By Kelli Carmack
According to data compiled by Small Arms Analytics & Forecasting, nearly 23 million firearms were sold last year.
With this astonishing rise of new gun owners, Garrett Hamblen is focused on promoting top-notch gun safety and responsibility through his firearms academy, Hamblen Security.
“This pandemic has launched the biggest new gun owner surge I’ve seen in my entire lifetime,” says Hamblen. “It’s vital people are properly trained on how to own and operate a firearm.”
Hamblen Security’s concealed carry class (CCW) does just that. This class, which is $59, offers students basic gun safety knowledge and shooting skills, and is a requirement to receive a Concealed Carry Permit in Florida.
There’s a lot of CCW classes out there, but Hamblen believes his classes stand out because he goes the extra mile for his students.
“A lot of other CCW classes are either solely online, just 30 minutes long, and/or the instructors only let you shoot with rubber bullets,” says Hamblen, “Our classes are four hours long and we fire with real ammo.”
Hamblen Security students learn everything from selecting the right firearm, how to handle it, and how to protect themselves and their family. Another important topic taught is situational awareness.
“People always ask me, ‘What do I do if I get mugged, or if my house gets broken into, or if I see someone with a gun?’” says Hamblen. “We go through all different, real-life scenarios and teach you what is the safest thing to do.”
Once a student completes Hamblen Security’s CCW, he/she can continue their firearm training with a follow-up class — Basic Pistol. In this class, the student focuses on owning and operating the correct firearm, and a large percentage of the class is hands-on training and shooting.
“This is the class that’s missing in the firearm world,” says Hamblen. “Most firearm academies don’t offer a follow-up class.” Hamblen Security also offers private classes, advanced classes, gun-cleaning classes and even youth classes.
Preventative training is the primary focus in Hamblen Security’s youth class. It teaches young kids what to do if they come across a gun at a friend’s house, school or playground, as well as how to safely shoot, load and unload a firearm.
“This class can teach kids how to react in a potential life-threatening situation with a firearm,” says Hamblen.
All of Hamblen Security’s classroom portions are held indoors at the Awake Wesleyan Church in Zephyrhills, and the outside training is at a private range in Zephyrhills. Hamblen is double certified with the National Rifle Association (NRA), and is a partner for the U.S. Concealed Carry Association (USCCA).
Published on 4/28/21
