LFI-1 Opinions

Yes. I took it about 3 months after I bought my first carry gun and decided I was going to be the survivor of any criminal attack. Mas taught me to use a speed loader and improved my shooting immensely. All the while providing me with knowledge and background needed to know when to shoot and how to stay out of prison.

I've been to Gunsite, Chapman, Front Sight, Thunder Ranch and a host of regional schools, LFI-1 remains the best single course I ever attended.

I don't think you can go wrong with it.

Mas if you are listening, how about coming to TEXAS sometime with this course? Besides Amarillo I mean, that's 8 hours from the rest of Texas

I like his "warranty," if you will. He has stated that if you take one of his courses, are involved in a self defense shooting and followed his procedures, he will act in whatever capacity your defense lawyer deems necessary (expert witness, consultant or whatever) at no charge.

(I doubt that expenses such as air fare and lodging are included, but there is no fee.)

The Most Bang for the Buck...

...is the Judicious Use of Deadly Force course. StressFire works well for some and poorly for others.

Just this reporter's opinion, based on a few years of having helped teach them...

Definitely worthwhile.

I tell people that we spent more time on the law of self-defense in LFI-1 than I did in 3 years of law school and the bar exam--that statement is not hyperbole.

As far as being new to shooting, I think most instructors would prefer this level of experience for a class like LFI-1. 1. You will have few preconceived notions about the way things "must be" as compared to a multiple graduate of say Gunsite, TR, inter alia. 2. If you are a newbie and admit that you know nothing, then it is far easier to teach an individual who has emptied his tea cup and start from zero.

Just don't show up to class with a hot gun on a cold range, like, um, er someone here did.

I am seriously thinking about taking the LFI-1 course this coming year.

It is being held within driving distance in Dunn, NC. The Judicious Use of Force is in April and then Stressfire will be October.

Click to expand...

???When??

I don't see an LFI-1 for NC on the schedule...

Judicious Use of Deadly Force - Yes, take it yesterday.

Stressfire - No opinion.

ETA
BTW, I have taken LFI-1, so my recommendation for JUoDF comes from personal experience.

Yes. LFI-I is the one essential course for anyone concerned with self-defense issues, and not only gun owners I think. This course is the kind that's life changing. What Ayoob does is give students ways to think clearly for themselves. They leave different from the way they arrive, and for the better.

By the way, Massad Ayoob is one of the best teachers I've ever seen in any field. He gave me a fisheye look when I said so on leaving the course years ago, but I meant it and still do. This is a man who has done something notable with his life.

man would i like to take all the courses there

i would plunk out the cash too if i could, even if it meant i could only have firearm (which would be a pistol of course)


thats a moot point for me anyway though, looks like a good setup.

If you have a gun for defensive purposes, you should take Judicious Use of Force.
I don't think LFI-1 is the ideal course for learning how to shoot, but I'd still recommend it. The "Judicious Use of Force " portion of LFI-1 is the best course I've taken for learning when to shoot, and learning to explain your decision.

Tim, I realized that I should have distinguished between the two parts of LFI-1. I was talking mostly about the first part: Judicious Use of Deadly Force. This course is the essential.

I benefitted greatly from the second part too (Stressfire) but it's not what I was talking about.

Thanks for making the distinction.

I agree with most - first part on use of force tremendously useful. Stressfire - if you are well trained shooter, probably a touch redundant. However, being exposed to different views and critique is a good thing - so if you are there - go for it.

I took LFI-1 many years ago. It was great.

I will repeat it someday.

Lfi-1

The legal component, "Judicious Use of Deadly Force" is critical and the material is well presented. (Mas Ayoob is nothing if not dynamic and entertaining . . . )

If you're a private citizen, it's likely that a lot of the information covered will be new to you. If you're a cop, it'll be a good review.

The shooting component, "Stressfire" is fairly basic instruction, and would be perfect for a fairly new shooter. One thing I particularly like about the LFI philosophy is that they teach all the options of grip and stance and let you figure out what works best for you, based on your physiology and flexibility and hand size and weapon choice and etc.

Before you go, you might want to do some preparatory reading:

IN THE GRAVEST EXTREME: THE ROLE OF THE FIREARM IN PERSONAL PROTECTION (1980) by Massad F. Ayoob

THE TRUTH ABOUT SELF PROTECTION (1984) by Massad F. Ayoob

THE GUN DIGEST BOOK OF COMBAT HANDGUNNERY (5th edition) (2003)
by Massad F. Ayoob

STRESSFIRE (1984) by Massad Ayoob

STRESSFIRE II: Advanced Combat Shotgun (1982) by Massad F. Ayoob

THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC PISTOL IN POLICE SERVICE AND SELF DEFENSE (1988)
By Massad F. Ayoob

IN SELF DEFENSE by Mike Izumi (an LFI associate instructor)

Absolutely take LFI-1. I've taken both Judiscous Use of Deadly Force and LFI-1 (as well as 2,3 and 4) If you can take LFI-1 instead of the two courses separately, it might be better than taking it in the two separate parts. At least that's the way it seemed to me. However, it might have been a result of taking JULF in a police station classroom in NJ.

One other class that I would recommend is Suarez International's Interactive Gunfighting. It's one thing to shoot paper targets that just stand there and let you shoot them. It's something entirely different doing a Teuller Drill in which you are attacked by the target. ("Why isn't my gun going off?" "You've got to disengage the safety on your 1911!" "Safety? Safety? My 1911, that I've been shooting for 20 years has a safety?")

Take LFI-1 first and then do Interactive Gunfighting.

yes, absitively posolutley GO. money well spent.

bring a notebook, several pens, and your undivided attention.

TAKE CAREFUL NOTES ... THIS WILL SERVE AS DOCUMENTATION OF YOUR TRAINING in court if you should need it.

emphasize software, not hardware. i took LFI-1 with several shooting noobs - most did okay and passed the live fire requirements. if you're worried about that - don't be.

Take the class.

You'll do fine.

There were several newbies in the class I took back in 98.

You might do yourself a favor and take a wheelgun and a semi-auto as I did... you'll pick up lots of useful lessons for both platforms.

John

five0 -

So, did you take the class? I'm also looking at taking LFI-I (the full course), but decided I'd do a little research first. From what I've heard and read, the Judicious Use of Force is well worth it - Stressfire may not be if an experienced shooter.

LFI-1 is an absolute must for anyone considering defensive carry.

(I've done LFI-1 thru -4.)

Big Plus One

I had the opportunity to audit a portion of the LFI-1 that Mas did in Idaho last year, and had a chance to meet the man.

Solid stuff.

Take the course.

I will be taking it myself next time it comes up here.

"Stressfire may not be if an experienced shooter."

Stressfire is a fun one day course even for an experienced shooter.

I don't see any 2008 courses on the schedule. Is he still offering them?