Is there a training school open to non-US citizens?

N

Nyanko

Inactive
Hello,

I live in Japan, and I'm looking for a basic course which
1. is available to non-US citizens, especially Japanese citizens, who are visiting the US.
2. is about 3-day to a week in length.
3. is designed to teach basics to those who have not touched firearms.
- A course that starts from gun safety and includes actual shooting practce with live rounds.
4. has firearms avaiable for rent in case those who attend the course do not possess their own ones.

I know there are some shooting ranges which are open to tourists and let us try some guns for an hour or so.
I'm sure it is fun to try some popular guns in those ranges, but I'm more interested in learning marksmanship fundamentals.
I have several airsofts and like plinking with them, but I also want to learn the gun safety and the proper way to practice shooting through real firearms.

Thank you.
 
I assume you don't have a gun because you live in Japan. Generally firearm transfers to non-US citizens who are also non-resident/ immigrant aliens on temporary visas are prohibited except:

A nonimmigrant alien is not prohibited from purchasing, receiving,
or possessing a firearm if the alien: (1) is in possession of a hunting license or
permit lawfully issued in the United States; (2) is an official representative of a foreign government who is accredited to the United States Government or their Government’s mission to an international organization having its headquarters in the United States; or (3) has received a waiver from the prohibition from the Attorney General of the United States. (See 18 U.S.C. § 922(y)(2) for additional exceptions.) Persons subject to one of these exceptions should answer “yes” to questions 12l and 13 and provide the documentation requested by question 18c.
Click to expand...

So your options are:

- Give AG Eric Holder a call. He just approved transfers for all kinds of guns to Mexicans. I am sure he will approve one for Japanese person just looking to do so some training. (Or tell him you are a Mexican drug lord, he will square you right away)

- Get a hunting license and then convince a gun training school to let you train and shoot there when you are not "hunting". This might squeeze you in without going to the pokey.

- Become a diplomat representing Japan. This is the best way as you also get immunity from various crimes. I have no idea how to do that in Japan. In the US you have to give A LOT of money to whoever is running for President and than they get elected and make you an ambassador.

In any case if you DO land in jail, the justice department did set up a hot line for people not from the US who commit crimes, get locked up and feel their rights are being violated. I think you have to be in the country illegally to use it but I am not sure.

Me personally... I would love nothing more than to listen in with milk spitting out of my nose; when you call the DOJ to tell them that you are in jail because your second amendment rights are being violated and can they please help....

The hotline recording is available in both English and Spanish and callers are asked to leave a detailed message.

Hotline: 1-855-353-1010

Email: Hb56@usdoj.gov
Click to expand...
 
Nyanko, 英語が上手ですね！

I know that most places ask for 'legal ID' like a driver's license or other identification, but I don't know whether they require that people taking the class must be US citizens or not.

Do you have a particular region of the US that you're considering, or would you be picking the place to visit based upon having a class available?

The reason that I ask is that it might be easier to research classes in a particular area to find out if they have a residency requirement.

Good luck!
 
To be a touch more practical (added - I see Dev we are on the same page - www.krtraining.com in our area):

1. What area of the USA are you willing to come to?

2. Check out local laws about noncitizens or nonlicensed folks handling firearms. Some states may have prohibitions, many do not.

3. I have heard that Japanese tourists visit the West Coast and Las Vegas and ranges have special tours/classes for them.

4. I know in TX that we have hosted Asian visitors from China and the Middle East at our matches and clubs without difficulty.

5. It can be done - there are Japanes airsoft shooter clubs. A young man came here and shot normal IPSC and was very successful. Perhaps you can contact the Japanese IPSC for ideas - http://ipsc-japan.org/

6. Same for IDPA - http://www.idpa.com/clublist.asp?pick=Japan


Give us a hint about where you want to visit and we can help you contact reputable schools and they probably have a handle on laws and arranging visits.
 
Strange as it might seem to Americans , Japan has a number of fine gun magazines .Some years back I met some of the gun magazine people here on a visit. Perhaps you could contact those magazines to get the information.
 
I think the issue for must gun schools is not the fact that the person is not an American citizen, but simply have the mission to train people who want to learn firearms use for self-defense. At least that is the mission at our school. I turn down people who do not have that main goal in mind. I want everyone on the same mental wave length.
 
If you cannot find a "school" to train you, many shooting ranges host their own classes. Sometimes the employees are the teachers. After you find out if you are allowed to handle a firearm (not talking about buying) i would look for specific ranges and call them up asking about classes. Lots of times you can get private lessons. This may not be what you were looking for.

As for your time frame, maybe you could contact Front Sight institute. They are a fairly large organization and may have some experience with this. They host classes that are several days long. I am thankful to be in this country and i hope you're able to find a way to learn the sport.
 
Mr Nyanko

The Civilian Marksmanship program has a GSM Clinic, often referred to as a Garand Clinic.

To attend the clinic the attendee has to sign an affidavite stating:

A) The person has not been convicted of any Federal or State felony or violation of section 922 of title 18.

B) The person is not a member of any organization that advocates the violent overthrow of the United States Government.

The affidavate also is a waiver or hold harmless agreement.

These local or club clinics provide firearm safety training and an introduction to target and range firing. The CMP sanctions these clinics when sponsoring clubs submit an application and a $20.00 sanctioning fee. The CMP provides instructional materials, low-cost ammunition.

The clinics use M1s, Springfields, Military Sporters, Carbines and Modern Military rifles.

I am a CMP-GSM Master Instructor and do conduct Clinics and Matches. The course of fire is either 30 or 40 rounds depending on which course fired.

To my knowledge, there is no requirement to be a citiizen to attend these clinics as long as your are in the country legally. I will check to make sure if interested.

The cost of the clinic is $20, (total, to be spit ammong the shooters) plus ammo. The cost of the ammo is dependant on what course you wish to fire. Normally it would be about 50 cents a round.

I do provide limited loaner rifles for my clinics at no cost. The clinic can be completed in one day. It will teach Gun Safety, Positions, Marksmanship fundamentals.

My range is in Newcastle WY in the Black Hills, near such attractions as Mount Rushmore, Jewel Cave NM, Wind Cave National Park, Deadwood, just to name a few.

This would make a great vacation to go along with your clinic.

I do not charge for this clinic. You spit the $20 fee, plus pay for the ammo (which would be between $15 and $20 per shooter). You have the choice of firing on my personal range (no cost) or our club range which would charge a $5 range fee.

This web site gives you more information on the clinics.

PM me if you are interested.
 
You have the choice of firing on my personal range (no cost) or our club range which would charge a $5 range fee.
Click to expand...

Based on gun laws I would say he has to use your range. If he takes it off your facilities than that would be an illegal transfer.
 
Gunsite Training Center

This is one of the two best private shooting schools in the world. I have been there several times and highly recommend it. The school is located in north central Arizona. To get there you would fly into Phoenix and drive north slightly over 2-hours.

I don't know if they take foreign nationals; you will need to ask them. They do have firearms for rent. A working knowledge of English is important for safety.

http://www.gunsite.com/main/
 
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There are also issues from the school's side as some training can not be legally offered to foreign nationals without jumping through the appropriate State Deartment hoops.
 
Hello & Welcome,....

in 2008 my wife & I took second honeymoon to Honolulu, I was surprised by noticing two firearms ranges in the Waikiki Beach area the appeared to caterer to foreign nationals, for first time firearm training, it was an expensive endeavor.

I, recommend that you "google", firearm trainng - Waikiki, and see what develops and contact those listed to see if they have references from your homeland.

Having lived in Seattle, WA, there are some training facilities there but not certain what is available for visitior from outside the USA??

Maybe contact the moderator "Pax" of this forum, she is from that area and MIGHT be able to assist.

Welcome, again and Good luck!
 
I got a ruling from the CMP, according the Chief Operating Officer of the CMP, Tourist CAN attend a CMP GSM Clinic.

So if the OP is interested, I will put on the Clinic for him.
 
Mr. MTT TL

Generally firearm transfers to non-US citizens who are also non-resident/ immigrant aliens on temporary visas are prohibited except:
Click to expand...

Does that "firearm transfers to non-US citizens" applies to guns rented at the range and used only inside that range?

Anyway, thank you very much for the detailed explanations.
I was concerned about leagal problems that happen when non-US citizen use firearms.
 
Mr dev_null

I'm just looking for a class which is available to overseas citizens and do not care about the location of the school.
I haven't never thought of the residency requirement, so thanks for the heads-up. I added this to the list of questions that I ask when I contact a school.
This was a big help. Again, thank you very much.
 
Does that "firearm transfers to non-US citizens" applies to guns rented at the range and used only inside that range?
Click to expand...
No. Guns that are loaned out and kept on the premises are not "transferred," as they still belong to the business.
 
Mr Glenn E. Meyer

1. Basically, any place where I can find a course which I can leagally take.
I'm not concerned about the location itself because I'm visiting the US for learning gun safety and marksmanship, not for sightseeing this time.
Although I'm thinking about including some 'minor to medium' sightseeing activities, it's not the main focus.
With that said, as for location, I prefer a place where

A. airfare from Japan is reasonable
International flights cost, but a flight from Japan to that particular region is substaintially more expensive than the others, I may search other places.
B. public transportations are available.
Since I won't have a car during the visit, nor can I drive, I would have to rely on train/bus/taxi to move between the hotel and the range.
C. the climate is moderate in February and March.
This is because I'm planning to take 5 days to a week off of my work somewhere around that time if my schedule allows.
D. there is a store which carries items necessary for shooting.
I can purchase them for prices usually substaintially cheaper in the US than in Japan.

2. I'm struggling with this because it is kinda difficult to find information on laws about the use of firearms by foreign individuals,
but this is critical and I'll search more as I narrow down choices of schools.

3 & 4. Thank you for the information. I'll check out schools around that area.

5 & 6. These may be a great resource too. Thanks.
 
Gunsite Training Center

B. public transportations are available.
Since I won't have a car during the visit, nor can I drive, I would have to rely on train/bus/taxi to move between the hotel and the range.
C. the climate is moderate in February and March.
This is because I'm planning to take 5 days to a week off of my work somewhere around that time if my schedule allows.
D. there is a store which carries items necessary for shooting.
Click to expand...

B. Gunsite has one or two lodges right outside the ranch gate that caters to students.
C. 70-80F around that time of year.
D, They have a store on-site that will sell you whatever you need including ammo, ear protection, hats, elbow & knee pads, holsters, etc. And the school will rent you a pistol w/o (am guessing just about anything you might want: 1911, SIG, Glock, Beretta, S&W, etc) a problem.
 
Mr kraigwy

Thank you for the information on the CMP
I would like to ask several questions about it.

The clinics use M1s, Springfields, Military Sporters, Carbines and Modern Military rifles.
Click to expand...

Does the clinic offer a class for handling and shooting handguns, particularly those with relatively smaller calibers, like .22LR and 9mm?
I'm a big fan of military rifles and would like to try them, but I've been mainly practicing with handgun airsofts, so I would like to try handguns to see the results of the practice with my airsofts.

To my knowledge, there is no requirement to be a citiizen to attend these clinics as long as your are in the country legally. I will check to make sure if interested.
Click to expand...

I am interested, so could you please check?

The cost of the clinic is $20, (total, to be spit ammong the shooters) plus ammo.
Click to expand...

Does this mean that the clinic is basically a group class?
If it is, how many students join the clinic?
Also, is there a private clinic, i.e. clinic where one instructor teaches one student?
The reason why I consider the private clinic is, even though I'll probably be able to understand what are taught in the clinic
there may be times when I want to confirm and ask things which are obvious to native speakers of English.
I know this sounds somewhat stupid, but the safety is a priority, and I'd rather take it slow and make everything clear when I take a class that involves the handling of firearms.

I would also like to know how long each clinic is.
If it is a single day deal, could you arrange the clinic that stretches a couple to several days, for example handgun on first day, then rifle on second day, and so on?
Traveling overseas is not something that I can do very often, so I would like to stay several days and make the most of it.

Thanks.
 
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