Today we’d like to introduce you to Heather Allen.
Hi Heather, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I began working for the California Rifle and Pistol Association in 2017 as a Volunteer Coordinator and Field Representative. It was at this organization where I learned not only how important our Second Amendment is, but how critical all of our Constitutional Rights are. I noticed friends started asking me, “Where do you work? Can you teach me how to shoot?” Which quickly segwayed into friends of friends asking me the same question. I took that as a sign that there was a need for more (female) firearm instructors in our area.
In 2020, I began a journey of shooting a gun in all fifty states! It took my three years, lots of ammunition, and the help of family and friends to help me accomplish this fun goal. I write about the eye-opening experience in my book entitled Fifty States In My Sights.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to shooting a gun in “nongun friendly” states was a delicate one. I definitely had to do a fair amount of research when it came to not only traveling through certain states but also knowing which states I needed to bring my own firearm and ammunition to. In states like Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, one must possess a Firearm Owner Identification card in order to rent a gun or, in some cases, even purchase ammunition.
In New Jersey, I had brought everything I needed; however, just to rent a lane at an indoor range, a FOID card was required. That meant I needed to make new friends, and fast! Lucky for me, a nice couple heard my story of traveling to shoot in every state and didn’t want me to go home without checking “The Garden State” off my list.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about High Caliber Firearms Training and Education?
I will never forget receiving a call from Eva Torres Gracie. She asked if I could help teach a class of SEVENTY women who were interested in learning how to feel more confident and comfortable with a firearm. With the enlisted help of a few more instructors, we were able to accomplish this goal at LAX Shooting Range located on Manchester Blvd. in Inglewood. It was an unforgettable class, and I’m sure will be the largest I will teach in my career.
How do you think about luck?
This is a great question! I believe I was lucky to know a Second Amendment lawyer who referred me to apply with the California Rifle and Pistol Association. Other than that, it has been a lot of hard work honing in on skills that will help me be the best firearms instructor I can be. That is the greatest way to help my clients and hopefully implore them to refer my services to their friends and family.
I did, however, just return from SHOT Show (the largest gun show in the world). It is held in Las Vegas every January, and I did get lucky at the roulette table! I walked away with enough money to buy a decent gun, which I can then use in my classes. So perhaps luck does come into play at times.
Pricing:
- $19.99 for my book (available on Amazon)
Contact Info:
- Website: www.HighCaliberOC.com
- Instagram: HighCaliber_NC
Image Credits
Josh Schieffer Photography
Above Topsail Photography
