Section 29-19-7 - Demonstration of ability and knowledge; course requirement; proprietary interest; exemptions. - New Mexico Statutes

29-19-7. Demonstration of ability and knowledge; course requirement; proprietary interest; exemptions.

A.     The department shall prepare and publish minimum standards for approved firearms training courses that teach competency with handguns. A firearms training course shall include classroom instruction and range instruction and an actual demonstration by the applicant of his ability to safely use a handgun. An applicant shall not be licensed unless he demonstrates, at a minimum, his ability to use a handgun of .32 caliber. An approved firearms training course shall be a course that is certified or sponsored by a federal or state law enforcement agency, a college, a firearms training school or a nationally recognized organization, approved by the department, that customarily offers firearms training. The firearms training course shall be not less than fifteen hours in length and shall provide instruction regarding:   

(1)     knowledge of and safe handling of single- and double-action revolvers and semiautomatic handguns;   

(2)     safe storage of handguns and child safety;   

(3)     safe handgun shooting fundamentals;   

(4)     live shooting of a handgun on a firing range;   

(5)     identification of ways to develop and maintain handgun shooting skills;   

(6)     federal, state and local criminal and civil laws pertaining to the purchase, ownership, transportation, use and possession of handguns;   

(7)     techniques for avoiding a criminal attack and how to control a violent confrontation; and   

(8)     techniques for nonviolent dispute resolution.   

B.     Every instructor of an approved firearms training course shall annually file a copy of the course description and proof of certification with the department.