At my class, the instructor and his assistant collected everyone's mags and ammo prior to the beginning of the session and locked it up until it was time to go on the range, as well as doing a visual inspection of any weapons in the classroom.
What did you NOT like about your Concealed Carry class?
- Thread starter badgerw
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At my class, the instructor and his assistant collected everyone's mags and ammo prior to the beginning of the session and locked it up until it was time to go on the range, as well as doing a visual inspection of any weapons in the classroom.
Zach S
Member
The video was horrible. The narrator was some dude in a bowtie that I could barely understand. The acting was bad. Real bad. They had to search far and wide for such bad actors.
Then in one "good shoot/bad shoot" scenerio, a drunk legally used a firearm for self defense. After that seen old bowtie dude mentioned that the drunk couldnt have legally been carrying anyway because, well, he was drunk. I think thats what he said anyway, as stated earlier, I couldnt really understand much of what he said.
I didnt expect something like a Micheal Mann flick, but a 6th grader with a camcorder could have done a better job.
I do admit that the bad video came in handy though. I work graveyard shift, at the time I was usually in the bed by 0830, and my CHP class started at 0900, so making fun of the old dude in the bowtie and the bad acting helped to keep me awake during my very long day.
Then in one "good shoot/bad shoot" scenerio, a drunk legally used a firearm for self defense. After that seen old bowtie dude mentioned that the drunk couldnt have legally been carrying anyway because, well, he was drunk. I think thats what he said anyway, as stated earlier, I couldnt really understand much of what he said.
I didnt expect something like a Micheal Mann flick, but a 6th grader with a camcorder could have done a better job.
I do admit that the bad video came in handy though. I work graveyard shift, at the time I was usually in the bed by 0830, and my CHP class started at 0900, so making fun of the old dude in the bowtie and the bad acting helped to keep me awake during my very long day.
Bruce333
Member
Yeah. The video was the worst part. Good thing is the instructor stopped the tape after each scenario and gave us his own explination before the bow-tie dude tried to explain. Made it much easier to follow bow-tie dude. Bad part is they have to use that video or the class isn't approved by NC DOJ.
WayneConrad
Member
I took my class at Glendale Community College.
Not much was wrong with the class, so I'll start with what was right: Great slideslow of pro-gun images, quotes, and videos to watch during breaks or when waiting for class to start. CAPS simulator a big plus. Instructors friendly and relaxed. Good coverage of laws. The instructors went out of their way to make sure everyone qualified at the range, even spending hours with one poor old fellow who they finally had to send home as a safety risk. The handouts were good.
Only one notable minus: Bad time management caused the instructors to fall behind when running students through the CAPS simulator. Young ladies seemed to get extra time, especially if pretty. By the time they got to me, they were having to rush us through very quickly.
Was the location comfortable? Yes
The seats? Yes
Refreshments? None that I recall. I think there were pop/snack machines outside.
Was the instructor's style of presentation suitable? Yes
Were visual aids used? Yes (Laptop and projector)
Was a course outline provided? Yes
Material for taking notes? No, although there were plenty of handouts to write on the back of.
Not much was wrong with the class, so I'll start with what was right: Great slideslow of pro-gun images, quotes, and videos to watch during breaks or when waiting for class to start. CAPS simulator a big plus. Instructors friendly and relaxed. Good coverage of laws. The instructors went out of their way to make sure everyone qualified at the range, even spending hours with one poor old fellow who they finally had to send home as a safety risk. The handouts were good.
Only one notable minus: Bad time management caused the instructors to fall behind when running students through the CAPS simulator. Young ladies seemed to get extra time, especially if pretty. By the time they got to me, they were having to rush us through very quickly.
Was the location comfortable? Yes
The seats? Yes
Refreshments? None that I recall. I think there were pop/snack machines outside.
Was the instructor's style of presentation suitable? Yes
Were visual aids used? Yes (Laptop and projector)
Was a course outline provided? Yes
Material for taking notes? No, although there were plenty of handouts to write on the back of.
Stevie-Ray
Member
Years ago, but the only thing I didn't like about the class was the instructor's arrogance. He was OK for the most part but when he took the time to personally train a nugget, I guess he expected everybody to pay attention. Well most of the class knew how to hold a gun properly and naturally talked amongst themselves. He turned and roared, HEY! I'M NOT TEACHING A KINDERGARTEN CLASS HERE! I wasn't even one of the ones talking, but I was about to say, "No but you are acting like somebody stole your favorite toy." But, I figured there would be no refunds as he asked me to leave, so I kept quiet. After all, it was only once.
Molon Labe
Member
Snake Eyes
Member
I took my AZ class almost 4 years ago (renewel this year!) and it was 2 days, 4 modules. Two of the four were taught by a retired FBI agent, who was excellent.
The other two were taught by a yahoo that spent most of the class time railing against liberals, Democrats in general, Clintons, and hippies. I am at least 3 of those.
I don't think political commentary of any sort is appropriate in any classroom.
My NV class was taken at a gun store that was a front for that cheezy Pizza guy with the grand plans for a gun community in the desert. The class was free, but 70% of it was pimping for memberships at the "resort". Plus they made us buy their ammo--at triple the going rate (and I'm not talking Walmart rates).
:banghead:
The other two were taught by a yahoo that spent most of the class time railing against liberals, Democrats in general, Clintons, and hippies. I am at least 3 of those.
I don't think political commentary of any sort is appropriate in any classroom.
My NV class was taken at a gun store that was a front for that cheezy Pizza guy with the grand plans for a gun community in the desert. The class was free, but 70% of it was pimping for memberships at the "resort". Plus they made us buy their ammo--at triple the going rate (and I'm not talking Walmart rates).
:banghead:
I'd try to get the classroom part done quickly, with more range time. Range should try to do drills several times, with suggestions for improvement for those who need it. (we got this at our class). Avoid macho stuff--If being a black belt somehow relates to CCW, fine, but otherwise no need to mention it. No need to show off your tactical switchblade. (we got this at our class too...)
Mark or change targets often. This was a problem in both classes I've had, and the biggest problem with the advanced class. (It was otherwise pretty good) I use ink bingo markers as a quick way to mark targets on the range--Simple, quick and cheap, and come in different colors. I'd rather have plain paper marked and changed often instead of a fancy target where I can't see whether I've hit again among the other holes.
More on gear selection--Guns, holsters and cover garments. If possible, the chance to try various holsters, and to shoot a few different guns--Small and large of the same caliber especially, but also to try different actions.
Mark or change targets often. This was a problem in both classes I've had, and the biggest problem with the advanced class. (It was otherwise pretty good) I use ink bingo markers as a quick way to mark targets on the range--Simple, quick and cheap, and come in different colors. I'd rather have plain paper marked and changed often instead of a fancy target where I can't see whether I've hit again among the other holes.
More on gear selection--Guns, holsters and cover garments. If possible, the chance to try various holsters, and to shoot a few different guns--Small and large of the same caliber especially, but also to try different actions.
kengrubb
Member
The worse part is that the video is provided by the state. That bow-tied dud is a lawyer with NC DOJ.bru333 said:
OEF_VET
Member
This is a great thread, from a Carry Permit Instructor's point of view. It has definitely caused me to evaluate my performance, so that I'm certain I don't do any of the mentioned offenses.
Several things stick out in my mind.
The instructor was late to his own class, this should not happen.
He spent way to much time emphasizing that we should all go out and by Glocks because they are the best, as well a saying we should never buy a Taurus. What he didnt emphasize was why he felt this way, just that he did.
The instructor was late to his own class, this should not happen.
He spent way to much time emphasizing that we should all go out and by Glocks because they are the best, as well a saying we should never buy a Taurus. What he didnt emphasize was why he felt this way, just that he did.
LkWinnipesaukee
Member
My instructor was awesome.
He was the exact opposite of everything on the 'loser list' above. In fact, he started class 15 min EARLY by telling 'pretty interesting' stories (while we waited for others to arrive) and relating them to gun safety, etc. Very enjoyable.
I'd rather not put his name online, but if anyone in my area wants to know more, just PM me.
Oh wait, this is a 'what didnt you like' thread. Hmm... It was REALLY hot that day and my hands were all sweaty, which made gripping the slides of the handguns impossible
He was the exact opposite of everything on the 'loser list' above. In fact, he started class 15 min EARLY by telling 'pretty interesting' stories (while we waited for others to arrive) and relating them to gun safety, etc. Very enjoyable.I'd rather not put his name online, but if anyone in my area wants to know more, just PM me.
Oh wait, this is a 'what didnt you like' thread. Hmm... It was REALLY hot that day and my hands were all sweaty, which made gripping the slides of the handguns impossible
The video..........
KY is just like the NC guys describe. Well no bowtie, but it was very dry with lawyers reading off a page. Other than that it was good.
The instructor was good and gave explanations of what the lawyers were really trying to say in their legaleeze.
Our instructor also said that he and a few others had asked about the instructors making the video out of their own pocket, even offered to read their scripts - anything to make it not so bland. They were turned down flat.
KY is just like the NC guys describe. Well no bowtie, but it was very dry with lawyers reading off a page. Other than that it was good.
The instructor was good and gave explanations of what the lawyers were really trying to say in their legaleeze.
Our instructor also said that he and a few others had asked about the instructors making the video out of their own pocket, even offered to read their scripts - anything to make it not so bland. They were turned down flat.
PobreBrusco
Member
- Joined
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What did I not like? The room...
Nope, I'm not kidding. It was a shrine to Elvis. I was so amazed I had to snap a photo.
Nope, I'm not kidding. It was a shrine to Elvis. I was so amazed I had to snap a photo.
Mandirigma
Member
The other "students"
Got stuck in a class where about a third of the class should have taken a basic beginners pistol course. It was interesting to watch the instructor try to maintain her composure
Got stuck in a class where about a third of the class should have taken a basic beginners pistol course. It was interesting to watch the instructor try to maintain her composure
Sir Aardvark
Member
The Calfornia mandated class I took was 2 days.
The Instructor was an honest-to-goodness SWAT officer and he even showed a video taken by a news chopper of him shooting a bad guy with his submachinegun.
The training was better than I expected and he kept things focused.
He provides all sorts of classes in addition to CCW, including: shotgun, carbine, low-light, advanced handgun, etc. He even has a 7-room live-fire house and he does F.A.T.S. simulations.
Sigh... if I only had more time and more money...
The Instructor was an honest-to-goodness SWAT officer and he even showed a video taken by a news chopper of him shooting a bad guy with his submachinegun.
The training was better than I expected and he kept things focused.
He provides all sorts of classes in addition to CCW, including: shotgun, carbine, low-light, advanced handgun, etc. He even has a 7-room live-fire house and he does F.A.T.S. simulations.
Sigh... if I only had more time and more money...
Shel
Member
I have nothing negative to say about the way my class was conducted... if anything, I wish we could have stayed longer in class I had a good time really. AND I actually learned stuff.
I had a good time really. AND I actually learned stuff.As a CCW instructor, I find this a very valuable thread. (Luckily I must be doing something right, because I've taught a bunch of THR members, and none of them are posting here about how bad their class sucked).
Seriously, thank you.
CleverNickname, I can understand the removing of the guns. I don't allow any live ammo in my classroom. That includes me personally. It just isn't a good idea when you have a room full of people handling guns and dryfiring.
Seriously, thank you.
CleverNickname, I can understand the removing of the guns. I don't allow any live ammo in my classroom. That includes me personally. It just isn't a good idea when you have a room full of people handling guns and dryfiring.
308win
Member
Absolutely true, especially with some of the people who show up in these classes if the participants in the one I took were representative.
rhubarb
Member
Safety! At one point, our instructor passed around some of his personal weapons and left the room. Seems the only way to check a laser grip is by pointing at the back of someone's head. I begged to see each gun as soon as possible just so I could verify they were unloaded with my own eyes. The Four Rules should be the first lesson in the class and violations during the course of the class cause for deductions from the score. Many students aren't real gun-savvy and I don't say that in a demeaning way. For at least two of the students in my class (both males in their 50s) the qualification was the first time they'd shot their guns. If they are that green, now is the time to drill them on safety. The gist of our instructor's safety lesson was, "In Texas if a kid shoots you with your own gun, you will go to jail for not securing it."
The other thing in general I didn't like about my instructor's presentation was that he tended to speak in absolutes:
"The 1911 is the.best.pistol."
"A .45 will knock a man down."
"If you shoot somebody, you will go to jail."
"You won't like IWB carry. Buy an OWB holster."
"If you shoot somebody, you will get sued."
"If you don't wear a jacket you will be arrested for printing."
"You won't find better fajitas than these."
Overall, my class was satisfactory. He thoroughly rehashed the legal part I already knew, I got to hear some war stories and I got to shoot a box of ammo. And a botana for lunch. Not bad for $100 and 10 hours.
The other thing in general I didn't like about my instructor's presentation was that he tended to speak in absolutes:
"The 1911 is the.best.pistol."
"A .45 will knock a man down."
"If you shoot somebody, you will go to jail."
"You won't like IWB carry. Buy an OWB holster."
"If you shoot somebody, you will get sued."
"If you don't wear a jacket you will be arrested for printing."
"You won't find better fajitas than these."
Overall, my class was satisfactory. He thoroughly rehashed the legal part I already knew, I got to hear some war stories and I got to shoot a box of ammo. And a botana for lunch. Not bad for $100 and 10 hours.
sacp81170a
Member
Great thread! I've been thinking about how my classes have been going and I noticed that we're following a lot of the positive practices (team teaching, AV, etc.) but I've noticed some things that we need to bring up to snuff. One of the difficulties that you always run into is the huge variation in experience levels among the students. Unfortunately, this often means that you have to teach to the minimum standards required by state law.
Arkansas doesn't specify a course of fire, just that the student must demonstrate proficiency with a firearm. We also have the silly "Restricted" and "Unrestricted" permits. Restricted = Revolver and Unrestricted = Any Legal Handgun. I really wish this distinction would disappear.
We *always* recommend further training with a reputable instructor and regular practice by the student. One day of classroom and range is *not* enough to bring someone new to handling guns up to a reasonable level of proficiency. We try to show 'em the basic skills that they'll need to practice. Any more than that would require a couple more days with a lot of people, days that they don't necessarily have the time and money for. Seems like we're getting a lot more inexperienced folks nowadays. All the "gunnies" seem to have already gotten their CHL's.
Arkansas doesn't specify a course of fire, just that the student must demonstrate proficiency with a firearm. We also have the silly "Restricted" and "Unrestricted" permits. Restricted = Revolver and Unrestricted = Any Legal Handgun. I really wish this distinction would disappear.
We *always* recommend further training with a reputable instructor and regular practice by the student. One day of classroom and range is *not* enough to bring someone new to handling guns up to a reasonable level of proficiency. We try to show 'em the basic skills that they'll need to practice. Any more than that would require a couple more days with a lot of people, days that they don't necessarily have the time and money for. Seems like we're getting a lot more inexperienced folks nowadays. All the "gunnies" seem to have already gotten their CHL's.
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