Business of the Week: Shooters Ready Training (SRT)
By Eric Perry
Gun safety through education has become important in today’s society as we are faced with numerous news stories of acts of violence that are either random or premeditated. Thus increasingly, concerns have heightened consideration of the need for personal protection. In New York State, obtaining a gun license requires training, and one notable local instructor in Buffalo, New York is Andre Louck Jr. With 13 years of experience, Andre has an extensive background in firearms training.
Andre’s journey began in 2013 when he trained with the Georgia State Patrol, further honing his skills in firearms safety instruction. Upon returning to Buffalo, he underwent training with the Buffalo Police Department through a scholarship program. He excelled in shooting training and was hired by the Canisius College Department of Public Safety.
His expertise expanded as he pursued a federal security contract which involved a four- week training program in Virginia. This allowed him to train with various law enforcement agencies such as; Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and Air Marshals. Andre’s passion for his community and his knowledge of firearms and safety led him to start training and helping others become responsible and safe firearms owners.
One crucial aspect emphasized by Andre is the possibility of the necessity for individuals to become first responders in certain situations, especially at home. While citizens rely on police for protection, there could be a situation when an immediate, but sensible response may be required. Proper firearms training plays a vital role in ensuring rational decision making in the event of a threatening situation.
Andre also draws attention to the importance of protecting children from access to firearms in the home. While the gun owner is responsible for securely storing firearms, children need to know the importance of seeking assistance in the event that they find a gun. This information could be the difference between saving an innocent life or the tragic loss of life. Andre shared an example of a situation when a child's friend discovered a firearm in a room. It is crucial for children to have prior information to be protected in such scenarios.
We discussed the firearms crisis in our communities, including the tragic shooting of innocent victims at a Tops grocery store in Buffalo on May 14, 2022. Andre believes that with more trained firearm owners, the outcome may have been different. While the Second Amendment to the Constitution grants the right to acquire and bear arms, it is equally important to emphasize the significance of proper training and education when it comes to firearms.
Consequently, the importance of proper firearms education and safety training cannot be overstated. Andre Louck Jr., through his Shooter Ready Training program, aims to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible and safe firearms owners. If you are in need of firearms training, check out information on Andre’s @ShooterReadyTraining on Instagram.