When it comes to firearms safety, Marcus Hirschhorn of Antler Arms said that people often feel a false sense of confidence simply because they have spent many hours at an indoor target range. Having practiced to the point where they can successfully hit a target from a reasonable distance, they believe they have mastered a skill.

The problem with this notion, he said, is that typically, this type of training has only been done while standing in a booth that measures three feet by three feet, shooting at targets that only go as far back as maybe 25 yards. Hirschhorn said that regardless of how much time a person puts in at an indoor range or from how far a distance a shooter can precisely hit a target, training done only at an indoor range is not adequate, nor is it even practical, especially when it comes to mastering defensive shooting. “Putting holes in paper just isn’t enough,” Hirschhorn explained, “and what I teach is the next step.”

A resident of Elizabeth, Hirschhorn is a U.S. Department of Defense civilian contractor and a squad designated marksman in the IDF reserves. He has trained hundreds of people in the use and safety of firearms for nearly 15 years and is acutely familiar with all the dangerous scenarios and precarious situations that could arise in the event of an emergency.

With full-day training sessions in defensive shooting, Antler Arms LLC has put together a complete all-day itinerary to help anyone sharpen their defensive firearms skills in an open range, perfectly situated in the heart of the Poconos. During a full-day session, Hirschorn teaches people lifesaving skills that go beyond the confines of a shooting range. Participants learn how to use firearms safely and effectively so they can protect themselves and their families in the event of an emergency until local law enforcement arrives.

“What if you need to duck behind cover? Would you still be able to hit your target? What if you need to start walking, or even running, from your initial spot? Would you be able to reload from behind cover?” Those are just some of the predicaments that Hirschhorn covers during his training sessions. “There is so much more that goes into defensive shooting and Antler Arms wants you to master those potentially lifesaving skills,” he said. “Especially if you have never shot outdoors, then you need to shoot outdoors for a number of reasons. We are going to get outside and move all around so you can really train while you are in constant motion.”

Antler Arms LLC is currently offering two classes that are still open for registration. The first will take place on Sunday Dec. 1 and the second will take place Sunday, Jan. 5. The day will begin at around 8:30 a.m., and participants will receive eight hours of nonstop outdoor training in defensive shooting.

After signing up, Hirschorn will send participants a couple of waivers along with a full list of gear to bring with them. For those people who don’t yet own their own firearms, Antler Arms LLC can assist.

The day will begin with Hirschhorn giving a safety brief where he discusses the five rules of gun safety and emergency procedures, and then move on to discussing the fundamentals of marksmanship before commencing target practice. Hirschhorn will observe the participants, offering advice and critique as needed, to be sure their shots are getting into an acceptable target zone.

From there, Hirschhorn will discuss transitioning to different pieces, various shooting positions, including standing, kneeling and prone, and reloading for a number of different reasons. Afterwards, participants will practice shooting from behind cover, safely moving to cover and spending the remainder of the day practicing shooting while moving. There will be lessons that accompany each drill and Hirschhorn will share real-world stories and anecdotes that relate to the day’s activities.

If you are not sure which firearm is right for you, Hirschhorn suggests going into a store and literally trying every handgun until you find the one that feels right in your hand. He says that for each person that feeling is different. But you can always contact Antler Arms LLC and Hirschhorn will come with you to the store to help you figure out which piece is right for you,

When signing up, be sure to mention The Jewish Link to receive a special discount on your training course.

To learn more about Antler Arms LLC and how to defend your home, visit www.antlerarmsllc.com or call (201) 321-1309. You can also find him on Facebook at Antler Arms and on Instagram @antlerarms.