By Benjamin Bullard
The Cullman Times
CULLMAN —
The Hanceville police department is putting its new firing range to use, and not just for its own officers.
The department will host a class for women on July 14th, and again on the 21st, designed to better acquaint female pistol owners with their weapons, and to habituate safety practices into the routine handling of their firearms.
Hanceville police chief Bob Long said the four-hour class is open to any female county resident, even if she doesn’t own a pistol.
“It’s designed to familiarize women with firearms, and allow them to perform basic function checks, and acquire safe shooting habits with their own weapons,” said Long. “But all women are allowed to come, even if they do not have a weapon. However, they would only be able to observe the live-fire exercises.”
The free class consists of two hours of classroom instruction, followed by two hours of range safety and live-fire training. All participants must wear at least a long pants and T-shirt, but those who will bring a pistol must also have a belt and holster, as well as 50 rounds of ammunition.
Long said any registered pistol is fine to bring, regardless of caliber. Of course, pistol owners must also carry a permit.
The class isn’t limited only to Hanceville residents, Long said.
“Anybody is welcome to come — just shoot me an email or call the police department and let us know which date you’d like to sign up for,” he said.
Long, a certified firearms instructor, will teach the class, with assistance from other officers who will monitor the live-fire portion of the course to ensure safety.
The range itself is located on Brighter Street in Hanceville, just east of U.S. Highway 31 near the city’s waste water treatment plant.
“It’s still under construction, but we’re really happy to have it,” said Long. “We have 10 lanes, with concrete sidewalks for shooting from a range of distances. We have eye and ear protection, too, although people are welcome to bring their own.”
To register for the Ladies' Firearms Familiarization Course, contact the Hanceville police department at 256-352-9811, or contact Long directly via email at hanceville201@yahoo.com.
* Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
