On Oahu, in order to get a gun you need a slip of paper that says you took a basic training class…read morethat meets the state's requirements. L.I.F.E. is the cheapest class you can take to get that piece of paper BUT it's a fun, quality class with great instructors.
The class material follows the NRA basic training guide and covers gun safety, gun components, ammunition components, hire to soon, different stances, etc. Different instructors cover the different parts; so, it's interesting to hear their backgrounds and witness the different personalities and teaching styles.
Hawaii gun laws are also covered. What I liked about this section is that the instructor for this portion, Bill, doesn't just spit out the wording verbatim. He explains how these laws came to be, some history, and how they apply to you in various situations. Example: if someone is assaulting your child and you grab your gun and head downstairs to confront the assaulter, if the assaulter leaving by the time you come down, you can't shoot because you're not preventing anything... The person is leaving.
Then the fun part.... Shooting! I was nervous, who wouldn't be? But the instructors are great at making you feel comfortable because of their expertise and step by step instruction. We had 8? Instructors and 16? Students in class, so there wasn't a long wait and you can hop to different instructors and fire different guns. I fired at least 15 different guns, from Glock 17, 17L, 19, Springfield XD-9, Taurus 66, Ruger .22 Mark 3 Target, .40, .45, .38.
What's great about different instructors is that they'll show you something a previous instructor didn't mention, little tricks they do, etc.
The class is held once a month. You can check the website for times and registration. The basic class was held at Kokohead Shooting Complex from 8 to 4. Be sure to go 30 min early for registration. I came 15 min early but they were late setting up so I got lucky.
When you register, an email is sent confirming your spot and telling you everything you'll need for class and where to go. They provide snacks and drinks. It gets hot out there. Stay hydrated.
BOTTOM LINE:
Best deal you're going to get. A great class, a great time! If you're looking to get that piece of paper, sign up here!