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[NorthBay Shooter]

I wore a FS hat one time to an IDPA match. I spent half the time defending FS from people that had never been there and were telling me how crappy it was. Besides saying they should go before they comment, they all should have waiting until we finished shooting if you get my drift. Most stopped talking crap once we got going. On a stage with a palm strike, step back start and one shooting from retention, I was faster than almost everyone. All because of FS. On the palm strike start, I did the palm strike, step back draw and shoot two (down zero's) and was off to the next position before the RO could get out of the way and slammed into him. Could never had done that learning on my own.

[Ronin75]

Planning on attending a 4 day rifle class in late January or February. Could any of prior students give recommendations for a good clean place to stay at while I attend this class. It will be my first time out there

[rreidiii]

Where all the diamond certs?
Call me
858-705-4610
Robert

[dad4mnc]

Originally Posted by Ronin75

Planning on attending a 4 day rifle class in late January or February. Could any of prior students give recommendations for a good clean place to stay at while I attend this class. It will be my first time out there

Saddle West on the cheap. Frontsight First Family members get a discount and breakfast. There are other hotels in Pahrump that will do. I’m staying at the WineRidge cottages in January. $80/night for a one bedroom with AAA discount.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Originally Posted by Ronin75

Planning on attending a 4 day rifle class in late January or February. Could any of prior students give recommendations for a good clean place to stay at while I attend this class. It will be my first time out there

I've stayed at the Best Western and the Wine Ridge Resort. Both were great.

The Best Western has a killer breakfast buffet which makes it worth it. $100/night for a basic room. Would stay there again.

Stayed in one of the basic cottages at the Wine Ridge Resort. Was a little cheaper than the Best Western. No breakfast, but the cottage had a full kitchen. One bedroom and a pullout couch. The pullout couch sucked to sleep on, but other than that it was really clean, staff was great, and would stay there again.

I'm heading out there solo in a couple weeks for a 2-day skill builder and will be trying my luck with the Saddle West. Apparently it's older/dated, but still has a decent breakfast. Paying something like $45-$50/night for a basic room. I'll report back how that place is after I get back.

All three offer discounts if you're a Front Sight member. Some also have AA discounts, but I got a better deal at Wine Ridge with the Front Sight discount because that also meant I didn't have to pay tax.

[beanz2]

Originally Posted by NorthBay Shooter

I wore a FS hat one time to an IDPA match. I spent half the time defending FS from people that had never been there and were telling me how crappy it was. Besides saying they should go before they comment, they all should have waiting until we finished shooting if you get my drift. Most stopped talking crap once we got going. On a stage with a palm strike, step back start and one shooting from retention, I was faster than almost everyone. All because of FS. On the palm strike start, I did the palm strike, step back draw and shoot two (down zero's) and was off to the next position before the RO could get out of the way and slammed into him. Could never had done that learning on my own.

Way to go!

[SG29736]

For whatever reason the front site students I've run into at matches that are the most vocal about training at FS are the mediocre shooters. I'm sure there are some very good FS shooters at matches but they aren't the ones trying to convince others to go there. You used to see FS training certificates on prize tables at bigger matches, but I haven't seen any of them for quite a while. They were competent, safe shooters.

[VolvoWrench]

I would say as far as hand gun training at F.S. it's all about defensive, quick draw from concealment and, 2 to the chest, if legally and morally warranted. Yes, there are more advanced classes with different scenarios but, none of them are "running and gunning" like most typical matches.

So, I can definitely see the F.S. students being mediocre in the "Ferrari of shooting" scenarios because that's not really what F.S. trains you to for.

[Ronin75]

Thanks for the motel recommendations

[Mezcalfud]

Originally Posted by Ronin75

Planning on attending a 4 day rifle class in late January or February. Could any of prior students give recommendations for a good clean place to stay at while I attend this class. It will be my first time out there

Saddle West has clean rooms and a good breakfast. The RONA changed the buffet into more of a hybrid but still good.$50 or so w/tax a night is awesome.

Best Western is good too. The Pour House serves great Indian food!

We did the kitchen thing once and were too tired to cook!

A new Pizza place- Farinata was delicious but no beer/salad/etc yet- they are new.

[LRG]

Originally Posted by VolvoWrench

I would say as far as hand gun training at F.S. it's all about defensive, quick draw from concealment and, 2 to the chest, if legally and morally warranted. Yes, there are more advanced classes with different scenarios but, none of them are "running and gunning" like most typical matches.

So, I can definitely see the F.S. students being mediocre in the "Ferrari of shooting" scenarios because that's not really what F.S. trains you to for.

I don't do competitions, although I'd like to but just don't have the time right now. However I'm curious, after taking the updated ATHG class, pretty much everything is a scenario and a good deal of it is done while on the move. Are competition stages that much different? What you talk about sounds like 4DDHG and quite a bit different than ATHG.

[Mustard]

Originally Posted by LRG

I don't do competitions, although I'd like to but just don't have the time right now. However I'm curious, after taking the updated ATHG class, pretty much everything is a scenario and a good deal of it is done while on the move. Are competition stages that much different? What you talk about sounds like 4DDHG and quite a bit different than ATHG.

I'd say my few months of USPSA experience (at the time) prepared me for ATHG, better than ATHG would have prepared me for USPSA.

If your brain thinks quickish and you can move quickish–and believe me, I've shot and worked with people who struggle with putting square pegs into square holes–you'll do fine in either one. But to say that USPSA and ATHG are on the same level, hell naw

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Still deciding which one to bring to a 2-day Skill Builder in a couple weeks.

[beanz2]

^ Trick question, Vinnie.

How many round magazines do the Beretta and the xD have? If only 10, I'd go with the SA 1911.

.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Originally Posted by beanz2

^ Trick question, Vinnie.

How many round magazines do the Beretta and the xD have? If only 10, I'd go with the SA 1911.

.

Yep, I'm in CA. So 10-rounders for all three.

[beanz2]

Originally Posted by Vinnie Boombatz

Yep, I'm in CA. So 10-rounders for all three.

I'm partial to the 1911, but which one do you have enough magazines for?

My SA 1911 only has 9 rounds if I recall correctly, but the trigger is worth changing magazines a bit more.

.

[beanz2]

Anybody knows the par times for the handgun skills test? Wife just got a club timer and wants to play with it.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Originally Posted by beanz2

I'm partial to the 1911, but which one do you have enough magazines for?

My SA 1911 only has 9 rounds if I recall correctly, but the trigger is worth changing magazines a bit more.

.

I have plenty of magazines for each.

The WC magazines I have for the 1911 are 10 rounds.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Originally Posted by beanz2

Anybody knows the par times for the handgun skills test? Wife just got a club timer and wants to play with it.

[beanz2]

Thanks, Vinnie!

[VolvoWrench]

Originally Posted by LRG

Are competition stages that much different?

Just take a look at rodralig's video. This is a very typical competition....
https://youtu.be/eUt2qcZ-eyk

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Originally Posted by Vinnie Boombatz

Still deciding which one to bring to a 2-day Skill Builder in a couple weeks.

UPDATE: At the moment it's going to be the Springfield XD9 that I'll be taking to the 2-day Skill Builder. Took it to the range for the first time today. All I can say is this little plastic gun is awesome. It's ugly as heck, reminds me of a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, and no style points compared to having a Beretta or 1911 on your hip, but I shot this thing ridiculously well. I had Trijicon HD XR sights installed a few weeks ago and love them. Really easy to pick up that orange front sight and amazingly accurate. Was also impressed at how little recoil it has for such a small and light handgun.

The sights on the 1911 are way off. I need to tweak those with the laser round and laser bore sight. Should have done that before I took it to the range for the first time, given it has adjustable target sights. I'll head back to the range next week after tweaking the sights, and unless it rocks my world and is dead-nuts accurate I'll be taking the XD9.

[Jedi54]

XD's are very good guns, the XD 5" was the first gun I ever trained with at FS (borrowed it from a friend)
Shortly afterwards it became my first pistol and the Springfield collection has grown since.
XD 9
Xds 3.3
XDM 5.25
XD Mod 2 5"
Last time I shot the 4 day class I changed guns every day just for fun.

[Mezcalfud]

Headed out with the wife and bro/sis in laws for the Jan2- 2 day handgun skill builder

[OCEquestrian]

Originally Posted by Vinnie Boombatz

UPDATE: At the moment it's going to be the Springfield XD9 that I'll be taking to the 2-day Skill Builder. Took it to the range for the first time today. All I can say is this little plastic gun is awesome. It's ugly as heck, reminds me of a Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic, and no style points compared to having a Beretta or 1911 on your hip, but I shot this thing ridiculously well. I had Trijicon HD XR sights installed a few weeks ago and love them. Really easy to pick up that orange front sight and amazingly accurate. Was also impressed at how little recoil it has for such a small and light handgun.

The sights on the 1911 are way off. I need to tweak those with the laser round and laser bore sight. Should have done that before I took it to the range for the first time, given it has adjustable target sights. I'll head back to the range next week after tweaking the sights, and unless it rocks my world and is dead-nuts accurate I'll be taking the XD9.

Defiantly the XD-9. It's best to use the simplest gun (striker fired) so you can focus on the skills not the gun.

[NorthBay Shooter]

Originally Posted by Vinnie Boombatz

UPDATE:

The sights on the 1911 are way off. I need to tweak those with the laser round and laser bore sight. Should have done that before I took it to the range for the first time, given it has adjustable target sights. I'll head back to the range next week after tweaking the sights, and unless it rocks my world and is dead-nuts accurate I'll be taking the XD9.

Fix the sights on the 1911 and take that and own it. There are a lot of pretenders, but nothing is like the trigger on a good 1911.

[XDJYo]

Originally Posted by VolvoWrench

Just take a look at rodralig's video. This is a very typical competition....
https://youtu.be/eUt2qcZ-eyk

Are the scraped up knees and elbows a requirement?

Good shooting! I can't believe all A zone hits on that one run!

[rodralig]

Originally Posted by XDJYo

Are the scraped up knees and elbows a requirement?

I never knew of the requirement, myself!

When I am in tactical/defensive classes, it's always BDU pants with knee pads at least. In USPSA/IDPA, unless it's cold, I wear shorts.

Not anymore! Lessons learned they say! *LOL*

Good shooting! I can't believe all A zone hits on that one run!

Thank you! I try my best... I am just SLOW! In USPSA, you can trade an A for a C if you are at least 1/3~2/3 faster in most stages. For the usual local club stages of 16 targets - those "delays" can add up REALLY fast! (see video below - if I did not make up that shot, I would've gotten a higher score)

That said - I think this is more an USPSA than an IDPA thing. Shots outside the A-zone (0-down zone) in the latter are heavily penalized with 1-second down regardless of difficulty.

But I still try to have my moments... (when I can still see the front sight )

[Mustard]

Originally Posted by rodralig

Thank you! I try my best... I am just SLOW! In USPSA, you can trade an A for a C if you are at least 1/3~2/3 faster in most stages. For the usual local club stages of 16 targets - those "delays" can add up REALLY fast! (see video below - if I did not make up that shot, I would've gotten a higher score)

That said - I think this is more an USPSA than an IDPA thing. Shots outside the A-zone (0-down zone) in the latter are heavily penalized with 1-second down regardless of difficulty.

Start trading some alphas for Charlie's and fractions of a second!

Like that array at the 0:10 mark.... when i run into arrays ike that it's point shoot and run the trigger as fast as i can. You have the split time's for it, the transition times are where you can improve the most

[beanz2]

I'm taking Practical Rifle Skill Builder next month. I don't recall us doing single shots like in my PR Guide Book? For those of you who have taken 4DPractical Rifle or PRSB, is this still the current test?

Close contact? That was in the Advanced Practical Rifle, wasn't it?





.

[DRM6000]

That was the old test. I haven't taken that course in a few years, but the last time I did, there was no close contact, no hostages and the longest shot was 100 yds.

[Divehobo]

Originally Posted by dad4mnc

Any insights on the Tac Handgun class (besides staying warm). I’m taking it 1/2-1/3.

Good class, took it in October as a private. Lots of multiple strings of fire on steel, shooting while moving back, forward, to right and left and diagonals toward and away. Some close contact, strike, draw and back out while firing. Back to threat and pivots, back to threat and shooting while leaning forward, moving away from target. My fav part was shooting ports on Vtac wall as instructor called out port numbers and which steel plate to shoot.

Shooting steel is so much more fun than punching paper.

Have not done January but I've done last week of December. It was wet and temps were 40-50's. Biggest issue was wind, plus being cold and wet. My suggesting is layers and more layers, warm hat and thick enough gloves to allow you to still put hand in jacket pocket when your not manipulating gun.

Have fun

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Originally Posted by NorthBay Shooter

Fix the sights on the 1911 and take that and own it. There are a lot of pretenders, but nothing is like the trigger on a good 1911.

Sights are dialed in now and it's very accurate. Also been practicing malfunction drills and will be bringing it to the class next week.

[NorthBay Shooter]

Originally Posted by Vinnie Boombatz

Sights are dialed in now and it's very accurate now. Also been practicing malfunction drills and will be bringing it to the class next week.

I am excited for you. You're going to kill it. Have fun and remember strong weak hand grip for the quick splits with the 1911. The instructors are going to be calling you Vinnie "ragged hole" Boombatz with that gun.

[nszzya]

I’m wondering if the armorer’s courses can be taken privately with a President membership. Anyone know?

[AAShooter]

I don't believe you can

[DRM6000]

Classroom courses cannot be done in private.

Also, from what I can remember, ropes and night courses cannot be done in private.

[nszzya]

Originally Posted by AAShooter

I don't believe you can

Originally Posted by DRM6000

Classroom courses cannot be done in private.

Also, from what I can remember, ropes and night courses cannot be done in private.

Thanks guys.

[rodralig]

Originally Posted by Divehobo

Good class, took it in October as a private.

You CAN take the ATHG in private?

Woot...!!! I should try that... Need to push my scenario training outside competition.

_

[Vinnie Boombatz]

Just finished a 2-Day Handgun Skill Builder and finished with a Graduate certificate.

I’m stoked! I never picked up a firearm until February of this year and have been to Front Sight three times in 2020 and have worked hard practicing at home. LOTS of dry fire practice and practicing malfunction drills. Did it all with a Springfield Loaded Target 1911 9mm that I recently purchased from a fellow CG’er and only took it to the range twice for short sessions to dial in the target sights.