Training in DC Metro area

[dev_null]

Anyone got recommendations for defensive handgun courses in the DC Metro area? I'm in NoVa (Loudoun) but can travel to not-overly-distant locations for the right course. I have heard the recommendations for LFI, Gunsite and Thunder Ranch, but I'm hoping for something local (-ish).

Anyone taken the one at BRA? Is it worthwhile? How about the folks in Dumfries? Do the Piedmont NRA guys do a live-fire defensive course (I took their intro class for my CHP cert.)? Anything in MD, WV or PA?

Any suggestions -- hopefully printable -- gratefully received.

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[MrPink]

Check out comtec.com. They are in PA, a few miles from Hagerstown, MD.

I have not taken any classes from them, but the owner of my local gun shop - who I've know forever - speaks well of them.

 

[Smoke]

Surely you're not sufggesting someone train the people in DC on the proper usage of firearms! I mean, golly gee whiz, they might actually want to own one then.


Smoke :banghead:

 

[Smurfslayer]

Dev,

There's Comtac in PA - about 20 minutes from Breezewood, Blackwater in NC, and Storm Mt. in WV locally... NRA range has a concealed carry class - I think it's 2 nights or so ? 1/ month.

If you're not a Friday nighter already, join us at BRA some Friday...

 

[dev_null]

Is that where you guys disappeared to? (Oh, wait, it was me that disappeared... nevermind. )

I've taken the NRA basic safety class. What I need is a Defensive Handgun class that will accomodate my -ed up back, which means lower impact than some of the hardcore workshops I've seen (e.g., Crucible Protective Measures Course ). Thanks for the suggestions.

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[Chris Rhines]

I'm taking the SFI Intermediate Pistol class on Sunday-Tuesday. It's held at the NRA HQ range. I took the three-day carbine course there in March, and it was well worth it.

- Chris

 

[DragonRider]

Ditto on what Chris said, its a good start to teach you enough to get ready for one of the more intensive classes.

John

 

[dev_null]

BTW, just spoke to Ed Battles (great name!) at BRA: he's looking to do a Defensive Handgun class there in mid-late July (-ish). He's got my contact info, when I hear something more definitive I'll post it.

Didn't know NRA had one. I'll look into that. Also scoping out the ones mentioned upthread. I'll post reviews for any that I take. (Feel free to do likewise!)

Oh, and an OT comment: went by Bernie's (VA Arms in Manassas) -- the store's liable to be out of pocket to the tune of $10k+ from the drive-in break in last weekend, so if you can help out by buying something, might want to do that. (No, I'm not affiliated with the store other than as an enthusiastic and always satisfied customer.)

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[Jayman]

If you can stomach a 4 hour car ride, there's an amazing instructor out in WV, Pat Goodale:

http://www.pgpft.com

I've taken his pistol 1-2 and tactical carbine classes, and thoroughly enjoyed them both. (As well as gotten a lot out of them.)

I did like the SFI class I took for rifle at the NRA range, but I have not taken their pistol class. I 'spect it would be a good one though. I know they offer beginner and intermediate ones like 1-2x a year. They've threatened an advanced one, but only for the people that have taken the intermediate one and demonstrated superior skills up through that point.

I know the guys at BRA, their classes are not bad, given the space they have available.

 

[Gunfyter]

I took both TP100 and TP200 from ComTac last year. Excellent value for the money.

 

[Bubbles]

I took an Advanced Handgun class over at NRA a few years back. IIRC Greg Wodack was the instructor, and he still teaches there. I enjoyed it.

I've also Taken Handgun II and III, Long Range Rifle I, Urban Sniper, and High Risk Personnel at Storm Mountain in WV. If your back can eventually handle it, I'd recommend HRP. On the last day we trained with simunitions. It's amazing how much training you lose when your targets shoot back.

BTW where in LoCo are you? I'm in Sterling. I also used to be a regular at BRA with the Friday Night Shooters.

 

[Bubbles]

I hate AOL.

 

[Bubbles]

I hate AOL.

 

[Bubbles]

I hate AOL.

 

[Bubbles]

I hate AOL.

 

[dev_null]

So get a real ISP.

Ashburn. I've been meaning to hook up with the Friday night group, it's just hard to find the motivation, after a long week, to do anything more than go home, put my feet up, and slip into a cigar and a drink.

I know "Bubbles" isn't exactly a rare nickname, but you wouldn't be someone I knew in ABATE, by any chance?

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[Bubbles]

Doubtful, since I don't know what ABATE is.

 

[Chris Rhines]

ABATE - American Bikers Aimed Towards Education. It's a motorcycle advocacy group.

Greg Wodack is still the lead instructor at SFI. He knows what he's doing. I'm very much looking forward to the Advanced Handgun course in the fall.

- Chris

 

[dens330]

Check this: www.tdiohio.com. They are professional guys.