Lamar County sheriff to offer firearm novice course

PURVIS – The Lamar County Sheriff’s Department is holding a Citizens Firearms Course on May 9.

The one-day course, aimed at firearms novices, will be held at the county’s Multi-Purpose Center in the Industrial Park off Mississippi 589.

Sheriff Danny Rigel said the course is designed for those who may have purchased a weapon, but have not fired it much, if at all.

“It’s a very basic firearms course for beginners,” Rigel said. “There’s a lot of people of who have a gun at home for self-defense but have never shot the gun. They think they know what kind of noise it’ll make or what kind of kick it will have, and they have no idea, really.

“This course is for them.”

Rigel said the course is limited to 25 people, on a first-come, first-serve basis. Those enrolling must be at least 18 years old and bring their own weapon.

The course, which will be taught by National Rifle Association-certified instructors, will begin at 8 a.m. and last until about 4 p.m.

In addition to proper firing technique, storage and gun safety, enrollees will be taken to the sheriff department’s shooting range adjacent to the center.

To register or for more information, go to “Lamar County Sheriff Office” on Facebook or call (601) 794-1005.

Rigel said depending on the interest, a second course could be planned for the future.