When the time came, students went through each simulator one at a time accompanied by an instructor. Most rookies made the same mistakes, like forgetting where the front sight is or deciding that a good jerk of the trigger is better than the press-surprise break we'd been trying to master. Occasionally, a no-shoot target was shot, but it's better to make mistakes in the simulator than on the street where consequences are real. Most students were their own worst critic, but the instructors were very professional, and no one was embarrassed or ridiculed. By the time I was done, I was tired, winded, excited, enthused and ready to do it all again. It was a lot of fun.

Gunsite firearms safety rules are posted everywhere and strictly enforced.

NIGHT SHOOT
To those who have never experienced shooting a handgun at night, the muzzle flash can be surprising and distracting. Interestingly, though, some people actually shoot better at night, perhaps because of fewer visual distractions or greater concentration on proper technique. It is not easy, especially when holding a flashlight. Both the Harries and Laser techniques were taught so the student could decide which one he or she preferred. It made for a long day, but no one complained.

The last shooting exercise on the last day was the shoot-off, where we were subjected to the pressure of competition. At this point, everyone was confident of his or her abilities, so we all had a good time. Four pepper poppers plus a split one were placed 10 yards downrange, and two shooters took positions next to each other on the firing line.

At the start signal, each drew and fired, knocking down (hopefully) their two pepper poppers, speed reloaded, then shot down their half of the split one in a race to finish first. Competition was tough, and some novices beat some experienced shooters. Surprising to me, the double-action SIG and thumbbreak holster I used proved not to be a handicap against single actions or Glocks, so I couldn't blame my shortcomings on that. I was beaten by some classmates but did not finish last, and I learned by experience that a major caliber has more pepper-popper knockdown power than a 9mm.

Every one of us, from the youngest to the oldest, made it successfully to the end of the course. I was sure that even the younger participants had a sore muscle or two from the physical activity, and I noticed that about a third of the class was wearing bandages on fingers or palms to cover blisters from the cut checkering on their pistol grips. Still, no one complained, and smiles were everywhere.

Windows are dangerous. Always be ready for a bad guy who might suddenly appear from outside.

We were now members of the Gunsite Family, which includes people in almost every country in the world. With more than 1,600 acres and 25 ranges, along with a drop zone and helicopter landing area, Gunsite has trained some very special people who are now serving in some interesting situations solving problems regularly with the same skills we had learned.

Even seasoned law enforcement and military personnel can improve their shooting and learn new things in the Basic Defensive Pistol Course, so don't think it is just for novices or civilians. People older than I and with minor handicaps can easily handle the physical demands; you don't need to be a gazelle to participate. Besides, where else can you go to have this much fun and learn something that may save your life?