About
I am and NRA and USCCA certified firearms instructor. I teach self-defense, personal protection, civil protection, concealed weapons and marksmanship classes to adults and children mature enough to follow directions. I am a Certified Gunsmith, Glock and Sig Sauer Armorer. I take great pleasure in teaching new and experienced shooter on how to safely operate and shoot bullseyes with any kind of firearm.
I have been an NRA member since 1983 and been teaching shooting longer than that. As a people person and a firearms enthusiast, I get the opportunity to combine both aspects in a rewarding and satisfying career. I enjoy continuing my education and in turn, feel excitement in helping a first timer or experienced shooter improve their knowledge of firearms, gun safety and seeing the thrill they get in hitting the bullseye, as they start on their educational journey.
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Barbara W.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I work 1 on 1 or in a classroom style setting with up to 8 students per instructor and teach gun safety, proper firearm handling, marksmanship and multiple concealed weapons techniques. I practice safe firearms handling with teaching aides and emphasize the 4 basic rules of firearm safety and muzzle discipline. So whether you are a novice or experienced shooter you will come away with a better understanding of gun handling. I am also a certified in First Aide, Truama, AED and CPR.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am United States Army Infantry Veteran. A NRA certified Personal Protection, Basic Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun instructor. Beacuse of the different techiques and teachers I'v had, I also teach advanced classes in all three. Range Safety Officer and Chief Range Safety Officer. I also hold certifications with USCCA in Basic Handgun, Concealed Carry and Home Defense. I am also a Sig Sauer and Glock Armorer,and certified gunsmith. I am able to trouble shoot any problem you may encounter with your firearm for a seamless training scenario.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
The price for my classes range based on the student level of knowledge and experience.
I have a short course that is without any kind of certification if you just want an over view for 49.95 for a 2-hour course, no range time.
A beginner full course is needing 4 hours of Classroom and 2 hours of range time is looking at $ 150.00 for both sessions.
An advanced class in Conceal weapon principles, self defence shot gun or rifle inside and outside the home are 6 hours but because of the nature of the class it costs $199.00.
For those students that already ahve a firearm, maybe you inherited it, it was given to you or you just bought it from a salesperson, at the gun shop. It’s been sitting on a shelf, in a drawer or in the closet. Many individuals own guns and they have no idea how to take apart and clean, maintain and store them safely and may not be familiar with their own firearm I do have a dissasembly cleaning and safe handling class for just that reason for $69.00.
How did you get started teaching?
My name is Ricardo “Rico” de la Llama, I was born in Cuba and my family was force to leave when our property, personal belongings and money were seized by Castro, when my father, a United States Navy Academy graduate and grandparents refused to join the communist party. We came to the USA searching for freedom and a new start. I received my first BB gun as a when I was 8 years old, living in Chicago of all places. My older brother, who was 15 years old, taught me how to use it. When I was 11 years old, my father handed me a replica 1911 Colt. He told me not to come back until I could to take it apart and put it back together. Even though it wasn’t a working model, I was hooked! I was sent to Admiral Farragut Academy a military boarding high school. I took the 1911 Colt replica with me. I was told, I couldn’t keep it. So, I traded it to another classmate for Ruger Single 6 (yes it did work), I gave it to my brother to hold until I graduated. I served in the U.S. Army Airborne Infantry. They were kind enough to loan me a rifle, grenade launcher, bazooka and 1911 Colt 45, which expanded my passion for firearms.
Originally, I became NRA member, because it was required to obtain a license, to allow me to hunt in an area, near the base. I obtained my NRA Instructor Certification to allow me to teach others. My love of sharing my passion with others, thrill of seeing that 1st spark of enthusiasm, helping to improve someone’s knowledge of firearms and gun safety is why I continued to teach others. There is nothing like the shared feeling of excitement when you see someone of hit the bullseye, for the 1st time.
What types of students have you worked with?
Over the years, I have taught childern old enough to follow directions gun safety classes, beginners who are just getting started and experienced shooter that want to advance their training or brush up on their Technique. I like teaching no more than 8 students per instructor to give me the opportunity to truly understand each students needs and fears or apprehensions.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
As a Instuctor I have learned from various teachers in different disciplines I most enjoy teaching beginners that have not had the chance to learn bad habits. As a Armorer and Gunsmith I get a kick out of building a custom AR 15 or Glock handgun for myself or a student.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
If possible dont purchase the firearm until after you have taken the class. Each students reason my be different you dont take a 22 LR Bear hunting and you dont need a 50 caliber handgun for concealed carry. Are you taking the class for self defense, target shooting, competition shooting or just for fun? Yes people have fun shooting. That way we can assess the strengths of each student as applicable and make the best possible recomendation.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
I have found that a good question usually begins with why? Why are you looking for the training? How often do you plan on training how much time are you willing to dedicate on a weekly monthly yearly basis to your discipline be it hunting, marksmanship, competition, self-defense or just fun whatever?