Authorities with the Patrick County Sheriff’s Office will teach two Firearm Safety classes this year.
The first class is for women only and girls age 12 and older if accompanied by their mother or female legal guardian.
It will be held on Saturday, Sept. 19.
A second and final class of the year is slated for Saturday, Oct. 17. The class is open to men, women, and children age 12 and older if accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
Classes are limited to 24 participants.
Participants are required to bring their own face mask and to wear it on the range.
Although primarily firearms safety classes, instruction also includes marksmanship instruction.
Each class includes a two-hour discussion about concealed carry laws, justifiable use of deadly force, firearm safety rules, and the fundamentals of marksmanship.
Class duration is four hours.
Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs to facilitate social distancing during the discussion, snacks to eat and beverages to drink.
Classes are conducted outdoors, so it’s important that participants dress for the weather. On the firing line, each shooter will be assigned a coach. For instruction and safety, social distancing will not be possible and face masks are required.
These classes exceed the training requirement to obtain a Virginia concealed handgun permit. Those who complete the class will receive a certificate of firearms safety training.
To register for either class, call the sheriff’s office at (276) 694-3161.
Registration ends the class size meets the limit or one week before the date of the class – whichever occurs first.
The cost is $55 per person, payable by cash or check at the class.
After registering, if you become aware that you will not be able to attend, call the sheriff’s office as soon as possible to remove your name from the registration list, so that someone else may participate in your place.
Participants must bring their own 25 rounds of ammunition.
Participants may use their own handgun (it should be unloaded when brought to the class) or they may use a handgun provided by the sheriff’s office. If using a sheriff’s office handgun, it is strongly recommended that participants bring .22 long-rifle ammunition. However, .38 special or 9mm ammunition can be accommodated.
Classes will be held at the Sheriff’s Office/4-H Club’s shooting range, which is located at 223 Transfer Station Lane in Stuart.
A criminal history check will be completed by the Sheriff’s Office on those registering for the class.
For additional information, call Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith at 694-3161 or Deputy Ward Stone at (276) 692-6453.
