Friends That Shoot
Community-based gun club for firearms and self-defense training
We aim to provide self-defense and firearms training to queer and trans individuals to help protect themselves against violent attacks.
With the rise of far-right extremist groups and the increasing normalization of hate speech and bigotry, queer and trans individuals have become especially vulnerable to violence and harassment.
In such an environment, the ability to defend oneself can be the difference between life and death. Firearms training provides a valuable tool to protect yourself from potential attackers. Knowing how to handle a firearm and understanding the legal and ethical implications of self-defense is empowering and provides a sense of control over your own safety.
Pick Your Approach
Our goal is to meet people where they’re at. We can provide training to you individually, or you can join your peers in one of our two basic workshops, outlined below.
Sign Up Now
If you’re interested in joining a class or receiving individualized training, click the button below.
We take your privacy very seriously, and ensure your information will not be shared with anyone outside the person who contacts you.
1. Introduction to Firearms
Duration: 2-4 hours
Level: Beginner
In our introductory 3-hour course, we cover firearm basics, safety principles, practical handling techniques, and self-defense awareness.
Please note that this is a non-live ammunition course, and there will be no firing of weapons. Our focus is on safety, responsible firearm ownership, and providing you with the foundational understanding needed for informed decision-making.
Whether you’re new to firearms or seeking to enhance your knowledge, this course offers a valuable foundation in firearm safety and awareness.
Welcome & Introductions (15 minutes)
- Welcome participants and introduce the course guides.
- Provide an overview of the course objectives, emphasizing safety, responsible firearm ownership, and self-defense.
- Explain the importance of firearm safety and responsible gun ownership.
Firearms Basics (30 minutes)
- Discuss different types of firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns) and their uses.
- Explain firearm terminology (e.g., barrel, slide, magazine, safety, trigger).
- Emphasize the importance of identifying and respecting different firearm parts.
Firearms Safety (45 minutes)
- Cover the fundamental rules of firearm safety.
- Demonstrate safe handling practices, including loading, unloading, and clearing a firearm.
- Address common safety misconceptions.
Practical Firearm Handling (60 minutes)
- Participants will practice proper firearm grip and stance.
- Learn how to load and unload a firearm safely.
- Perform dry fire exercises (firing without live ammunition).
- Practice sight alignment and sight picture.
- Guides will provide one-on-one instruction and answer questions.
Self-Defense, Law & Ethics (45 minutes)
- Discuss situational awareness and conflict avoidance techniques.
- Highlight the importance of understanding local self-defense laws and regulations.
- Address ethical and moral considerations of using firearms for self-defense.
Firearm Storage & Transport (30 minutes)
- Explain the importance of secure firearm storage, especially if there are children or unauthorized users in the home.
- Discuss safe methods for transporting firearms to and from the range or for self-defense purposes.
QA & Recap (15 minutes)
- Open the floor for questions and address any concerns.
- Recap key safety principles and takeaways from the course.
- Provide resources for further learning and practice.
2. Range Day:
Live Firearm Training
Duration: 2-4 hours
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
Building on the foundational knowledge gained in our introductory class, this 3-hour session offers hands-on experience at a live range.
During this group setting, you’ll spend the first 15 minutes reviewing range etiquette and safety principles.
The following hour and a half will focus on refining your shooting stance, proper pistol grip, and live fire practice under the supervision of our guides.
Welcome & Range Safety (15 minutes)
- Review range etiquette, safety rules, and procedures.
- Emphasize the importance of safe firearm handling and respect for others on the range.
Shooting Fundamentals (1 hour 30 minutes)
- Learn proper shooting stance and body positioning.
- Understand how to grip a pistol for stability and accuracy.
- Receive instruction on aiming, sight alignment, and sight picture.
- Practice live fire shooting under the guidance of experienced guide.
Free Practice (1 hour)
- Participants have the opportunity for individual practice.
- Guides provide one-on-one guidance and support.
- Emphasis on applying learned fundamentals and improving accuracy.
QA & Recap (15 minutes)
- Open the floor for questions and discuss any concerns.
- Recap key safety and shooting principles from the day.
- Highlight the importance of continued practice and improvement.
What to Bring:
- Personal identification
- Eye and ear protection (mandatory)
- Close-toed shoes and long pants
- Water and snacks for hydration and energy
- Note: Firearms and ammunition will be provided on-site.
Personalized, Individual Training
Duration: 2-4 hours
Level: Beginner/Intermediate
If you’re not comfortable in a group setting, we can provide you with one-on-one training in a place of your choosing for either of the class agendas above. We can also work on a customized training session that fits your needs, whatever they may be.
Why It matters
Individuals who undergo firearms training gain invaluable skills, including:
Self-Defense
Basic firearms training includes the knowledge and skills needed to protect yourself from physical harm. This can be especially important in situations where you may face violence or harassment due to your sexual orientation or gender identity.
Empowerment
Knowing how to handle a firearm and understanding the legal and ethical implications of self-defense gives you a sense of control over your own safety.
Confidence
Firearms training can help queer and trans individuals feel more confident and capable in their ability to defend themselves. This increased confidence can have a positive impact on their overall well-being and mental health.
Awareness
Firearms training can also help you become more aware of potential dangers and threats, as well as gain strategies for avoiding and de-escalating potentially violent situations.
Community
Firearms training programs specifically designed for queer and trans individuals builds a system of community and support, especially important for folks who may feel isolated or marginalized by mainstream firearms culture.
Firearms training can provide you with a valuable set of skills and knowledge that will empower and prepare you to defend yourself and others in potentially dangerous situations.
How to attend
NEW SIGNUP WEBSITE COMING SOON. Check our Instagram for Updates.
Fill out the form or email us directly at [email protected].
We’ll let you know about upcoming courses, or figure out a time to meet with you individually in your preferred setting.
Our identifying question is to help us prioritize individuals for training, and not to gate-keep or be exclusionary. It is not meant to reinforce stereotypes or create binary distinctions.
Looking to financially support this project?
“Welcome to the expensive club, where everything is expensive,” is what my friend told me as I was getting into firearms. They couldn’t have been more correct. From the proper safety gear, to range fees, ammunition costs, travel, and more—it takes a lot of financial commitment to train with firearms.
We could use any extra funds or firearms you have lying around! Reach out to us at [email protected] and we’ll provide you a safe way to contribute.