Conceal carry permit class attendance rises in Kennett

Adrenalin pumps, as your grip tightens, and the weight of cold steel causes your hands to shake ever so slightly. Then, you hear the muffled order, "Threat." Squeezing the trigger, you feel the power and pressure of a slug traveling through the muzzle, causing your hands to jerk, but you hit your mark. After the last round of shots is fired, you hear, "All clear. Weapons down."

No, that is not a quote from the latest crime novel, but rather, the actions of someone going through field testing in a firearms training class. The words are those of the instructors, giving safety orders on the firing range.

Last Saturday, a full-capacity-sized group of 11 women and three men, from all walks of life, teachers to restaurant owners, participated in the Southeast Missouri (SEMO) Firearms Training class. It is a certified Missouri Concealed Carry Endorsement Training program, offered monthly in Kennett. It was taught by two long-time law enforcement officials, Sgt. Dennis Rainey, a Missouri State Highway Patrolman (MSHP) with more than 25 years of service and certification as a firearms instructor, and Chief Randy Cobb, who has 22 years of service with MSHP, as a commercial vehicle enforcement officer, and a total of 24 years in law enforcement.

The eight-hour class began at 7:30 a.m., in the Dunklin County Justice Center classroom. Although Rainey and Cobb said they like to make the class fun and interesting, they also stressed its importance and the seriousness of carrying a weapon--any weapon-- for self-defense. "This is a big deal. And carrying a gun is an even bigger responsibility. Guns are used to hunt and defend yourself." Rainey went on to say that, just because someone has a permit to carry, that does not obligate them to intervene in situations. "Unless your life, or the lives of others, is in danger, it's best to be a good witness," Rainey advised. He also explained that it does not authorize anyone holding a Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit to have police authority. Rainey added that the course is not necessarily a class about shooting, but more about basic firearms fundamentals.

The course covered the four cardinal rules of gun safety: All guns are always loaded. Never let the gun muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy. Keep fingers off the trigger, and out of the trigger guard, until ready to fire. Be sure of the target, and what's beyond it. "There are no accidents, only negligence," said Rainey. "When handling a gun, it is important to use all safety precautions."

During the safety course, anytime Rainey picked up a weapon, he always looked at it, to make sure it was unloaded, then handed it to Cobb, so that his co-instructor could check it, to ensure its safety, and vice versa. "When handling a weapon, always consider it loaded," said Rainey. "Always place your finger along the barrel, not on the trigger."

The course was not only about safety. It was also about the rules and regulations that go along with a concealed carry permit, especially, when being approached by a law enforcement officer. Although it is not required to tell an officer you are a concealed carrier, it is recommended you advise them of your status, before reaching for anything in the car, or on your body, that could be perceived as a weapon. "When stopped, always tell an officer if you have a firearm, prior to reaching in the direction of it," said Rainey. "Be sure to tell them where it is, and ask what they want you to do, before ever reaching in the direction of any documents that may be near a weapon," Rainey instructed. "Remember that they (police officers) do not know you, nor what your intentions are, so for them, you could be perceived as a potential threat to their safety."

The class itinerary covered firearm vehicle and home safety rules, as well as laws that honor Missouri CCW permits. Rainey advised students to, before going into another state with a weapon, contact that state, in order to know its laws, because not all states acknowledge CCW permits.

Firearms safety was not all that was covered in the class. Rainey covered lead safety procedures as well. With the amount of lead contained in ammunition, both instructors reinforced the importance of gun owners protecting themselves from lead poisoning and following guidelines to keep families and pets safe, too. "The body absorbs lead, because it sees it like calcium," explained Rainey. "Like calcium, it is absorbed into the bones, and is mostly stored (there). So, for the avid shooter, it is important to follow lead safety rules, such as not putting anything in the mouth until hands have been washed thoroughly, along with clothes."

The class covered firearms care and maintenance, as well as what to do in aiming a weapon, such as front sight concentration. Rainey covered, in depth, Missouri Revised Statue 571, which covers everything from obtaining and maintaining a concealed weapon permit, to reasons for permit suspensions. He also discussed the statute's chapter 563, which includes Missouri's Castle Law and the use of force, pertaining to property, personal and family protection.

Good manners were another area Rainey touched on, stating that not everyone is comfortable around firearms. He advised not to flash a weapon or display it, but to keep it covered and out of sight. As a law enforcement officer, Rainey said most interaction between the public and police happens during traffic stops. "We would like to go home to our families at night," said Rainey. "So, be a little more understanding, when an officer shines their light in your eyes, because that keeps an officer safe, until they feel they are safe." He added, "Officers are trained that the hands kill us." He also recommended avoiding use of the word, "gun," because it is a code word to which they are trained to react. For example, rather than saying, "I have a gun," Rainey advised to instead say, "I have a license to carry, and I'm armed. What would you like me to do?" Rainey instructed to let the officer decide what to do first.

After approximately eight hours of classroom instruction, students headed to a firing range in Cardwell, for the second portion of the CCW instruction. It was there that students applied their newfound knowledge and became familiar with a firearm. Many brought their own weapons, while for others, it was the first time ever holding a gun. One student said that, after taking the course, it gave her a whole new appreciation for law enforcement officers, recalling Rainey's earlier comment that they "want to get home to their families," too.

For more information about the SEMO Firearms Training program, or to apply for the class, visit www.semofirearmstraining.com, or call 573-344-0833.