Get hands-on training at concealed-carry permit class

The Washington County Federation of Republican Women is bringing the opportunity for local men and women to get training on handguns and earn their conceal and carry permit.  
 Participants do not have to be members of the Republican women’s group to participate.
 After holding two previous classes in October with 20 women at each class from around the area, the group is hosting a co-ed class on Nov. 15 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Nov. 16 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Participants must be present both days.
 The Washington County Federation of Republican Women has made promoting and protecting the Second Amendment, a large focus of the group since it was founded earlier this year. Although the upcoming class is co-ed, the other classes offered by the group have been specifically geared toward training women how to properly use a gun.
 Even participants with more advanced experience learn about legal issues and get hands-on practice.  At the end of the class, each participant has the opportunity to try out several different caliber guns and see what they feel most comfortable with. They will have a half-day of just shooting and target practice, along with a full day of classroom education.
 The class begins Friday night and Saturday morning with classroom time.  Participants will learn about all the legal issues surrounding what can take place if someone protects themselves with a gun. There are a lot of legalities to carrying a permit that it is important to know.
 Saturday afternoon is spent on the range shooting.  The class provides a comfortable setting where participants can feel safe asking questions and handling a gun, even if it is their first time.
 Most of the women who have attended recent classes may own a gun, but feel really uncomfortable handling it. This class gives them a safe opportunity to learn and get more experience and gain self defense and safety skills.
 Class participant Stacy Haines shared that she really enjoyed the class and the amount of hands-on instruction.
 “Before the class, I wasn’t completely comfortable handling a handgun, but the instructors were vary patient with me and knowledgeable. By the end of the class, I felt confident in my ability to handle a handgun and rights to defend myself and my children,” Haines said.  
 Group president Margaret Jensen explained that the hands-on practice during the Saturday afternoon session is one of the aspects of the class that makes it truly unique and valuable.
 “Oftentimes, women are told by their spouse, son, brother, etc., which kind of gun they need, and they feel overwhelmed with it. We provide several different types and calibers to try out to find something that you feel most comfortable with,” Jensen said.
 At the end of the class, they will be permitted to carry in 39 states, including Oregon but excluding California.
 The cost of the class is $100, which includes all the materials (except bullets), education, and permits. To sign up, contact Margaret Jensen  at 208-724-8399 or muggsy_jensen@msn.com.