I get that. So my questions for tonight. I know anyone that wanders by here is a gunnie I think, but.....
I show up in 5.11 pants, boots, and some shirt that says I can do this. I would be a poster boy for gun culture 1.0 and SWPL. The classroom is fantastic and then I pull this stuff out:
So, my questions are:
Should I tone down the apparel? Just show up in some jeans and maybe an Oxford shirt?
Second. If you look at the picture above you will see a preponderance of Smith and Wesson hardware.
So, if you were taking a "this end of the handgun is where the bullet comes out" class from me would you interpret the hardware as an endorsement for that manufacturer? I do go get a Glock Gen 3 something and a Beretta 92FS from the range and present them as well, but this post is about perceptions. I only have this 5 hour class to introduce these people to this. I do tell them that I payed for everything and nothing is on "T&E" from the manufacturer.
What say you? Mix it up more? I'm worrying too much, something in between?
I strive to make my classes better and any feedback would be appricated. Hell, you want to sit in on a class and give feedback? I'll buy ya Dinner.
As a fellow firearms instructor in regards to clothing, I say wear whatever makes you comfortable. Regarding the particular assortment of firearms, I don't have a problem with all of them being Smith and Wesson because all off them represent a very wide dispersion of different types of firearms. if I might make a suggestion, I would only carry one of the 38 snubbies and one off the large 9mm semi-autos. Just from a glance at the photo it appears the only difference in the two are the finish. The Glock and the Beretta are good for comparison as in weight, width, size, and concealability. Just my opinion, rock on it looks to me like you're doing a good job.
ReplyDelete~Himself; Brad Johnson
Thanks Sir! The other large 9 is not a nine. It is a .22 drug out for class because the range Ruger MkIII is off line. The .38 snubbies to me are important as one is an alloy airweight and one is a full steel handgun. I make the students feel the difference in weight in class. Thanks again!
DeleteI chose "you worry too much". Be confident and competent and no one will ever remember what you wore. That said, uniforms, even informal ones, command respect and imply competency until the wearer disproves that. Dress for comfort and utility and you'll be smoother and radiate more confidence.
ReplyDeleteAs to the weapon "endorsement"...so what? You shoot what you have and you have then because they are good. Sure there are other good guns out there, but are you going to have them all present in a five hour class? Use the available tools that best help you impart the lesson and worry not about steering a purchase to or away from some big company.
My two cents.
Thanks ML! I try to represent that I am a professional and I know of what I speak.
DeleteThe tools are chosen for a reason too. There are only two there I really care about. All the rest can be replaced in a day.
Worrying too much about it... the 5.11s and an oxford, err, polo?... maybe... lol... I am die-hard Ruger... it shows in my collection... but I also show them the M&P 9, 9-Compact, 9-Shield, Glock 19, 26, etc... it's an intro class, so you might be over-thinking it... I tell my students to A) stick to major brands, and B) see if there are a lot of holsters availalbe for it before you buy...
ReplyDeleteIt all shows that you value and take pride in being a good instructor...
Dann in Ohio
PS... now if you were showing them five Hi-Points and a Jennings 22... well, we'd have to talk...
DeleteDann in Ohio
Thanks Dann! I have a couple of Ruger's here, just not ones I would drag to class.
DeleteI teach a lot of NRA First Steps courses, so I know the audience you will have...
ReplyDeletePolo and slacks. I tell people during class that there are many good firearms out there, remember that (more or less) you get what you pay for, and, if asked, tell my preferences, (1911).
As long as you appearance is more or less mainstream, you'll be fine and make a good impression.
Thanks B! I really appreciate the feedback.
DeleteLook professional, don't worry about the rest... Tell them there are multiple choices, and stress that they need to try before they buy... :-) And yes, you're overthinking it... :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks NFO. I will run standard equipment and duty uniform tomorrow =)
DeleteOld NFO offers wise words in this and many other topics and too much worry is noticeable by the student audience. Being old school retired LEO with an officer survival training background I don’t care much for 5.11 or generic tactical apparel. I equally don’t care for its costs, as an entire industry exists funded by young impressionable LEO’s purchasing gear & garments not issued to them by their LEA. Now as to the firearms you’ve shown, if you have a 4” 38/357 Magnum I’d consider adding it to the mix.
ReplyDeleteYep - what they all said. I sometimes wear jeans & a Hawaiian shirt when preaching. After the first three minutes, nobody is thinking about my clothes. It's competence, confidence, and presentation.
ReplyDeleteNow see that right there will make me fly up there =)
DeleteFirst, every petty criminal knows that the small, concealable handguns go on the left side of the place setting.
ReplyDeleteSecond, plus one to what everyone else said. Clean, comfortable and professional is about the only thing that matters to beginners. Skip the multi-cam and ghillie suit.
People worry about brand identification too much. The mantra is get the best quality you can afford that works for you.
There's a lot of knowledge above. FWIW when I teach First Steps I try to show handguns with the features that I think are important so I use a SA and an SA/DA revolver and a Glock vs whatever for the safety discussion and include a 1911 for discussing 'cocked & locked'
ReplyDeleteI make a point of reminding folks that this is just an assortment, its not all mine and I appreciate the loan, and that I have no axe to grind on any of this!
And re: Apparel I favor 5.11s as well but the pockets are all used, And I wear boots b/c being on one's feet all day takes a toll - also if things are wet & muddy. Polo shirts seem to hit a middle ground between too casual Tshirts and too much button-down. I do ask other presenters not to wear camos and Tshirts with an attitude; am looking for a competent-professional tone to deal with these entry-level students. YMMV and I wouldn't sweat it too much.
Keep up the good work!
Enjoy the blog and the good comments that you attract.
As a Colt owner and user......
ReplyDeleteYou could include some wheel guns that turn the right way......
Or at least tell them that not all revolvers turn backwards :-)