New, or Prospective Gun Owner?

Demystifying Pistols, Rifles, and Shotguns

Fostering a lifelong commitment to safe and responsible gun ownership

Firearm Familiarization

Familiarization Classes in a welcoming environment
Have you chosen to become a gun owner but don't have the background or exposure to firearms to feel completely comfortable with living with and training with your new purchase? We know that going to the shooting range can feel very intimidating when everyone around you seems to be more advanced. Attending a Concealed Carry, or License To Carry (LTC) class that has so many other students sometimes feels awkward to ask about the things that you really want to know.

Third Monkey Training was created to provide a foundation in gun ownership that allows you to understand your firearm, become comfortable with it, and confidently move on into developing your shooting skills and the responsible mindset needed to thrive as a gun owner.

There is a deliberate cap on class size of no more than 2 students so that everyone has the space and comfort to ask whatever you'd like. We can also provide private instruction at your residence so that you can become comfortable with your own firearms in your own home.

We provide four different courses of instruction: Pistol, Rifle, Shotgun, and Home Defense and Emergency Preparedness planning.

Classes & Signup

What does Third Monkey mean?

Third Monkey is a mindset that says, if you have to fight, fight like you were the third monkey on the ramp at Noah’s Ark.

We believe that everyone has the Right to be secure in their person and in their home. The Third Monkey mindset says that you are prepared to defend yourself and those you care for. For many people, that means being able to safely and confidently operate a firearm.

Conan "Rick" Hauck

About Us

Third Monkey Training LLC was founded by Conan "Rick" Hauck in Austin, TX. Rick previously served as a paratrooper medic in the 82nd Airborne Division and then later served as a Trooper in the Texas Highway Patrol. He holds a Master Peace Officer license in the State of Texas and graduated Cum Laude from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Over the years, Rick gave informal versions of these classes to friends and acquaintances who asked for help in understanding how to safely handle, maintain and operate their new firearms. Rick realized there were very likely many people who had the exact same questions and interest in this type of training who may not know someone who could provide it.

Quite often, new or prospective gun owners find the typical gun range to be unwelcoming or even intimidating. Unfortunately, most introductory gun classes are over sized, and don’t tend to foster the environment that would make a person feel comfortable asking the foundational questions that they would really like answered.

With all of that in mind, Rick created a training company that would bring the essential knowledge to the student and away from the barriers to entry that may have prevented a person from gaining the knowledge and confidence to safely handle a firearm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own a firearm to take a class?
No. Our instructors will provide all training aids for the class.

May I bring my personal firearms to the class?
Yes. Our instructors will help you understand, operate and care for your personal firearms.

Am I able to purchase a firearm through Third Monkey Training LLC?
No. We do however have an affiliation with a company named 2A Outfitters LLC that holds a Type 7 Federal Firearm License (FFL) to sell firearms and ammunition and will do so at preferential rates to our students.

Will there be any shooting during the class?
No. There will be zero shooting.

Will there be any live ammunition in the class?
No. For the safety of the training environment, and for the comfort of the students, there will be no live ammunition. Any personal weapons brought to class must be free of ammunition before entering the classroom. (If you would like assistance with making sure that your firearms are cleared, please contact your instructor before class begins)

How big are the classes?
Maximum enrollment for public classes is four (4) students. Classes are capped to ensure that each student has the opportunity to have every question answered and to experience a personalized and supportive training environment.

Is there a minimum age to attend?
No. All Federal and State laws regarding firearms address Possession (Ownership) and Carrying of firearms. These classes are specifically about the operation, care and maintenance of firearms.

Any child under 18 attending one of our public classes should be able to comprehend the content and not be disruptive to the other students and must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. We do recommend that if you have multiple children that you would like to attend this training, you might consider a private class where the entire family can learn together.

Is there a private class option? How do I arrange for a private training?
Yes. Our Instructors are happy to provide a private training session in your home. In a private session, the student and their family may all together receive the safety and informational instruction that fosters a safe and respectful mindset necessary to own and operate firearms.

What if I need to cancel a class?
Our Instructors will gladly reschedule your class or refund your payment.

What can I expect to have learned and experienced at the end of my class?
You will have learned how the pistol/rifle/shotgun works by observing and participating in the disassembly and reassembly of a pistol/rifle/shotgun, de-mystifying its operation. You will have learned the essential rules of safe weapon handling and will have practiced these rules in class with your instructor. You will have learned the etiquette and customs surrounding handling firearms at gun ranges and around other gun owners. You will have had an opportunity to ask every single question you might have been reluctant to ask in a larger setting. And lastly, you will have received the foundation necessary to confidently move forward with your firearms training in the future.

Contact Us

Based in Austin, TX with satellite locations coming soon across Texas.

Mail

info@thirdmonkeytraining.com

Phone

512-763-5449