Reply #11: New York State law doesn't mandate training.

[Straw Man]

In fact, New York law forbids live fire training for anyone who doesn't have a permit. There are a few exceptions. For example, those under 21 (but over 14) may fire handguns in the presence of a certified instructor, but those over 21 cannot. The patent absurdity of this needs no explanation.

There is considerable variation between counties and the county judges who preside over the permit system in this state. Some counties require some level of training; my county requires a six-hour course that doesn't involve any handling of firearms. It's mostly an overview of function and safety, with a little bit on the laws thrown in. It taught me nothing -- I repeat, nothing -- that I did not already know, including some information which I knew to be false.