jim is a former Captain of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. With over 30 years total experience in Law Enforcement and 16 years as a GLOCK firearms instructor, Jim is an expert marksman. Jim holds more than 10 competition titles for handgun, rifle, shotgun, and submachine gun. He is devoted to the shooting sports and ready to help you achieve your goals!
