Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Safe 'gun slinging' in Calaveras County

Over the weekend a group of new, and some experienced, pistol shooters learned basic pistol safety, care, laws, and shooting from instructor Steve Nelson of Calaveras Tactical right here in Copperopolis!

The newly formed Calaveras Tactical "provides safe, practical and affordable tactical firearms instruction in a dynamic, creative and professional company."  Utilizing classroom settings for powerpoint presentations and clear instruction where no question is considered unimportant then moving to a private 70 acre range for practical application. The 7 hour pistol class made shy, nervous students into confident and safe pistol shooters.






Steve, a paramedic, former corpsman with the USMC, firefighter and an NRA instructor, has been shooting since he was eight years old. When he entered the military in 1985, he became trained in firearms and tactics. By 1999 he began to shoot competitively in rifle, pistol and shotguns events. In 2009 Nelson attended a police academy, graduating top out of 44 recruits and trained with a Bay Area SWAT team. as a tactical medic.

Nelson's goal is to provide safe, fun, and educational firearm training in Calaveras County. "We have a dedicated pistol, shotgun and rifle range but also a challenging long course where you can engage targets in “the castle” from 250 yards to over 1000 yards.  Our instructors are friendly, encouraging and come from diverse backgrounds.  After training with us you will gain more knowledge, skill and confidence and will want to take your training to the next level.  As always, safety is our priority.  Safe, Practical, Affordable."

Calaveras Tactical currently offers courses from basic pistol to long range high power rifle, with additional classes added weekly. "We hope to be able to provide a Concealed Weapons course within the year." Said Nelson.


 Pictures by Jennifer Moreland