[ScottE]

I take driving my cars and riding my motorcycle very seriously, and have found high performance driving courses and motorcycle training easy to get.

More recently, I obtained my CCW, and have spend hours standing alone in a stall at a gun range shooting at unarmed paper targets. I don't feel that my firearms training is as good as it should be, and am not sure that if I ever need to use my firearm in a life of death situation, I will be able to make good decisions. Even police with countless hours of gun training don't always perform as well as they need to.

I know everyone THINKS that in a life or death situation they will be able to perform with the best of them, but how do you know unless you have been there (no one I know has)?

Are there places in Colorado (Denver area) where someone can get some real world training from someone who has been there (Military or Police experience), without spending tons of money and having to travel to a remote area of the country?

Scott

[spwenger]

...there's a pretty high-speed operation near Montrose (http://www.valhallashootingclub.com/).

[ScottE]

Cool place, I might have to order one of their DVD's.

Someplace a little less formal, and easier to get into the classes would be ideal.

Scott

[ShackleMeNot]

There are lots of traveling instructors that teach classes in Colorado. The "Tactics and Training" forum is a good place to start your search. We are hosted for classes a few times a year in CO. You should also check John Farnam's schedule as his company DTI is based there.

[1911 guy]

First of all, good for you. A lot of folks just assume that hitting a bullseye is good enough for carrying a handgun.

CCW training is more available than ever, thanks to an explosion is "shall issue" laws around the country. Your options include traveling schools mentioned already, established locations such as Vallhalla, GunSite, Thunder Ranch, etc. I've never been to any of those three, so don't take that as an endorsement, but there are several choices available in most states now.

When looking into a particular school or trainer, it's not inappropriate at all to ask for a syllabus or the theory behind why they do what they do and teach. Also square up with them what level of experience you have or don't have. Their recommendation for what classes to start at will be more accurate and useful.

Be prepared to drop some cash, but not necessarily a small fortune. Just factor in ammo, lodging, a few extra mags and food while you're out of town.

Take notes when you go! Most classes will throw a lot of info at you both in theory and application of technique. Remembering "why" is just as usefull as the "how".

[Viper Strike]

There is new training available at 303 Arms (303arms.com) that includes ccw as well as defensive pistol 1-4. Rifle classes also available. They do have open training days at their private training area where people can come practice crucial skills other ranges (especially indoor) dont allow. pm for more info