Have you taken classes???
- Thread starter Lex
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nhhillbilly
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I attempt to take at least one major training class each year. I train personally at least monthy and mostly weekly. This year I took a class with Jim Crillo formally of NYPD great class. I strongly urge training for everyone. As you can tell by my byline.
I've taken two classes from these folks.
http://www.badlandstactical.net
For the quality of instruction, I don't think you can beat the tuition.
Put "Steve Suttles" into a google search, along with the word "Vietnam."
And Bobby Whittington is the head LE trainer for all of Oklahoma.
Quality folks. Quality instruction. Quality experience.
Relatively very cheap price, especially compared to a course of similar duration at Thunder Ranch, Gun Site, Frontsight, etc.
hillbilly
http://www.badlandstactical.net
For the quality of instruction, I don't think you can beat the tuition.
Put "Steve Suttles" into a google search, along with the word "Vietnam."
And Bobby Whittington is the head LE trainer for all of Oklahoma.
Quality folks. Quality instruction. Quality experience.
Relatively very cheap price, especially compared to a course of similar duration at Thunder Ranch, Gun Site, Frontsight, etc.
hillbilly
C. H. Luke
Member
Have taken all handgun/rifle/shotgun training from Chuck Taylor when he's on the road or at Defense Associates in CT.
Other students at DA have spoken highly of Blackwaters Handgun and Rifle Courses.
Professional training open's up a whole new world. It's amazing how good you can get with diligent practice of correct technique, etc.
www.defenseassociates.com
Other students at DA have spoken highly of Blackwaters Handgun and Rifle Courses.
Professional training open's up a whole new world. It's amazing how good you can get with diligent practice of correct technique, etc.
www.defenseassociates.com
I have taken a few classes at Gunsite in Paulden Arizona:
Defensive Pistol (250), Defensive Shotgun (260), Carbine (223), and Advanced Carbine (556).
I have also taken some classes at Frontsight near Pahrump, NV:
4 Day Defensive Handgun, 4 Day Tactical Shotgun, and 4 Day Practical Rifle.
Defensive Pistol (250), Defensive Shotgun (260), Carbine (223), and Advanced Carbine (556).
I have also taken some classes at Frontsight near Pahrump, NV:
4 Day Defensive Handgun, 4 Day Tactical Shotgun, and 4 Day Practical Rifle.
April 17 - 20, 1998. Four Day Practical Rifle, Front Sight. AR10.
Sept. 4 - 7, 1998. Four Day Precision Rifle 1, Front Sight. AI AW.
Oct. 9 - 12, 1998. Four Day Precision Rifle 2, Front Sight. AI AW.
Feb 20, 1999. One Day Submachine Gun, Front Sight. MAC 10.
March 8 - 9, 1999. Two Day Instructor Devopment, Front Sight. Glock 22.
March 26 - 29, 1999.Four Day Defensive Handgun, Front Sight. Glock 22.
Dec. 3 - 6, 1999. Four Day Submachine Gun, Front Sight. MP5, one day, Uzi, three days.
Dec. 13 - 14, 1999. Two Day Handgun Instructor Development, Front Sight. Glock 22.
Jan.5 - 8, 2001. Four Day Tactical Shotgun, Front Sight. Mossberg 590A1.
March 23 - 26, 2001. Four Day Advanced Tactical Shotgun, Front Sight. Benneli S90M1.
Dec. 1 & 2, 2001. Carbine 1, Randy Cain, Bushmaster Dissipator.
Jan. 25 & 26, 2002. Close Quarters Fighting, Jeff Gonzales, Steve Tarani. Glock 22.
Feb. 16 & 17, 2002. Edged Weapons, Steve Tarani, Bench Made AFCK.
March. 13-15, 2002. Tactical Shotgun, ITTS, Louis Awerbuck, Scotty Reitz. Benelli Super 90 M1
June. 14-16, 2002, Tactical Shotgun, Randy Cain. Benelli Super 90 M.1
June. 28-30, 2002, 3 Weapons Class.(rifle, pistol, shotgun) ITTS, Scotty Reitz, William Kelly, Glock 22, Benelli Super 90 M1, Bushmaster Dissipator.
July. 14, 2002 Level 3A Handgun, ITTS, Scotty Reitz. Glock 22.
Aug. 10 & 11, 2002. Level 2B & 3B Handgun, ITTS, Scotty Reitz. Glock 22.
Aug. 2-4, 2002. Handgun, Louis Awerbuck. Glock 22, S&W 649 (back up).
Sep. 7-9, 2002. Advanced Handgun, Bill Jeans. Glock 22.
Nov. 2 & 3, 2002. Home /Vehicle defense, ITTS, Scotty Rietz. Glock 22.
Nov. 9 & 10, 2002. Level One Karambit, Steve Tarani. Karambit Trainer.
Feb. 8, 2003. Level IIIA Handgun, ITTS, Scotty Rietz. Les Baer TRS.
Feb. 14 - 17, 2003. Handgun Combat Master Prep. Front Sight. Les Baer TRS.
April 11 - 13, 2003. Advanced Handgun. Louis Awerbuck. Les Baer TRS.
May 3, 2003. Level IIIC ITTS, Scott Reitz, Les Baer TRS.
May 31, June 1, 2003. Tactical Carbine Operator, Bill Jeans. Bushmaster Dissapator.
July 11 - 13, 2003. Advanced Shotgun, Louis Awerbuck. Benelli MI Super 90.
August 20 - 24, 2003. Ultimate Tactical Class, ITTS, Scott Reitz. Les Baer TRS.
April 30 - May 2, 2004. Advanced Handgun Series, ITTS, Scott Reitz. Les Baer TRS.
March 27 - 28, 2004. Combative Pistol 1, Jeff Gonzales. Les Baer TRS.
June 21 - 25, 2004. Combat Skills Week, Gabe Suarez. Les Bear TRS.
August 28 - 29, 2004. Tactical shotgun. Rob Haught. Benelli M1.
Sept. 4 - 7, 1998. Four Day Precision Rifle 1, Front Sight. AI AW.
Oct. 9 - 12, 1998. Four Day Precision Rifle 2, Front Sight. AI AW.
Feb 20, 1999. One Day Submachine Gun, Front Sight. MAC 10.
March 8 - 9, 1999. Two Day Instructor Devopment, Front Sight. Glock 22.
March 26 - 29, 1999.Four Day Defensive Handgun, Front Sight. Glock 22.
Dec. 3 - 6, 1999. Four Day Submachine Gun, Front Sight. MP5, one day, Uzi, three days.
Dec. 13 - 14, 1999. Two Day Handgun Instructor Development, Front Sight. Glock 22.
Jan.5 - 8, 2001. Four Day Tactical Shotgun, Front Sight. Mossberg 590A1.
March 23 - 26, 2001. Four Day Advanced Tactical Shotgun, Front Sight. Benneli S90M1.
Dec. 1 & 2, 2001. Carbine 1, Randy Cain, Bushmaster Dissipator.
Jan. 25 & 26, 2002. Close Quarters Fighting, Jeff Gonzales, Steve Tarani. Glock 22.
Feb. 16 & 17, 2002. Edged Weapons, Steve Tarani, Bench Made AFCK.
March. 13-15, 2002. Tactical Shotgun, ITTS, Louis Awerbuck, Scotty Reitz. Benelli Super 90 M1
June. 14-16, 2002, Tactical Shotgun, Randy Cain. Benelli Super 90 M.1
June. 28-30, 2002, 3 Weapons Class.(rifle, pistol, shotgun) ITTS, Scotty Reitz, William Kelly, Glock 22, Benelli Super 90 M1, Bushmaster Dissipator.
July. 14, 2002 Level 3A Handgun, ITTS, Scotty Reitz. Glock 22.
Aug. 10 & 11, 2002. Level 2B & 3B Handgun, ITTS, Scotty Reitz. Glock 22.
Aug. 2-4, 2002. Handgun, Louis Awerbuck. Glock 22, S&W 649 (back up).
Sep. 7-9, 2002. Advanced Handgun, Bill Jeans. Glock 22.
Nov. 2 & 3, 2002. Home /Vehicle defense, ITTS, Scotty Rietz. Glock 22.
Nov. 9 & 10, 2002. Level One Karambit, Steve Tarani. Karambit Trainer.
Feb. 8, 2003. Level IIIA Handgun, ITTS, Scotty Rietz. Les Baer TRS.
Feb. 14 - 17, 2003. Handgun Combat Master Prep. Front Sight. Les Baer TRS.
April 11 - 13, 2003. Advanced Handgun. Louis Awerbuck. Les Baer TRS.
May 3, 2003. Level IIIC ITTS, Scott Reitz, Les Baer TRS.
May 31, June 1, 2003. Tactical Carbine Operator, Bill Jeans. Bushmaster Dissapator.
July 11 - 13, 2003. Advanced Shotgun, Louis Awerbuck. Benelli MI Super 90.
August 20 - 24, 2003. Ultimate Tactical Class, ITTS, Scott Reitz. Les Baer TRS.
April 30 - May 2, 2004. Advanced Handgun Series, ITTS, Scott Reitz. Les Baer TRS.
March 27 - 28, 2004. Combative Pistol 1, Jeff Gonzales. Les Baer TRS.
June 21 - 25, 2004. Combat Skills Week, Gabe Suarez. Les Bear TRS.
August 28 - 29, 2004. Tactical shotgun. Rob Haught. Benelli M1.
If this is the same "Blackwater" that runs the high profile security service on the east coast.... I would reccomend, them.... worked with them, and know the back ground on them, one word...PRO'S. Hopefully the training is without attitude, and being done by someone who has been there, and done that... that kind of gets to the heart of the info...without smoke, and mirrors. Arc-Lite
I've taken LFI-1 (the classroom portion taught by Ayoob and the range portion by an adjunct) and LFI-2 (taught in its entirety by Ayoob).
I've also taken Louis Awerbuck's Tactical Rifle and HITT (pistol/rifle) courses.
I highly recommend both, especially Awerbuck.
I've also taken Louis Awerbuck's Tactical Rifle and HITT (pistol/rifle) courses.
I highly recommend both, especially Awerbuck.
C. H. Luke
Member
Did he ask for feedback or résumé’s?
rock jock
Member
My week at TR this year was one of the most relaxing and enjoyable vacations I've ever had. And yes, I know the purpose was not to have fun. But I did anyway.
Neither of which was a contribution from you.
Fred obviously had good experiences at the classes he took, as one should note from the multiple times he attended at the same location and/or with the same instructor.
He's a damn good teacher himself, too.
HTH,
Sawdust
Fair enough.
Front Sight. A good place to start out. They have a high instructor to student ratio and a friendly, relaxed environment. The emphasis is on running the gun and marksmanship. Certificates are available for first time students at a huge discount.
ITTS. A gun fighting school. Have the basics ingrained before attending. The vehicle classes are outstanding! Good equipment and drills.
Louis Awerbuck. Some call him Yoda. Rightfully so. Arguably the best diagnostic instructor on the planet. If you have a problem he'll find it.
Gabe Suarez. On the cutting edge. Straight up gun fighting combined with combatives. Simple and effective techniques. Intermediate to advanced level training.
Rob Haught. Very progressive and innovative shotgun concepts. The mans a wizard on the scatter gun.
Its all been great. Each school/trainer brings something a little different to the table. It's a combination of experiences that makes it all work, IMHO.
Pick a class and take it my friend. It's all good stuff!
HTH
What was your permit class? Just curious on your current level of training.
I reccomend Mas Ayoob's LFI 1. Great class for anyone considering using a gun in self defense.
Other than that, I've heard good things about the usual suspects: Gunsite (API), Thunder Rance, TDI in Ohio, etc.
I reccomend Mas Ayoob's LFI 1. Great class for anyone considering using a gun in self defense.
Other than that, I've heard good things about the usual suspects: Gunsite (API), Thunder Rance, TDI in Ohio, etc.
The Small Arms Firing School is a basic introduction to the M-16A2 Service Rifle with an emphasis on basic marksmanship. They teach you the three basic positions used in High Power rifle competition. You'll fire from the prone position at 200 and 300 yards. It is NOT a tactical course by any stretch of the imagination, but it is worth the extremely modest fee (about $40 I think).
I've taken classes from the Firearms Academy of Seattle. I've taken FAS-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and -8, which are all handgun courses, from the very basic intro class clear through the advanced tactics class. Also taken one-day shotgun and rifle classes and handgun retention/disarms classes (both basic and advanced). Have taken classes from most the lead instructors there, and been impressed with all of them.
I've also taken classes from Jim Cirillo (wonderful teacher, very entertaining and encouraging), Gabe Suarez (mindset's great, wish he was just a little more circumspect on legal issues), Marc MacYoung (a knife class -- excellent instruction, funny man, useful web site), and Massad Ayoob. I've only taken LFI-1 from Ayoob, but intend to go back to him this summer for LFI-2. He puts on a heckuva show, and his emphasis on winning the entire encounter is, if not unique in the business, at least entirely too rare. Nobody else teaches the legal & ethical questions as well, as thoroughly, or from a position of as much knowledge as Ayoob brings to the table.
I didn't set out to become a training junkie, but it wasn't long after I took my first class that I realized that carrying a pistol in public is an awesome responsibility, and worth every bit of training I could possibly acquire.
pax
I've also taken classes from Jim Cirillo (wonderful teacher, very entertaining and encouraging), Gabe Suarez (mindset's great, wish he was just a little more circumspect on legal issues), Marc MacYoung (a knife class -- excellent instruction, funny man, useful web site), and Massad Ayoob. I've only taken LFI-1 from Ayoob, but intend to go back to him this summer for LFI-2. He puts on a heckuva show, and his emphasis on winning the entire encounter is, if not unique in the business, at least entirely too rare. Nobody else teaches the legal & ethical questions as well, as thoroughly, or from a position of as much knowledge as Ayoob brings to the table.
I didn't set out to become a training junkie, but it wasn't long after I took my first class that I realized that carrying a pistol in public is an awesome responsibility, and worth every bit of training I could possibly acquire.
pax
The only class I've had was my CCW class (2 x 8 hr days, day 1=legal, day 2=shooting).
I think I'll do the CMP class. I'm just a beginner so it won't bore me. Just got my AR a few months ago.
Thanks for all of the info folks!! Looks like I've got work to do.
PS- Anyone read any books on the subject? Were they useful? Doesn't Ayoob have some books or tapes?
Lex in NC
I think I'll do the CMP class. I'm just a beginner so it won't bore me. Just got my AR a few months ago.
Thanks for all of the info folks!! Looks like I've got work to do.
PS- Anyone read any books on the subject? Were they useful? Doesn't Ayoob have some books or tapes?
Lex in NC
Lex ~
Ayoob's In the Gravest Extreme is a must-read. Although Ayoob is a skilled shooter, the book isn't about shooting skills. Instead, it's a guide to the legal, moral, and ethical aspects of the use of deadly force. The book "makes no attempt to convince the private citizen to acquire or carry forearms. It speaks to those who have already made the decision to do so, and endeavors only to advise them in the legal, ethical and practical use of the deadly weapons they already own."
Another good book by Ayoob is The Truth About Self-Protection. This one is more general in scope, and talks about things like how to make your home more secure from criminals and how to avoid criminal attack.
If you're more interested in stories of folks who've defended themselves with firearms, Ayoob wrote The Ayoob Files and Robert Waters wrote The Best Defense and also Outgunned! Waters' books provide more tales, but the Ayoob book goes into more detail about each case the author presents. All are good reads.
Jim Cirillo is wonderfully engaging and entertaining in person. His book Guns, Bullets, and Gunfights tells most the tales he'll tell in class, but ... well, let's just say he's a better storyteller in person. There's nothing wrong with the book, but if you ever have a chance to hear him in person don't miss it.
Marc MacYoung has written a bunch of books, of which I've only read a couple. I have an overall positive recollection of his Safe in the City, but am a little hazy on any details. His web site, www.nononsenseselfdefense.com, is well worth visiting and has a lot of really good material.
Haven't read any Suarez books, though I know he's got a few.
If you only read one book about self-defense, choose Ayoob's Gravest Extreme.
pax
Ayoob's In the Gravest Extreme is a must-read. Although Ayoob is a skilled shooter, the book isn't about shooting skills. Instead, it's a guide to the legal, moral, and ethical aspects of the use of deadly force. The book "makes no attempt to convince the private citizen to acquire or carry forearms. It speaks to those who have already made the decision to do so, and endeavors only to advise them in the legal, ethical and practical use of the deadly weapons they already own."
Another good book by Ayoob is The Truth About Self-Protection. This one is more general in scope, and talks about things like how to make your home more secure from criminals and how to avoid criminal attack.
If you're more interested in stories of folks who've defended themselves with firearms, Ayoob wrote The Ayoob Files and Robert Waters wrote The Best Defense and also Outgunned! Waters' books provide more tales, but the Ayoob book goes into more detail about each case the author presents. All are good reads.
Jim Cirillo is wonderfully engaging and entertaining in person. His book Guns, Bullets, and Gunfights tells most the tales he'll tell in class, but ... well, let's just say he's a better storyteller in person. There's nothing wrong with the book, but if you ever have a chance to hear him in person don't miss it.
Marc MacYoung has written a bunch of books, of which I've only read a couple. I have an overall positive recollection of his Safe in the City, but am a little hazy on any details. His web site, www.nononsenseselfdefense.com, is well worth visiting and has a lot of really good material.
Haven't read any Suarez books, though I know he's got a few.
If you only read one book about self-defense, choose Ayoob's Gravest Extreme.
pax
Last edited:
kayak bum
Member
I attended a LEO pistol/shotgun course at Blackwater and was very impressed. Instruction and facilities were first rate, all egos were left at the door, and, perhaps most important, I had a great time. I would not hesitate to go back (and am in fact plotting a return trip), but my 05 journey to Gunsite may blow the year's training budget.
DDGator
Member
I recently took Randy Cain's Tactical Handgun 101 and thought it was excellent. I took it at Southern Exposure in Florida, but Randy teaches at Gunsite and other places up and down the East coast.
www.cumberlandtactics.com
www.cumberlandtactics.com
Starting place
Any NRA basic courses will help you get started.
LFI I, not a how to, but a when to and when not to, and what to do after. About 60% classroom. Shoot a max of about 400 rounds.
Next, attend a Farnam course.
Anything at Gunsite, Thunder Ranch.
Tom Givens
ASLET and IALEFI regional and annual training conferences
My post military training started at Perry in 82. NRA Law Enforcement Workshop, three days of siminars. Did it again in 83 but they added a bunch of shooting.
Since then too many to write down, with several instructor certifications and instructor trainer certification.
Reccomend, investigate the trainer. If he/she has written a book/s read them. If you like what you read, you will probably like the type of instruction. If they write for the gun rags, is the writing believable?? Or is it written to push a product??
Instead of buying a new gun, take a class, buy ammo and practice, etc.
Any NRA basic courses will help you get started.
LFI I, not a how to, but a when to and when not to, and what to do after. About 60% classroom. Shoot a max of about 400 rounds.
Next, attend a Farnam course.
Anything at Gunsite, Thunder Ranch.
Tom Givens
ASLET and IALEFI regional and annual training conferences
My post military training started at Perry in 82. NRA Law Enforcement Workshop, three days of siminars. Did it again in 83 but they added a bunch of shooting.
Since then too many to write down, with several instructor certifications and instructor trainer certification.
Reccomend, investigate the trainer. If he/she has written a book/s read them. If you like what you read, you will probably like the type of instruction. If they write for the gun rags, is the writing believable?? Or is it written to push a product??
Instead of buying a new gun, take a class, buy ammo and practice, etc.
If you do go to Camp Perry to attend SAFS - Rifle, take the time to stay a few extra days and shoot in the M-16 EIC (Excellence in competition) match. This is match designed to introduce new shooters to the sport of High Power competion. You'll use the same M-16's and ammo that were used for SAFS and you'll shoot from all thre positions (offhand, sitting, prone) at 200 yards. It's a great follow up to SAFS as it allows you to put everything you learned itno practice.
The M-16 match is a few days after the SAFS, so you'll need to get lodging in Port Clinton or stay on base. The huts are pretty cheap and you should be able to find a room mate or two to make it cheaper if money is a concern.
There are other great matches as well, but the SAFS/M-16 EIC combo is great for newbies.
The M-16 match is a few days after the SAFS, so you'll need to get lodging in Port Clinton or stay on base. The huts are pretty cheap and you should be able to find a room mate or two to make it cheaper if money is a concern.
There are other great matches as well, but the SAFS/M-16 EIC combo is great for newbies.
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