American Handgunner July/August 1982

Continuedfrom page J6
nar, by mail, (Frank Green, 530 W. Grove
Rd., Montrose, CA 81401- Price $28.50). It
is two 60-minute tapes with a simple, but
entirely adequate, flip chart instruction
book. I think anyone-and I have in some
20 years of teaching seen almost many
types of training aids-could take Frank's
tapes and book and fire a handgun safely
and with practice, accurately, even if they
had never seen one before. This course is
the biggest value for $29 that you will find.
The question of continuil1g liability of
one who teaches self-defense with firearms
courses, is ofcontinuing interest. With our
courts handing down decisions, mostly in
favor of criminals, and giving large settlements
in cases ofcarelessness or stupidity, I
don't teach firearms classes outside police
departments any more. What protection
can you get against the student who, negligently
or justifiably, shoots someone,
including himself, and the court decides it
was your fault for teaching him, or not
teaching him correctly self-defense type
shooting?
I think teaching skill with a handgun is
great, and believe I 'could make some
money doing it, but I'd be jeopardizing
everything I own doing it. The NRA Insurance,
and the Carpenter Insurance Agency
in Washington, used by many clubs, are no
help at all in such liability. I have gone into
it thoroughly with them. My local insurance
agent thinks.straight accident liability
insurance during the teaching process
could be obtained, even if you had to use
Lloyds of London (which, as you may
know, offer some ofthe most reasonable
rates). But he is vague on what we do on
the continuing liability question. Judging
from calls, letters, and conversations I've
had, particularly from police officers
who'd like to teach, it is a problem. Many
had not thought of it until I asked them
how they are going to protect themselves.
You just have to shut your eyes and take
a chance; I have done it. The cause is excellent
and firearms skill is a very marketable
item now. Many Americans waited too
long to learn to shoot. However, until our
judicial system returns to verdicts that
won't penalize the God-fearing, law abid-
. ing American, count me out of teaching
self-defense with firearms to civilians.
I think you are reasonably safe teaching
handgunning as a sport, particularly an International
event. Finally, getting
Women's pistol shooting in the Olympics
adds lasting credibility to that sport.
Teaching a recognized sport would have
many angles for your defense in legal action.
Again, I recommend Frank Green's
course; his skill as an Olympic medalist
comes out in every word. I had not gotten
through the first tape before understanding
several fundamentals in a way that
made them very applicable to the demanding
air pistol. Try both, an accurate
air pistol and Frank's· IIIIl!IIIcourse.
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