HispanicBusiness

The calls started coming in after the school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Teachers. Parents. Coaches. They wanted to learn about guns, about gun safety, so if the worst should happen in a Hampton Roads school, they would be prepared.

Superior Pawn and Gun answered. The store's owner and instructors decided to offer a basic gun safety class to teachers and others who care for children. For free.

"God forbid a shooting situation happen in Hampton Roads, we would want to make sure the teacher in that situation can give police an update, and knows the difference between a shotgun and an assault rifle," said Allen Fabijan, a spokesman for the store.

"This is about safety."

The store advertised the free classes on radio stations, and teachers started signing up. The first class, held at Superior's indoor range near Lynnhaven Mall on Tuesday night, swiftly reached its 25-person capacity.

Next week's, on Tuesday, is also full.

Participants will learn how to identify types of guns, and how to render them safe. It's not about learning how to shoot, although participants can try at the range if they want to, Fabijan said.

For example, he said, in a situation like Newtown, it might be helpful if a teacher calling 911 could tell police what kind of gun is in the school, or how long it might take the shooter to reload.

The class won't teach anything such as disarming a shooter, Fabijan said.

"No politics," he added. "Just a free service."