Dutchess County

Hope you're enjoying the summer and making the most of these longer days as we head into August!

During one of our recent New York State 18-Hour Pistol Permit courses, a student asked us a simple but important question: "What's the most important part of firearms training?"

The easy answer is, all of it. Safe gun handling, marksmanship, legal knowledge, defensive tactics, and decision-making all play critical roles in becoming a responsible armed citizen. But if we had to choose one skill that stands above the rest, our answer is situational awareness.

Whether you carry a firearm every day or simply own one for home defense, your ability to recognize potential danger before it becomes a threat is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. Situational awareness gives you time—time to identify a problem, avoid it altogether, or prepare to respond if necessary. The best defensive encounter is often the one you never have to fight.

The good news is that situational awareness is a skill anyone can improve. The challenge is that it requires conscious effort and regular practice until it becomes second nature.

One of the biggest obstacles we see today? Our phones.

Cell phones are incredible tools, but they're also one of the greatest distractions in our daily lives. Every moment spent looking down at a screen is a moment you're not paying attention to what's happening around you.

This month, challenge yourself to make one simple change:

These small habits cost nothing, require no special equipment, and can make a tremendous difference in your personal safety.

Remember, carrying a firearm is about far more than marksmanship. It's about avoiding danger whenever possible, making sound decisions under stress, and taking responsibility for your own safety and the safety of those around you.

Stay in touch with 2BearArms for all the latest updates to laws and regulations in NYS.

New Offering: StopBox Safes Now Available
We’re excited to announce that 2BearArms is now an authorized StopBox dealer. These secure, quick-access safes meet New York State storage requirements and are ideal for both home and vehicle use. We’re offering introductory pricing for a limited time, so reach out now to secure yours before inventory tightens.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for real-time updates and newly added classes.

Best regards,
Philip

NYS 18-HR CONCEALED CARRY PISTOL PERMIT COURSE
(Open to Non-Residents and Those applying to NYC )

Consecutive Monday/Thursday Evenings
September 21, 24, 28 & October 1, 2026
6:00pm-10pm All sessions
REGISTER HERE

~OR~
Saturday, October 10^th - THIS IS THE EXCLUSIVE ONE-DAY ONLY COURSE offered ONLY by 2BearArms
6:00am - Midnight
REGISTER HERE

WOMEN ON TARGET - 4 Openings Remaining
Saturday, September 12^th 
Open to women 16 and over.
REGISTER HERE

NRA BASICS OF PISTOL SHOOTING COURSE
Monday and Thursday, Sept 21 & 24- 6:00pm-10:00pm Both Sessions
REGISTER HERE

FREE FIREARM SAFETY SEMINAR - Light snacks and beverages, Bring a friend
Monday, October 5th - 6:00pm-8:00pm
Great opportunity to find out about updated laws, bring your questions and get the answers you need related to firearm ownership, firearm use and training options.
Email us to register

PISTOL PERMIT APPLICATION WORKSHOP
Tuesday, December 1st - 6:00pm-8:00pm
Get assistance filling out your application, Get your forms notorized and questions answered.
Email us to register

NRA BASICS OF PISTOL SHOOTING INSTRUCTOR COURSE-Limited seats
Become an NRA CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
Friday, December 11th & 12^th 5:00pm-10:30pm and
Saturday, December 12^th 7:00am-5:00pm
REGISTER HERE