New Mercyhurst Program Offers Handgun-Safety Tips

Handguns are a popular self-defense tool. In fact, hundreds of applications to carry firearms are filed each month in our region. That's why one local university is working to educate and prepare those who have them.

The Public Safety Institute of Mercyhurst University is offering a one-of-a-kind program in our region, aiming to keep the aim of citizens on point.

The two-day "Citizens Handgun Familiarization" course begins tonight at the Public Safety Institute at the Mercyhurst-North East campus, the same facility as Mercyhurst's Police Training Academy. Ten participants will hit the books, covering safety, marksmanship, gun mechanics, and legal matters, including self-defense tactics. On Saturday, the course takes them to the Keystone Gun Club, in Erie, where they'll put their skills to the test by practicing at the shooting range.

This type of program is the only one of its kind offered by a college or university in the region, according to the institute's director, Art Amann. He says there's a growing need for this type of training.

"It's important to get some instruction,” said Amann. “If you haven't had some instruction from professionals, then you should get that. As the university and public safety institute, it's important to do that."

The courses are offered monthly. Amann says Mercyhurst's January course is filling up and enrollment into the February course is already open. You can sign up by calling the Public Safety Institute at 814-725-6121, or by e-mail at [email protected].

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