ADAM PAINCHAUD:  You’re a firearms instructor for 18+ years. You’ve been on the range a lot. You’re working a lot of students and influencing a lot of folks, people maybe just starting out shooting or seasoned operators. When you’re out there obviously you have the hard scopes. You’re focusing on mindset and things like that, what’s the big message you’re trying to convey to folks you train personally? What’s the big message you’re trying to put out there?

KRIS PARONTO:  Really, the message is just be confident in yourself. Gain confidence, get out there, learn your trade,  work at it. You have to continually work at it. It’s more than just shooting, more than just punching holes in paper targets. I just want people to be more confident in themselves.  Also, I want people to know they can take care of themselves, but they also can take care of loved ones.

I want people to get out there and honestly just have fun. It’s fun shooting. Enjoy it. Get out there and realize that this inanimate object, this piece of metal is not a bad thing to have in your hand and it can give you confidence by you going out there and just shooting and smiling. I love it when the first time they get out there and they shoot and they just have a huge smile on their face. It’s exhilarating for them and that makes me happy because I can see that they’re happy and it brings happiness into their lives. They should come and shoot more. And then they have happiness in other things in their lives.  It opens up doors, maybe they didn’t go to gym as much, now they’re going to gym more. Maybe they never fished and they’re going out and fishing, doing more outdoor activities and getting out of the house more and just having a better outlook on life because they are more confident in theirselves. That’s what I want. That’s what I love seeing. And you see it, especially with  first time shooters. I love it.

I love seeing that,just going out there and shooting and getting a gun in their hand and putting rounds downrange, people realize this is not a bad thing. They don’t need to be scared of it. The media says it hurts people?  What hurts people is other people, the bad people, holding this thing in their hands. They have it. They’re a good person. They  know how to handle it and you know what, they are happier.

You’re going to have the naysayers say no, that’s not right. Well, you know what, go out with me and let’s go shoot and you’ll see how much fun we have. How they are smiling, especially when they start hitting a target.  When they have their sights down. They figured it out. Then they took a task, we gave it to them. Figured it out. Now, they’re excelling at it. What else can they take on? They’re going to excel at that, too and they know they never tried it before. It’s like opening new doors. And that’s what it is. I love that.

Join the Conversation:  Tell us about your experiences. How have firearms, or sharing firearms with a friend or family member for the first time, brought other positive factors into your life? How much enjoyment do you feel when you go to the range? Do you feel a sense of empowerment and achievement? Share your thoughts below.

Adam Painchaud is one of the most highly regarded small unit tactics and advanced firearms instructors in America. He is Army Ranger and Airborne qualified. Adam is a senior non-commissioned officer with nearly 22 years of experience in both active duty and reserves. He has completed federal investigations as well as protective services missions worldwide including missions for the war against terrorism.

Adam has since transitioned to being the President and Co-Founder of E3 Firearms Association, as he continues to serve as a police officer. Adam remains active helping with training agencies, SWAT teams, and the community. He is  dedicated to making a positive difference in the firearms community and in people’s lives. Adam is the driving force behind E3 Firearms Association.