Whether you’re interested in learning about personal firearms or simply want to become more comfortable with a gun you already own, an upcoming Troy Police Department course fits the bill.

Troy Police Chief Randall Barr said the firearm safety and familiarization course servers both those needs. Taught by Sgt. Ryan Nelson, the course is designed for men and women who want to learn the basics of firearm handling and safety.

“It’s a basic familiarization course,” he said. “It’s not going to make anyone a marksman, but you are going to learn how different weapons operate; how to sight the weapons; how to handle them safely; and how to fire them.”

The two-part course consists of classroom instruction and time on the shooting range.

The classroom instruction takes place March 3, and topics covered will include firearms laws as well as firearm safety.

“We talk about safety and gun laws and self defense laws,” Barr said. “The second day is spent on the range.”

On Saturday, March 5, class participants will have the opportunity to fire guns.

“We provide several different firearms and ammunition for them,” Barr said. “And, we do allow participants who have their own weapons to shoot them.”

Barr said in previous years the course was taught as a women’s firearm safety course. “But we’ve had several men express an interest in it as well,” he said.

Participants in the course run the gamut from women who want to overcome a fear of firearms to those who own their own weapons but want to learn more about the laws.

“Some will tell you they’re scare of the gun and want to overcome their fear and learn how to handle it safely if the need ever arises,” Barr said. “Others already own their own guns and want to become more comfortable handling them and shooting them.”

There is a $10 fee to participate in the course, which covers the cost of materials.

Anyone interested in participating should contact Nelson at rnelson@pd.troy.gov or call the police department at 334-566-0500. The class will be limited to 20 participants.