Yellowknife (Apr 22/05) - Warren Cummins first learned about guns and rifles at his grandfather's knee.

"Growing up around firearms in the home, you had to learn common sense in firearm safety," Cummins said.

Many years of practice later, Cummins has received both his restricted firearms and his master instructor certificates.

The federal certification enables Cummins to run firearms safety courses and also certify instructors in both restricted and non-restricted firearms.

"My grandfather was a hunter and we spent a lot of time together. As I grew older I became a cadet and was a competitive shooter," Cummins said.

After becoming a high school teacher, Cummins continued his firearm education, obtaining certification as an instructor, and offering a safety course to Yellowknife students.

"I've kept with it all the way along and I also like to hunt a little bit," he said.

Cummins said becoming a top-notch shooter "takes lots of practice, a steady hand and the ability to totally focus and relax while you are doing it."

"If you are nervous or tense, it throws your shots off," he added. "But practice is the key. It's like any other precision sport."

Cummins firearm of choice is his newly-acquired Sharps rifle.

"It's like a favourite baseball glove," he said.

Cummins said he also has an interest in historical firearms.

"I like to study about how they evolved and the innovations that have taken place over time. It's like any other pastime you have. Certain peculiarities of that pastime interest you."