Bringing Your Gun to Class Safely | Pueblo Gun Training
HAVE GUN WILL TRAIN COLORADO • PUEBLO, COLORADO
By Rick Sindeband
Recently, I’ve had students arrive for class with live ammunition in their handgun, magazines, or the bag or box they brought inside. I’ve also had people walk through the door carrying a handgun in their hand.
I call that a “naked gun”—a firearm being carried without a holster or case.
These situations create an unnecessary safety problem before instruction even begins. If you’re attending a firearms class, bringing your gun to class safely starts before you walk through the door.
No Live Ammunition in the Classroom
We use the classroom to explain, demonstrate, and practice safe gun handling. Keeping live ammunition out of that environment provides an essential layer of protection.
At Have Gun Will Train Colorado, we don’t allow live ammunition in the classroom.
Before leaving home, check your firearm, magazines, and everything you plan to bring inside. Ammunition often ends up in a range bag’s side pocket, underneath equipment, or in the same box as the handgun.
A handgun with the magazine removed may still have a cartridge in the chamber. An empty magazine does not establish that the gun is unloaded.
If you don’t know how to unload your firearm or verify its condition safely, contact me before class. Don’t try to figure it out in the parking lot or bring it inside for someone to unload.
If your class includes range time, keep your live ammunition separate from your classroom equipment and secured outside the classroom until it is needed.
Bringing your gun to class safely-Bring Your Handgun in a Case or Suitable Holster
Your unloaded handgun should arrive secured in a case or suitable holster that covers the trigger guard and holds the firearm securely.
A proper gun case protects the firearm and allows you to transport it without holding an exposed gun. A suitable holster protects the trigger from unintended contact.
Walking in with a handgun in your hand is not an acceptable way to bring it to class. That includes holding it by the grip, carrying it with the action open, or wrapping it in a towel.
Your finger may be off the trigger. You may know the gun is unloaded. But everyone else sees a person entering the room with a gun in hand, and there is no reason to create that situation.
Case it before you arrive. Keep it secured when you enter.
Leave It Secured Until Instructed
Once you’re inside, leave your handgun in its case or holster until I give you instructions.
You don’t need to take it out to introduce yourself, show me what you brought, or let another student look at it.
“I just wanted you to check it” is a reason to ask for assistance—not a reason to remove the gun.
We will establish where firearms may be handled, the safe direction for that location, and what we are doing before anyone begins handling a gun.
What If You Arrive With a Loaded Carry Gun?
If you normally carry a loaded handgun, plan ahead for class. Our no-live-ammunition rule still applies.
Contact me beforehand if you need directions about your carry gun. Don’t enter the classroom with it loaded, and don’t draw or unload it in the classroom, hallway, or parking lot.
If you arrive and realize you have a loaded firearm or live ammunition with you, stop before entering. Keep the firearm secured and contact me for instructions.
Ask first. Don’t start handling the gun to correct the problem.
Being New Is Fine. Guessing Is Unnecessary.
You are not expected to know everything before taking a class. Learning is why you’re coming.
If you’re unsure about unloading, transporting, or securing your handgun, ask before you arrive. I would much rather answer a question ahead of time than interrupt class to address an avoidable safety problem.
Experienced gun owners need to follow these procedures, too. Familiarity with firearms does not replace safe handling.
If you’re new to handguns or want to build a stronger foundation, our
Handgun Fundamentals course
provides instruction in safe handling and basic handgun skills.
Bringing your gun to class safely-Before You Leave Home
Take a moment to check:
- Your handgun is unloaded, including the chamber.
- Your magazines are empty.
- Your classroom bag and case contain no live ammunition.
- Your handgun is secured in a case or suitable holster.
- Any ammunition needed for range time is separate and will remain secured outside the classroom.
- You understand that the gun stays secured until the instructor directs otherwise.
If you cannot confidently complete those checks, contact me before bringing the firearm to class.
Bring your questions. Bring a willingness to learn. Leave the “naked gun” routine behind.
For additional reading, review the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s
10 Rules of Safe Gun Handling.
These reinforce the responsibility every gun owner has whenever handling a firearm.
Rick Sindeband
Have Gun Will Train Colorado
Firearm Safety and Handgun Training in Pueblo, Colorado
