Go Learn, Northern Ohio: Waypoint Shooting School

Deerfield, Ohio is about halfway between Akron and Youngstown right around the junction of highways 14 and 224. It's also the home of Waypoint Shooting School. They offer, as they put it, Complete firearms education for everyone.  Although they teach a number of different courses, the ones most immediately significant are Rifle 1 and Rifle 2, each a 1-day class. They're significant because they're coming up fast — you've only got about a week to get enrolled if you're going to go train. Just as importantly, this may be one of the final courses Waypoint teaches this season.

We've already established that you should be training – this class is an hour from Cleveland, an hour and a half from Pittsburgh, a little over 2 from Columbus. That's plenty close to warrant getting off your ass.

Rifle 1 and Rifle 2 will be held at the ARO Group range. During Rifle 1 you'll cover safety, range etiquette, basic rifle/carbine operation and handling, some sling and “furniture” considerations, basic rifle maintenance and (very importantly) self-diagnosis methodology. You'll also learn trigger management techniques, sight setup and zero confirmation. You'll also be working the fundamentals, which should be true of any firearms related class. Bring your shootin' necessities and whatever snivel kit you require; minimum 350 rounds of ammunition but bring 500 if you have it, and make sure you have at least 2 functional magazines.

Rifle 2 takes the student a step further. In Rifle 2 you'll continue honing your mastery of the fundamentals but will begin shooting from other positions, learn to engage multiple targets, move and shoot and shooting from non-dominant/support side. You'll also shoot from greater distances.

Both classes will be taught by Kyle Henrickson. We should warn you in advance that while we've heard he's an excellent instructor he is also a ginger. He also has questionable taste in household pets (and worse in friends). Bring whatever voodoo gear or spiritual implements you might require to defend your soul.

You can find the Rifle 1 Event page on Facebook here; Rifle 2's is right here. Can't make one of those classes? Check Waypoint's online training calendar.

Waypoint Shooting School is online, on Facebook and Instagram (@waypoint_shooting). Here's a gratuitous crotch shot. You're welcome.

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.