Frontsight

[ExAgoradzo]

Just completed a 4 day training in defensive handgun at Frontsight, just outside of Pahrump, NV.

Excellent instructors, got to shoot a Tommy gun and an M16 (other opportunities were available, those are what I chose).

I left thinking the whole experience more than worth it. Probably wouldn't go in June or Sept. it is closed in July and August: it is NV after all.

Greg

 

[KevinB]

What kind of handgun did you take the class with? How did it perform? Learn any tips you could share?

I'd love to go to one of those schools one day.

 

[pblanc]

Those Thompsons are heavy suckers, aren't they?

 

[Al Thompson]

Hey! I resemble that remark!




ExA., have you attended any other training and if so, how does Frontsight compare/contrast?

 

[Dentite]

I've done front sight courses as well and as long as you get a cheap membership, it's a great value. There are a couple things that are a little cheesy during the large group intro and lunch sessions but the actual range instruction is good IMO. I don't have anything to compare it to. Would like to go to gunsite someday but it's more expensive and my buddies are all members at Front sight so it's easier to go there.

I've shot Thompson, MP5 and mini uzi there...lots of fun

 

[Panzerschwein]

Pahrump?

Anybody rocking an RIA?

 

[9mmepiphany]

I'm also interested in what other training the OP has attended.

I haven't attended Front Sight, I've only worked with former students to refine their techniques.

I've worked with and competed with former instructors who have also attended other training and would be interested in how non-instructors rate the techniques they were taught compared to what other schools/instructors teach

 

[hdwhit]

it is closed in July and August: it is NV after all.

My wife and I got engaged in Phoenix in August. We routinely return to Phoenix in the summer to celebrate our anniversary since we find the climate in August so much more comfortable than Little Rock, Houston, Oklahoma City, New Orleans or Dallas.

 

[200Apples]

.
A local acquaintance of mine that I've known for some time has almost-aggressively marketed Frontsight to me over the last two years. It got to the point where I simply told him the truth, "I'd much rather attend school at Gunsite." Sure, Gunsite may cost considerably more, but, in my opinion there can be no substitute for learning at the University of Cooper. Okay, Thunder Ranch, maybe... Clint Smith is to retire soon.

Two things: 1. Yes, professional training is most important. I get it. I shall receive training elsewhere. (Clay Martin is also someone I'd like to train with) 2. Frontsite seems a bit too heavy on the marketing pyramid scheme and the plastic pistol. At this time? No thanks.

That said, I'm relieved to hear that the OP's experience was positive. If I hear more like it, I may be willing to reconsider... Frontsite is close to me from a regional standpoint, making travel easier.

 

[Acera]

Do they still teach the Weaver stance as the only way???

What about the 'Combat Chiropractor' ? Dr.I still hyping the virtues of Scientology???



.

 

[Frank Ettin]

...It got to the point where I simply told him the truth, "I'd much rather attend school at Gunsite." Sure, Gunsite may cost considerably more, but, in my opinion there can be no substitute for learning at the University of Cooper....

I tend to agree. I've had three classes at Gunsite. Prescott, Arizona is a much nicer place to be than Pahrump, Nevada.

On the other hand, I know several people whose opinions I respect who have taken classes at Front Sight, a number of them have also taken classes at Gunsite. They speak generally favorably about the training at Front Sight. So I think that Front Sight is a reasonable choice, especially if cost or travel time is a big factor.

A few things:

• From what I hear, classes, especially entry level classes, at Front Sight are considerably larger than a Gunsite.
  
  
• Gunsite is a hot range. One's sidearm at Gunsite is always loaded (if you wish), even off the line. I believe that Front Sight is a cold range, and one's gun must be unloaded when leaving the line. Real life is a hot range -- if one is carrying a gun for self defense.

 

[george burns]

What are the price comparisons for an advanced Pistol Course, anyone know? And what did you guys use, polymer guns? I heard that 1911's are rare, because they don't make it through the several thousand rounds necessary, "sounds like bull"?

 

[BuzzinSATX]

I've been to Gunsite for several pistol classes, once with my wife, another time, with my 21 year young daughter. All classes were thoroughly enjoyed by all. Daughter was extremely nervous on day one (I only got her to go by bribing her with a trip to Grand Canyon and Sedona for photos on the way). Driving to the compound on day five, she was shedding a few tears, and when I asked her if something was wrong, she said she was very sad this was our last day of class.

Gunsite is first rate, from instructors to facilities to support staff to pro shop. I treat a week at Gunsite, with a day or two built in for other sightseeing in Northern AZ as a "shooting vacation", and worth every penny.

No opinion on Frontsight...I am sure it is nice, but Gunsite has won my repeat business every trip.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ExAgoradzo]

Sorry, been away.

I used my Sig 229 in .40 cal. Worked great. My Safariland holster OTOH... the armorers helped me out though.

First experience at any extended training; would gladly go to Gunsight...

We used a modified Weaver. They were careful about teaching it to us, but didn't bother about it after the first day. The one thing they were adamant about was the closing of one eye: I didn't.

Never met the chiropractor. Ironically, a non gun guy knew him and thought highly of hi, when he was a chiro...

The thing I learned most was: I need more training. I plan to do the dry practice drills though: for a guy who still lives in Occupied Territory, it's the best I can do regularly.

Greg

 

[hdwhit]

...it is closed in July and August: it is NV after all.

My wife and I vacation in Phoenix, Arizona, in July and August.

114 degrees with 4% or even 8% humidity beats 100 in Dallas with 35% humidity or 92 in Pine Bluff with 80% humidity any day. The sponsors of the class are missing out on all the "reverse snowbirds".

 

[luzyfuerza]

I've taken pistol, defensive shotgun, and defensive rifle training at Frontsight, a basic pistol with Gunsite, and a MAS40 with Masaad Ayoob.

Frontsight is extremely cost-effective. My Ambassador membership cost me $100, and includes all classes, for life. Can't beat that. I believe that Frontsight is an outstanding choice for new handgun shooters. The coaches and instructors do a great job of creating an environment that helps new shooters deal with phobias, and older shooters overcome some pretty bad habits. I've found no scientology, MLM, or other non-shooting distractions in my visits there. The techniques taught are basic, but sound. The advanced courses were more fun, of course. Note, advanced courses often use a hot range.

The Gunsite course was detailed, and professional. Taught here in Utah, it included a run through a local shoot-house. Instructors were very experienced, and proficient. Techniques were also sound, and 1911-appropriate.

Mas' course was heavy on the law. Happily, the range days also exposed me to some new concepts that have worked out very well for my shooting. Worth every penny.

I've walked away from each of these courses (and many less formal training sessions elsewhere) with lots of techniques. Some I adopted, some I considered and put on the shelf, and some I rejected as inappropriate for me. It is great to have lots of tools in the toolkit.

My hope going forward is to take at least one formal, professional firearms- or self defense-related class each year.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I've been to Frontsight (many times), Louis Awerbuck (a,lot), Clint Smith, Scott Reitz (three classes), plus many local and Appleseed classes. While Frontsight is good, Awerbuck, Smith, and Reitz are excellent. I reccomend going to as many places as possible to train. If I had to pick just one place to go, Frontsight wouldn't be my first choice.

 

[Blue Thunder]

I have read all the reviews and hype of Frontsight thru the years. I instead chose to go to and use two very good traveling schools that train near my home and have taken 5 different courses from them. One of them offers 3-5 Alumni one day courses per year which I have now taken 6 of at a cost of $60 each. The original training classes were 2 days each and you shoot 500+ rounds of ammo. Secondary reason not going to Frontsight is distance and not easy to get enough ammo that far and I don't like to play the TSA Games. Where I train the range was Hot all the time, including traveling to lunch. They expect you to be hot when you exit your car and go to the Safety Briefing which is before any class time.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

Blue Thunder, I took so many Awerbuck classes because he came to the San Francisco Bay Area a lot. For the cost of his class, I couldn't travel that cheaply to Frontsight. Plus, I got to sleep in my own bed. Those traveling classes are a bargain.

 

[GarrettJ]

I have been to Front Sight a few times. I was given a free membership, so I can't really complain about the price.

I have heard / read the negative comments over the years, but found them to be mostly unsubstantiated. I also gather the instruction has changed somewhat over the years. They may have had a "Weaver only" teaching style in the past. That is not the case now. They still teach Weaver. If you don't want to shoot that way, they will work with you in your preferred stance.

Many of the instructors use Glocks, but I have seen nearly as many with 1911s, and maybe a few Sigs.

The into-level classes are just that: they are designed to take a novice and teach them some fundamentals. And I find we can all benefit by a return to the basics from time to time. I haven't taken any of their advanced courses, so I can't comment on those.

I have heard the criticism that their tactics / training are somewhat outdated. Some of this comes from the "flavor-of-the-month" fanboys who worship various instructors. For the basic intro level classes, I don't see where advanced techniques would come into play anyway.

I also think a well-rounded approach of taking classes from various instructors / schools will give a better overall experience than going to one instructor / school exclusively. Learn from many and apply what works best for you.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The into-level classes are just that: they are designed to take a novice and teach them some fundamentals.

I've found that this is the major value offer by Frontsight.

For folks who complain about not being able to afford to take training and wouldn't take any other training if not for this "value", Front Sight fills a huge void. They have proven very capable of teaching safe fundamentals to novice (to training) shooters and can serve as a foundation to explore more advanced training with other instructors

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I have been to Front Sight a few times. I was given a free membership, so I can't really complain about the price.

I have heard / read the negative comments over the years, but found them to be mostly unsubstantiated. I also gather the instruction has changed somewhat over the years. They may have had a "Weaver only" teaching style in the past. That is not the case now. They still teach Weaver. If you don't want to shoot that way, they will work with you in your preferred stance.

Many of the instructors use Glocks, but I have seen nearly as many with 1911s, and maybe a few Sigs.

The into-level classes are just that: they are designed to take a novice and teach them some fundamentals. And I find we can all benefit by a return to the basics from time to time. I haven't taken any of their advanced courses, so I can't comment on those.

I have heard the criticism that their tactics / training are somewhat outdated. Some of this comes from the "flavor-of-the-month" fanboys who worship various instructors. For the basic intro level classes, I don't see where advanced techniques would come into play anyway.

I also think a well-rounded approach of taking classes from various instructors / schools will give a better overall experience than going to one instructor / school exclusively. Learn from many and apply what works best for you.

My brother has taken just about all of the Frontsight advanced classes. He has also trained elsewhere so he can compare. Frontsight advanced classes are excellent according to him.

 

[Sheepdog1968]

I've found that this is the major value offer by Frontsight.

For folks who complain about not being able to afford to take training and wouldn't take any other training if not for this "value", Front Sight fills a huge void. They have proven very capable of teaching safe fundamentals to novice (to training) shooters and can serve as a foundation to explore more advanced training with other instructors

I'm agree with this. I found their shotgun class to be really quite good. You get a lot of reps in working on shotgun manipulations. It definitely helped me become better.