Night Shooting Class, Riclin Firearms Training, LLC

[Colt 45]

We have been told many times that chances are, when the time comes that we will have to defend ourselves with our firearms that most likely it will be in low light or even in darkness. That is why when Riclin Firearms Training, LLC announced the new "Night Shooting Class" I was interested.

As responsible gun owners who are committed to defending ourselves if the need arises, we practice regularly. In addition to basic shooting skills, we practice various defense scenarios to give us any advantage should the need arise. But we have not been able to prepare for the most likely scenario we could face -- until now.

I took the night shooting class that was offered by Riclin Firearms Training, LLC on January 16th. The class began around 3 PM at the Sydney Paul Gordon Shooting Range in La Luz, NM.

After introductions, Richard and Butch explained to us what we could expect from the class and what we could expect to learn.

We started with some "warm-up" shooting (while it was still daylight) and quickly moved on to the night-specific drills. We learned how to hold and shoot with a flashlight at various distances, using several standard methods of incorporating the flashlight. We went on, building on these skills, to shooting on the move both with and without the flashlight.

We then learned how to defensive shoot in your home in a doorway using a wall for cover. We did this using a flashlight shooting around the wall from the right and left.

The most eye-opening scenario (for me) was the bedroom scene. We set up a "bed" and nightstand and learned how to defend from an attacker entering your bedroom. We shot from our "bed" in the laying down position, sitting up in bed position, and rolling off the bed and using cover position. Before I took this class I had thought my bedroom layout was ideal, but from doing these exercises I realized it was not. It was very awkward, especially in the laying down position.

We continued to practice these drills as the sun was going down to experience the diminishing levels of light before the qualifying shoot in near total darkness.

Richard and Butch did a great job with the class and gave plenty of time both before and after each step for questions. You will need to bring a flashlight that you can operate with one hand and about 200 rounds of ammunition, though I would recommend that you bring more. I brought 250 rounds and even then I wished I had brought more. Richard allows you to practice as long as your ammunition holds out.

I would recommend this class to everyone that is serious about their self-defense training. If you take it, you will learn a lot about things you probably hadn't thought about, and have some fun too!

If you are interested in the night shooting class or others offered by Riclin Firearms Training, LLC you can contact Richard at 575.430.3040.