"So, how did that class go, Drang?"

Well, I'm glad you asked... sort of.

So, two weeks ago I posted Training returns to WAC Shows!

So I secured the weekend off, since I work graveyard shift these days and being able to teach a class Sunday morning would require two days... fortunately, I have leave to burn (as in, "use it or lose it.") and no one else was requesting the days.

Unfortunately, while we had training materials, and a venue, and instructors, we had no students sign up.

Well, it was pretty short notice, too short to fully advertise. 

There's a show this weekend at the Puyallup Fairgrounds, but this is the month when it is bumped from the usual "Showplex" facility to the "Pavilion"--and that raises a critical question...

The NRA Home Firearms Safety class involves teaching people safe gun handling, including how to "unload and make safe" the major types of hand- and long guns.

This, obviously, requires manipulating firearms.

Therefore, one of the requirements to conduct the class is that you have a "safe direction", per Rule 1 (NRA Version). This means that the classroom must have at least one wall that is constructed of a material that will stop a bullet.

(Yes, NRA bans all live ammo from classroom training, even classes like Refuse To Be A Victim that do not involve actual firearms.

(So?)

We were unable to ascertain whether the Pavilion has a classroom facility that meets the requirement for a safe direction, therefore, no class this weekend.

March's Puyallup show is in the "Agriplex" which is barely big enough for the usual table-holders, does not have room for a separate class, and does not have a safe direction. (There is no show in March at the fairgrounds in Monroe.)

So it looks like the next class will probably be at Puyallup in April. Well, should be plenty of time to advertise, kinda wonder if we'll need to do one class both days...

Again:

• Cost:
• Admission to WAC Gunshows is free for WAC members
• $10.00 for non-members. (Refundable if you join at the show.)

• Target audience: 
• Those wishing to learn or review the basics of safe gun handling. 
• No minimum or maximum age, but the "final exam" involves safely demonstrating "unloading and showing clear"
• Depending on turnout, students who do not have the strength or dexterity to demonstrate safe gun handling may be allowed to "audit" the class, but no certificate will be issued. (I.e., those too young, arthritis or hand injuries, etc.)

WAC's Event Rules are at the link.

By the way: Part of dues, and of the non-members entry fee for the show, goes to the Building Fund, which is earmarked to be used to purchase a permanent home for the WAC offices and shows. There have been issues with finding a large enough piece of property that wasn't zoned against firearm-related activities.

I ass-you-me that, if we ever find a suitable property, that the gun shows at alternate facilities will not cease. (That is, if it's in the south end there will still be several shows a year at the Monroe fairgrounds.

(The idea of having a couple of shows a year in Eastern Washington has also been mooted, but I don't know how far those plans have gone, or even if they got to the planing stage. I think maybe one a quarter or so, in, say, Spokane, Pasco, and Ellensberg, might be beneficial. But I'm just blue-skying here.)