LenS

No. Maybe because I was trained as an engineer and thus things that are mechanical come as second nature to me?

Many guns are different and thus "one size fits all" training won't work.

I learned by reading the manuals that came with the guns (long before the Internet info became available). Today, that plus the various info you can find online make paying someone for training unnecessary in my eyes.

I did watch the president of L&R clean guns in ultrasonic tanks (that none of us could afford . . . he was using the commercial ones that will hold a rifle and probably 10 gal of cleaner), but I couldn't really take away any real knowledge from watching that happen.

At the end of a Second Amendment Sisters session I had a lady ask me to show her how to clean her S&W CS9. I had never touched one of these models, but it was easy for me to clean it and show her what I did. Problem was that she had paid someone to do the same thing for her previously (and she offered me money, I refused and told her to learn how and teach others . . . that was the best payment she could make).

Many people do NOT learn by watching others, but need to do it themselves. I took that approach in teaching (one-on-one) some clients about computer skills years ago (I printed out a script for them to follow, then let them do it under my watchful eye). That's the ideal way to teach, in my mind, but won't work when someone springs an on-the-spot request on you as was done to me above.

Belonging to private clubs ever since I got into shooting, if I had/have a question and someone else (experienced) is around, I go to them for help. Likewise I pass it along if a newbie has questions. I never accept money for doing this, just tell them to learn and pass it along to others. Keeping the knowledge flowing is the best payback.

That's my 25-cents worth (2-cents won't buy you a breath of air anymore ).

Cupcake

Interesting that almost all of the comments are for the "nays," but almost half of the votes are for the "yays." Maybe they don't want to admit to being unsure of themselves?

__________________
[Journalist is handed a rifle]
Journalist: I'm a non-combatant.
Sergeant Major: Ain't no such thing today.

matiki

I answered no, because the shop I buy from teaches you to field strip and advises on how to clean your weapon unless you tell them you don't need the advice.

__________________
That we are to stand by the president, right or wrong is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.

~Theodore Roosevelt

The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.

~Tacitus

Janq

Yes.

There was no such thing as YouTube prior to 4 yrs. ago and not everyone comes from a gun tradition household or has had access to military training.
Further as noted by others this _should_ be covered in either basic firearms training classes and/or that toward a handgun permit but across three such classes I've taken in years past it was on the syllabus for just one and in that class it was skipped. This should also be covered in Basic Hunter Education too but in MA where I took mine it is not.

IMHO knowing how to properly and generally clean as well as maintain a firearm is just as important as knowing how to handle and discharge it.
If I were to teach a firearms basics and safety course or were a gun shop I would include as much in my coursework or as a shop offer such a class for a nominal dollar amount to my customers who are newbies.

- Janq learned via books at the library

__________________
"Killers who are not deterred by laws against murder are not going to be deterred by laws against guns. " - Robert A. Levy
Monday, March 12, 2007 -- Op Ed -- The Washington Post

cdwolf

Them Evil books!!! Teaching you to defend yourself!!
Ban books..Wait we tried that one already

__________________
GUN CONTROL= I WANT TO BE THE ONE IN CONTROL OF THE GUN

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

Cupcake

Probably should be covered in classes. I recall my instructor did brush over it, but it was very generic and those in the back of the class couldn't see squat. I'm thinking something specific to the buyers firearm and theres no replacement for a hands-on lesson, if one needs some learnin'.

__________________
[Journalist is handed a rifle]
Journalist: I'm a non-combatant.
Sergeant Major: Ain't no such thing today.

kazzaerexys

I found gun cleaning to be one of the harder things to get good info on. Since then I have run across the cleaning How To entries on The Box o' Truth, and the SIG website has some very good maintenance videos in their customer support section.

Using a spray can of compressed air is the biggest thing I have learned to do after searching for more information.

__________________
“What is a moderate interpretation of [the Constitution]? Halfway between what it says and [...] what you want it to say?”

—Justice Antonin Scalia

Duisburg

my grandpaw taught me how to care, clean and safely use all guns

__________________
1- i am not a felon
2- i have passed extensive background checks by the sheriffs department and the FBI.
3- i have been fingerprinted, trained, and tested.
4- i have demonstrated good character.
5- i obey the law.

wmhawth

Learned to clean guns as a kid. Learned to clean guns real good in the Army. No further instruction needed for me.

__________________
William

dukalmighty

As far as cleaning a firearm most new guns come with an instruction manual that book that guys throw on the table while they figure out how to work a gun,I learned to clean guns when I was a teenager and later in the military,I can not only fiels strip all my firearms but repair most things that can go wrong with them,if you feel you need to spend money to learn how to clean a gun then by all means go for it,but I'll bet if you ask somebody at the range for help they will show you for free,I know I would

__________________
Quit your Whining Ya Whiny Baby