A local citizen scores well with her .45 revolver as Sgt. David Nunn looks on.
CULLMAN – For two days during the last week, the Cullman County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) offered a free firearms safety and marksmanship class for local citizens. On Tuesday evening, deputies conducted a classroom session, followed by live fire exercises at the CCSO firing range Saturday morning. Ten deputies instructed and assisted 43 citizens who came out.
Capt. Mark Persall, who oversaw the course, told The Tribune, “We issue anywhere from 3,000-4,000 conceal carry permits every year, so Cullman has a lot of people who carry weapons, either on their person or in their vehicle. We want them to understand how to use them safely.”
Sgt. David Nunn led the instruction with assistance from Investigator Trevor Clemmons, covering topics such as:
- Basic rules of gun safety
- Parts of the pistol
- Responsibilities of gun owners
- Methods of carrying a pistol
- Circumstances in which deadly force may be used
- Pistol handling, secure shooting grip and shooting stance
At the range on Saturday morning, Nunn reviewed the safety rules, as well as stance and grip techniques. Students were then allowed to come to the firing line a few at a time, to load and fire their pistols with one-on-one supervision from Nunn or one of five other deputies who are all certified firearms instructors. Each shooter was allowed to bring and shoot up to 100 rounds of ammunition.
Sheriff Matt Gentry, who came by to speak to students Tuesday evening, said about the course, “Everybody has different opinions of what they want to carry and how they want to carry it. Whatever you carry, train with it. What we want to teach you is how to use your firearm correctly, proficiently and safely. We want to give you options and knowledge, because with knowledge comes power. And if we can teach you one thing that you didn’t know before, then that’s something that may help save your life.”
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