I was in a dialogue the other day with a friend, and think that our discussion represents a fine topic to post here....

Let's say that somebody who's been shooting handguns for a while (implying a reasonable familiarity with the weapon itself and a basic ability to conduct themselves within the context of The Four Rules) decides to take a shooting course. In looking around, they identify two basic types of training; those that teach static weapons skills (grip, stance, etc) and those that focus on dynamic act/react types of skills (more combat-focused). Due to cost/work schedule constraints, they can take off less than a week of time (weekend is optimal) and the course needs to be within a day's drive from their home. They can only take one course.

What kind of course would be appropriate for this person, and why?

Agree with Pat. I've been shooting for years and compete when I'm not working. I plan on taking a basic pistol class when I get home as it's been quite a while since I've had good coaching.

Where are you located?

Start with the NRA Basic Pistol

Never hurts to just go over the basics.  No matter how much other stuff you do, nothing trumps plain, old-fashioned, good marksmanship.

Quote

Start with the NRA Basic Pistol

Never hurts to just go over the basics.  No matter how much other stuff you do, nothing trumps plain, old-fashioned, good marksmanship.

Something I read that stuck (can't remember the source - sorry), amateurs train until they do it right, professionals train until they cannot do it wrong.

Build the foundation first.

After the foundation is built, then take the fun stuff.

If you don't build a solid foundation, the building will crumble when the earthquake comes.

pax

In the way of a specific course recommendation, I highly recommend John Farnam's Basic Defensive Pistol Course.  It does an excellent job of giving you the skills you need to use your pistol administratively (e.g. loading, clearing, carrying etc) and tactically (drawing, shooting accurately, reloading under stress, etc).  His later classes use exactly the same skills, just faster and more varied circumstances.  He does a really good job of covering the whole self-defense scenario -- mindset/philosphy, how to avoid getting into a scrape in the first place all the way to dealing with the cops after a self-defense shooting.  When I took his courses, they were $400 plus $20 for the range, and that covered Fri evening, Saturday until past dark (for night shooting), and Sunday until late afternoon until testing was finished (yes, there is a shooting test.  It is simple, but it is not easy).  Also, dinner is provided Saturday night so no one has to leave the range, at least at Victoria.  I believe the course fee has gone up a bit, maybe $50.

John and his wife Vicki travel around the country giving the training (she actually teaches the basic course, and is quite good at it).  They come to Victoria, Texas, twice annually, once in March and once October (unfortunately you just missed their last visit on Oct 17).  I see John also has an advanced class in Houston on 22/23 Nov. 

His website is www.defense-training.com, and he posts a schedule there, plus course descriptions.  Also be sure to read the "Quotes, Quips, and Lessons."  These are copies of emails he sends out to all former students, keeping them abreast of new things he is teaching, thoughts on weaponry, actual incidents and lessons learned.

Best bet is to go to his site at get his email, and ask him what his schedule is like.  If you are willing to travel to another state, he may have a course sooner than next March.

Best wishes.

elb

John has a lot of knowledge, it's unfortunate his personal demeanor implies "the emperor" may let you speak to him.

It's unfortunate that John doesn't teach more in the style of a Todd Jarret (friendly, relaxed). His classes would doubtless be more effective.

I had not gotten that impression from him.   He is big on making decisions and not dithering, and I think this carries over into his approach.  He makes bold, declarative statements, and I suppose this could come across as imperious sometimes.  His courses do move at a fast pace, but while we trained seriously, we had a lot of fun and some laughs too.

However, I have asked him a lot of questions about his techniques and recommendations, and found he was quite willing to answer them and explain his logic, and not a all put out by it.  He also emphasizes being ready to learn and change your mind if presented with convincing information.  I recall one point he has evolved on is the use of laser sights.  He often covers his changes in thinking in the emails he frequently sends out to all his former students (and this is an excellent idea).  I have emailed him several times with questions or pointing to some bit of information I think he will find interesting, and he ALWAYS replies PROMPTLY and graciously.

I have not necessarily agreed with or adopted every single detail of his techniques or philosophy, but when I go to his course (or any other training, shooting or otherwise), I do my best to learn things his way, since that's what I came to learn.  Afterwards, I evaluate it, and if I agree I keep it, and if I don't agree, I jettison it.  However, during the course I do my best to go with the program, and ask questions to learn why something is done, and he (and Vickie) always answer.

Overall I find John and Vickie friendly, busy people, informative people.  There may be better instructors and courses out there, but they are quite excellent.

elb

After more than a decade of shooting a pistol (having trained with some well-known, good instructors) I decided to take a Gunsite 250 course.  The things I learned there changed my life for the better.   I followed through with the 350 intermediate and the 499 advanced courses (where I managed to win the class shoot-off).

Gunsite teaches you far more than just gunfighting- you learn to recognize and avoid threats, the mindset needed to succeed in a fight, and much more.  I highly recommend it.