2aHawaii

General Topics => Strategies and Tactics => Topic started by: GreenStomper on July 02, 2012, 01:29:54 PM

Title: too many choices
Post by: GreenStomper on July 02, 2012, 01:29:54 PM
Looking at taking the gun safety course. Is there a better quality/quantity course for the price? Found prices ranging from $120-$150-$180. Considering HDF since there are non-profit, and the price is right. Any discounts if I join? Was going to anyways, even if no discount. Thanks for the input.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: DuckFat on July 02, 2012, 02:00:55 PM
The handgun safety class? For some odd reason I thought you had a handgun already....
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: GreenStomper on July 02, 2012, 02:19:57 PM
Yes, handgun safety class. I do have a 9mm from out of state. No safety class or permit required.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: DuckFat on July 02, 2012, 02:36:46 PM
Ah ok. PM sent.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: Tom_G on July 02, 2012, 03:43:21 PM
LIFE is a hard deal to beat.  Price is in the lower end of the range you cited ($125, if memory serves.)  Great instructors, and an array of firearms that no other organization on the island matches.  You can comfortably expect 40 - 60 handguns available for you to try during the 2 hour live-fire period.  LIFE does follow the NRA course guide for basic handgun, which is great if you are new to shooting.

Now, if you want something a little more tailored towards self-defense, HFD would be the way to go.  The HDF class will still get you legal to buy, but will also cover things (like self-defense) which NRA classes are prohibited from discussing.  You won't have the variety of firearms to try, but if that's not important to you, you can't go wrong with HDF.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: amazeyn on July 02, 2012, 05:07:22 PM
If you're not already a part of HDF, taking the handgun course from the foundation gets you a free membership in HDF for a year.

That membership entitles you to join us for our HDF range days in the action bay and do stuff like this:

Gun Range Day - Hawaii Defense Foundation (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_U-g_njIls#)
Title: too many choices
Post by: hnl.flyboy on July 02, 2012, 05:16:33 PM
Another for LIFE. A couple instructors instructors (especially me) are still very green. I'm sure you could tell I'm still the shy guy when I stand up in front of everyone...but there's still at least 9 other instructors and the education is pretty good for any one day crash course.

If you're unsure of what to buy next, each instructor brings at least 4 handguns, and you can shoot until there's no ammo left. I didn't see a .50 DE or .500 S&W, but the selection of handguns are pretty good.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: DuckFat on July 02, 2012, 08:45:27 PM
I didn't see a .50 DE or .500 S&W, but the selection of handguns are pretty good.
I only know of one class that has a .50 Desert Eagle....and a S&W Model 29 "Dirty Harry"
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: SpeedTek on July 02, 2012, 09:48:57 PM
X-Ring charges $125

We have several instructors. Some are located in town.
If you don't live on the Leeward side.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: GreenStomper on July 02, 2012, 10:23:38 PM


If you're unsure of what to buy next, each instructor brings at least 4 handguns, and you can shoot until there's no ammo left. I didn't see a .50 DE or .500 S&W, but the selection of handguns are pretty good.

Deciding on my purchase is not a problem. My small arsenal includes a Ruger Mark I and a Ruger 9mm P95. I gotta have a 1911 next,always wanted one.Also would like a SW 38/357 revolver. For some reason the novelty of black powder is also appealing.

Thanks for all the reply's, got it narrowed down to a few. I know I will get my moneys worth and learn something along the way.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: Kingkeoni on July 02, 2012, 11:22:37 PM
If you're interested in shooting a particular gun, let me know. I've got "a few" to choose from.
Title: too many choices
Post by: hnl.flyboy on July 03, 2012, 12:12:03 AM
I've got "a few" to choose from.

He's being modest...
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: SpeedTek on July 03, 2012, 01:22:29 AM
If you're interested in shooting a particular gun, let me know. I've got "a few" to choose from.

Really? Just a few? Few hundred maybe.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: zhuzhits on July 03, 2012, 05:19:08 AM
Didn't know about LIFE or HDF courses.  Got a couple friends getting into it. Sounds awesome. I'll spread the word.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: GreenStomper on July 03, 2012, 09:48:08 PM
Sent you a pm KK.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: Tom_G on July 03, 2012, 11:04:22 PM
For some reason the novelty of black powder is also appealing.

Isn't it just?  :)
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: Inspector on July 04, 2012, 06:47:18 AM
.....For some reason the novelty of black powder is also appealing.
Dixie Gun Works Catalog is only $5.00 (shipped).
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: GreenStomper on July 05, 2012, 01:40:04 PM
Heard today that the hunters safety course qualifies me to get a permit to acquire a handgun. Anybody know if this is true?
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: DuckFat on July 05, 2012, 02:31:01 PM
Heard today that the hunters safety course qualifies me to get a permit to acquire a handgun. Anybody know if this is true?
It does. I took it to get a hunting license and I enjoyed it but I wouldn't recommend it for learning anything gun related. It's a hunting class so that's their main focus. They also do not have any hands on portion, just class learning and a test.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: GZire on July 05, 2012, 04:47:48 PM
Heard today that the hunters safety course qualifies me to get a permit to acquire a handgun. Anybody know if this is true?

DLNR Hunters Ed course will fulfill the requirements, however you get 0 hand on application.  IMHO that is crucial for any beginner. 

Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: GreenStomper on July 05, 2012, 05:35:01 PM
I do understand that there is zero hands on and all class room. The wife gave me the proverbial green light to purchase more noise makers. Gotta  to get while the getting  is good.
 The wife and  I would like to take a hands on class for sure. Ive done my best to teach her everything a I know shooting and safety wise, still lots to learn for the both of us.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: DuckFat on July 05, 2012, 05:52:12 PM
FYI Hunter's Ed is booked for months, looks like next open class is December. There is a chance to get in on standby but I wouldn't bank on it.
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: GreenStomper on July 05, 2012, 06:15:35 PM
Gonna go stand by. A few friends have had good luck.....

Going to sign up for  a safety course, waiting for a member to get back to me....
Title: Re: too many choices
Post by: Teichi on July 05, 2012, 06:32:27 PM
The advantages of the Hunter Education Class is that it is free and it is required to obtain a hunting license in the State of Hawaii. If you have no inclination to legally hunt in Hawaii, then go for the handgun certification courses.