Georgia Southern University’s September women’s firearm class is set for Saturday, Sept. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon inside the Shooting Sports Education Center on campus.

Cassandra Pelton, assistant director of the Shooting Center, said the program gives women knowledge about the safe use of firearms so they can be comfortable once they are outside of the classroom.

“Firearm safety for women is incredibly important to us,” Pelton said. “It is life-saving. Not just your own, but for other people.”

The Shooting Sports Education Center is a partnership between the university and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The 30,000-square-foot facility on Old Register Road is open to the public. It features a 16-lane, 25-meter firing range, a 25-meter archery center and includes two training rooms.

Firearm classes are held every 4-6 weeks. The cost for GS students is $50 and the cost for the general public is $75. Registration must be completed within 48 hours of the posted class date in order to attend.

Each women’s firearm class caps traditionally at 12 persons per course, in order to provide a proper instructor ratio and an intimate class setting for each individual to grasp the importance of gun safety.

Half of the program is taught in a classroom setting and is instructed on the proper way to handle a firearm and universal safety laws. The latter half of the course is on the range.

Pelton said the goal of the class is to not only teach the safety of firearms, but gives attendees the opportunity to learn on a range about four firearms – a .22, .38 special, .380 and a 9 mm.

Attendees have the option to shoot 10 rounds of each caliber. Individuals are welcome to bring their own firearms for practice, but they must be safely stored at the front desk with no live ammunition. 

Also, Pelton said the Shooting Center can provide proof they took the firearms class by requesting a certificate.

Pelton said the class provides women a space where it is open to ask any questions. 

“We’re really conscious of when we choose our instructors to be able to teach this class so that they are able to provide a safe space for women,” Pelton said. 

The next class after this Saturday is scheduled for 6-9 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 14. For more information or questions, call (912) 478-7732 or go to www.georgiasouthern.edu/recreation/ssec/firearms/