Took the HCP Class Today...

[sparksjr]

I have to say the outdated video was quite entertaining. I am concerned however how "simple" this class is. I hardly learned anything I didn't learn when I was 12 and took the Hunter's Ed Class. Even the laws and regs they taught can be read and found online very easily.

Not to mention the target shooting.

Good grief shouldn't it be hard to obtain an HCP?

[BrasilNuts]

Congatulations!

Well, most people may not have the background in firearms that you have. It is really just a basic course.

[Erik88]

I felt the same way. I did learn a few things that I didn't already know but for the most part it was disappointed. The instructor I had was also less than adequate IMO. He couldn't answer many of the questions I asked him about the current laws.

The shooting is a joke, I was 100% and I'm not a great shot by any means.

[Il Duce]

whats the distance to shoot?

[CrazyRay]

Good grief shouldn't it be hard to obtain an HCP?

So you want further unconstitutional restrictions on our God-given rights? Why?

[sparksjr]

I guess I expected more for people who are wanting to carry a gun in public. It seemed more like you said, a general gun education class more suitable for hunter's ed or something. I'm all for allowing people to carry, but I would expect it to be harder to earn this priviledge and definately would expect more than $50 every 4 years to renew. Seems continuing education and shooting should be involved.

But thats my soapbox I guess. My instructor was very knowledgeble and very helpful so at least it had that aspect...

Shooting was 12 rounds at 3 yards, 24 rounds at 7 yards and 12 rounds at 15 yards. I mean, 3 yards is just a waste...if you cant hit that you shouldnt be allowed to ever handle a gun.

[sparksjr]

So you want further unconstitutional restrictions on our God-given rights? Why?

, I'm not going to get into that debate, it is long exhausted and I support the right to carry by responsible people. If you take the class maybe you will understand what I mean.

Oh, and my original post should have said "harder to get" not "hard to get". Or maybe "more challenging" better suits you?

Edited February 20, 2010 by sparksjr

[Guest mikedwood]

Are they still showing that outdated video? It was outdated when I took the course 2 years ago.

That said I think it's best to keep on learning about firearms, but man do I love firearms.

[bvarnell]

I guess I expected more for people who are wanting to carry a gun in public. It seemed more like you said, a general gun education class more suitable for hunter's ed or something. I'm all for allowing people to carry, but I would expect it to be harder to earn this priviledge and definately would expect more than $50 every 4 years to renew. Seems continuing education and shooting should be involved.

QUOTE]

My renewal is coming up this year. You could pay it for me if it would make you feel better.

[Wingshooter]

I am sure the Comm. Appeal will love this thread.

What additional training is required to qualify for the 2A? Some states don't require a permit at all for a resident to open carry.

I do think that training is very important, and the HCP course is designed to teach basic safety and rules. Someone with experience in firearms should already be familiar with a good portion of the course. However, I do agree that the video could use an update. Advanced training courses are available, and I think they are a good idea. Always a student....

As far as the distance on the range, it is to qualify in a self-defense situation. If the threat is much farther away, one could probably escape the situation.

Edited February 21, 2010 by Batman

[Lumber_Jack]

where did you take your class, in knoxville?

[NextExit]

but I would expect it to be harder to earn this priviledge

hmmm.... could be an endless debate...

if you cant hit that you shouldnt be allowed to ever handle a gun.

You would be suprised how many can't

Edited February 21, 2010 by NextExit
didnt finish

[sparksjr]

I took it in Sevierville. The range was very nice and so was the staff.

I figured one or more would take offense but whatever, check your feelings because I am pro gun. Excuse me for wanting people to prove they are and are still responsible gun owners. As long as you are responsible enough to know when you are no longer capable of carrying safely (because we all will be at some point) then I guess just paying the $50 every 4 years is good enough. It's the stubburn ones that worry me.

And I cant pay your $50 for you cuz I'm not one that Obama is giving your money to.

[sparksjr]

hmmm.... could be an endless debate...

Agreed. I have already said more on it than i want to.

You

Me? lol

EDIT: I see your edit...you are right I probably would be...lol

Edited February 21, 2010 by sparksjr

[Guest Basevol]

I got mine at Coal Creek yesterday, staff was great, it wasn't a very hard course to pass. I shot great, for me any way.

The one thing I didn't like was at the end of the film, the highway patrol officer said handgun carry is not a right,but a privilege. Did I hear that correct.

Edited February 21, 2010 by Basevol

[sparksjr]

Yeah you heard him right. That video was outdated and it was almost like they tried to "scare" you into not getting it. It was a good time to catch up on email and such...lol

[Guest Overtaker]

I would expect it to be harder to earn this privilege...

I support the right to carry by responsible people.

So which is it?

[sparksjr]

Great catch overtaker, didn't realize I had done that. I guess I really don't know how I feel about that (be it a privilege or a right to carry in public), but I do know that (pending no issues) I will have an HCP in about 8 weeks and I will do everything I have to do to keep that from being taken away!

[eapking]

If the 2A really was really respected we would all be open carrying anywhere, without a card in the wallet. That being said, I think it's each citizen's repsonsibility in carrying to have attended a few HG classes. Most important are the defensive classes where you are drawing from a holster.

The HCP class is not a training class. It's pretty much a joke.

[Guest sammyboy]

why would anyone be "suprised" by how low the cost of an HCP class is?

Think it through, PLEASE.

The real fee was the thousands upon thousands of patriots and soldiers lives that got snuffed out just so you could AFFORD the price of the current course.

Instead of being SURPRISED... try being THANKFUL.

[sparksjr]

why would anyone be "suprised" by how low the cost of an HCP class is?

Think it through, PLEASE.

The real fee was the thousands upon thousands of patriots and soldiers lives that got snuffed out just so you could AFFORD the price of the current course.

Instead of being SURPRISED... try being THANKFUL.

No one is talking about the fee.

And we are all thankful for our veterans.

[Guest sammyboy]

No one is talking about the fee.

sparksjr, may I respectfully suggest you take another look thru the thread... specifically comment #9.

I would expect it to be harder to earn this priviledge and definately would expect more than $50 every 4 years to renew.

[sparksjr]

sparksjr, may I respectfully suggest you take another look thru the thread... specifically comment #9.

I would ask that you read the very next sentence...

[Guest sammyboy]

I would ask that you read the very next sentence...

Ok, I read it. Now what? It doesn't change a thing.

Pasted here, for others to be similarly confused by its reference and how it might somehow advance your argument.

"Seems continuing education and shooting should be involved."

[sparksjr]

Sorry if you dont see the connection, maybe my punctuation was improper. How about this:

"Instead of just the $50 fee, it would seem that some continuing education and range time would also be required."

Or maybe I can stick with the original wording and change the period to a semicolon:

"I'm all for allowing people to carry, but I would expect it to be harder to earn this priviledge and definately would expect more than $50 every 4 years to renew; seems continuing education and shooting should be involved."

Please review and let me know if this is appropriate for you.