Looking for a beginner handgun class

https://www.reddit.com/r/boulder/comments/1ig2mur/looking_for_a_beginner_handgun_class/

created by ChillSygma on 02/02/2025 at 17:37 UTC

95 upvotes, 22 top-level comments (showing 22)

Hey Boulder! 👋 I'm looking for a beginner handgun class in the Boulder-ish area and came here looking for recommendations. This is for myself and my wife.

There are lots of options showing up on Google, but not being a gun cultered person myself I am finding it hard to evaluate what is good and what are weirdo gun nuts cosplaying as militia.

So I come to you, hopefully reasonable and responsible gun owners of Boulder, for your recommendations.

Comments

Comment by West-Rice6814 at 02/02/2025 at 18:13 UTC

68 upvotes, 3 direct replies

Trigger Time in Longmont. Friendly staff, nice facility and no political bullshit. They even have dedicated classes for women with woman instructors.

Comment by mr-blue- at 02/02/2025 at 17:45 UTC

101 upvotes, 8 direct replies

Shoot indoors is where I’ve done several classes. Never been disappointed. However you should know that no matter where you go all the staff is pretty presumptuous about your political views and you’ll just have to adopt the smile and wave face. The concept of a liberal gun owner doesn’t exactly compute

I did my concealed training there after the shooting at the king soopers and the instructor was ex SWAT. Extremely informative about the consequences of carrying

Comment by pash023 at 02/02/2025 at 18:38 UTC

34 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I love that this is posted. I recently decided it was time to do the same. Timely. Thanks.

Comment by Imaginary-Key5838 at 02/02/2025 at 20:03 UTC

7 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I took an intro pistol class at Bristlecone in Lakewood last weekend. Good experience.

Comment by e-rex-terriblis at 02/02/2025 at 20:29 UTC

7 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW) has several shooting ranges throughout the state, and at least two offer several educational courses based on different interests (handgun, rifle, shotgun, etc.) CPW is a state agency, so my guess is that firearm safety will be the main focus and any kind of political ideology won’t be an allowed topic. Colorado Clay’s is closest to the metro area, while the Cameo Shooting and Education Complex on the Western slope near Palisade. Colorado Parks & Wildlife Shooting Ranges

Comment by ajfaul at 02/02/2025 at 17:45 UTC

12 upvotes, 2 direct replies

Not exactly close to Boulder, but Liberty Firearms in Loveland has a wide array of classes. I have seen beginner courses, advanced course and all female courses. It would be work to check it out.

Comment by SurroundTiny at 02/02/2025 at 17:49 UTC

8 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I have not taken classes locally, but i would look at their websites and examine the class selection. See who is doing an introduction to handguns vs. strictly focused on obtaining a concealed carry license.

Bonus points if there is a class for maintaining / cleaning.

Comment by Starkiller_303 at 02/02/2025 at 17:52 UTC

7 upvotes, 1 direct replies

I second liberty firearms in Loveland. Its a little far but they're very professional.

Comment by AVeryHeavyBurtation at 02/02/2025 at 20:21 UTC

8 upvotes, 1 direct replies

/r/COGuns

Comment by Hal3134 at 02/02/2025 at 20:24 UTC

3 upvotes, 0 direct replies

The Longmont Police range is open to the public on weekends and has a Level 1 class 1/mo. They also have an all female class.

Comment by stacksmasher at 02/02/2025 at 19:31 UTC

6 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Welcome to the tribe!

Comment by Weird_Rub995 at 02/02/2025 at 22:33 UTC

3 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Shoot indoors westminster

Comment by itsreallysam at 02/02/2025 at 22:56 UTC

3 upvotes, 0 direct replies

If you're willing to make the drive, Trigger Time in Longmont is great.

Comment by MrJwoj at 02/02/2025 at 21:56 UTC

14 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Not to jack this thread but anyone even considering owning a firearm in this state should email their representatives about SB25-003 right now. Theres a good chance your right to bear arms will be forever stripped away if this bill passes. Lots of good information on r/COguns about who to email and how to respectfully voice your opinions. Whatever political side you choose all citizens of this country this year are having their rights stripped in countless ways, this is one that you can speak up on. Especially if you’re in Boulder.

Ok thanks I agree with everyone else about shoot indoors they are a solid option. I’ll also recommend finding a friend or someone on this sub that will take you to BLM land/a range and show you the ropes. I know Ive done that for lots of friends!

Comment by pupperoni42 at 02/02/2025 at 21:58 UTC

2 upvotes, 0 direct replies

I did my intro class at Shoot Indoors in Longmont, and have also had good experiences shooting at Trigger Time in Longmont. Trigger Time also offers more advanced classes (or at least they did), with movement, using concealment, etc. So after you get comfortable with your handgun, consider taking one of those courses to learn more real world skills.

Comment by seriously_tech at 03/02/2025 at 02:29 UTC

2 upvotes, 1 direct replies

Just replying to say thanks.   This is both the right time,  and right way.   Awesome

Comment by Life_Is_Short4869 at 03/02/2025 at 01:36 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

r/liberalgunowners

Comment by mormayo at 02/02/2025 at 21:58 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Wow, really crazy! My wife and I just finished a pistol training class today. It was two days. It was so fun and educational! We are going to be doing the full course with him.

He is out in Longmont, so not too far for you.

You contact Brian Brickey Here:

https://www.ccwcolorado.com

Comment by MyBloodTypeIsQueso at 02/02/2025 at 22:34 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Might search Longmont. It’s been a minute, but I did my hunter ed course at an indoor range there and had a good experience.

Comment by Purple-Marionberry75 at 02/02/2025 at 22:49 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

There are conceal carry classes in Longmont. Never done it but saw the signs.

Comment by EquipmentMany806 at 03/02/2025 at 18:28 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Terry Time

Comment by Koofka at 02/02/2025 at 17:52 UTC

1 upvotes, 0 direct replies

Did our CCW training a while back at BluCore Shooting Center in Lakewood and also have used it for range time. They have an indoor pistol range with 12 lanes and a 100 yard indoor rifle range. Offer a training and weapon rentals. https://blucore.com/[1][2]

1: https://blucore.com/

2: https://blucore.com/