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.

The handgun safety class? For some odd reason I thought you had a handgun already....

Yes, handgun safety class. I do have a 9mm from out of state. No safety class or permit required.

Ah ok. PM sent.

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.

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:

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.

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"

X-Ring charges $125

We have several instructors. Some are located in town.
If you don't live on the Leeward side.

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.

If you're interested in shooting a particular gun, let me know. I've got "a few" to choose from.

I've got "a few" to choose from.

He's being modest...

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.

Didn't know about LIFE or HDF courses.  Got a couple friends getting into it. Sounds awesome. I'll spread the word.

Sent you a pm KK.

For some reason the novelty of black powder is also appealing.

Isn't it just? 

.....For some reason the novelty of black powder is also appealing.

Dixie Gun Works Catalog is only $5.00 (shipped).

Heard today that the hunters safety course qualifies me to get a permit to acquire a handgun. Anybody know if this is true?

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.

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.