NMSSA is pleased to announce a new Education and Training program for 2005. The Association has received a grant from the NRA Foundation to defray the expense of individuals who want to become NRA Certified Instructors in rifle, pistol, shotgun, personal protection, home firearms safety or range safety officer.

    The grant will cover at least 50% of the current cost and in some cases may cover 100%. The percentage to be covered will be determined by the number of people in the class, expense such as classroom rental, and the distance the Trainer will have to travel. Persons working with junior shooters will be funded 100%. Coralie Carrier, an NRA Training Counselor, will coordinate the workshops for individuals and clubs. To participate, please contact Coralie at (505) 382-9087 or by e-mail at safe@zianet.com .

    "This will be a unique opportunity to expand the number of Certified Instructors across the state"," said Robert Goode, NRA Field Representative, " and good instructors will help keep all our programs alive, from the Youth Hunter Education Challenge to the Becoming an Outdoors Woman workshops.

    I have tested dozens of handgun cartridges in various loadings using FBI/International Wound Ballistics Association standards and prepared a class around those results. This class was originally designed for law enforcement and related audiences. I have decided to offer a similar program to concealed carry permit holders and NMSSA members who could qualify for a concealed carry permit.

    The subject of wound ballistics is not well understood even by many involved in law enforcement. The news and entertainment media alternately exaggerates or minimizes the actual power of handguns. Popular misconceptions exist regarding the actual physiological effects of handgun bullet wounds and mechanism of wound trauma.

    In April 1986, FBI agents engaged in a gunfight with two felons in Miami, Florida. Two agents were killed and three seriously wounded in the action, which was in part due to the poor performance of the ammunition used by some of the agents. As a result, the FBI established new standards for handgun ammunition performance and a protocol for ammunition testing.

    My class covers aspects of the famous Miami gunfight and new performance standards established as a result. Also discussed are the results of my testing, various problems using a handgun for defense, and wound trauma.

    I have tested common cartridges in calibers .22 long rifle through .45 auto. I am starting to test the new Speer GoldDot loadings designed for short barrels. The fired bullets are mounted on display boards and, along with other materials, are to be viewed by the audience after the presentation. Substantial time is allotted for questions and review. The subject is presented in a manner to be useful to those with limited knowledge of small arms, as well as those with more experience.

    My fee is $25.00 per student. I am willing to travel if there were a group large enough to make it economically feasible.