Handgun training in SF Bay Area

[ffjdh]

I am looking for an instructor in the SF Bay Area ( close to Jackson Arms if possible). I have been shooting for a number of years but have recently gotten more serious and would like some tips and pointers on how to improve. I would also like to get some training for my wife who is a relatively new shooter.

I am also looking to get some home defense training for the two of us. Any suggestion for local trainers or classes would be greatly appreciated.

[Litespeeds]

Safehandgunner.com

[Citizen_B]

LMS Defense and Gray Ops come to mind but there are others. Try asking in the comp/training forum for more recommendations. Great to hear you have interest in taking formal training classes.

[Red9]

Maybe look into uspsa or idpa action pistol? Kind of like a two fer one. Although this may lead to a new addiction.

[sigstroker]

Reed's down in Santa Clara has formal classes, plus sanctioned competitions. Check their website.

[punisheryayarea]

Check this Guy out.....

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=928924

[82lightfighter]

Richmond Rod and Gun's action shooting range, called Hotshots, does an intro to competition that is an awesome class to attend. It's once a month and worth every penny of the $25 or whatever it is now.

http://www.richmondhotshots.com/

[67Cuda]

Solar Tactical in Livermore offers classes.

[Citizen_B]

Richmond Rod and Gun's action shooting range, called Hotshots, does an intro to competition that is an awesome class to attend. It's once a month and worth every penny of the $25 or whatever it is now.
http://www.richmondhotshots.com/

I think competition is a great way to get practical skills. However, the Richmond intro class doesn't really focus on fundamentals (not designed to). For that you'd need a formal fundamentals class, which luckily there are a number in the Bay Area. After fundamentals, competition is a great activity.

[javaduke]

http://coyotepointrpc.org/training we have pistol and rifle classes for beginners

[Librarian]

Also, consider Bayprofs - http://bayprofs.org/

I started there, *mumble* years ago.

[adarlingrobot]

Is this website a joke?

No, the website is not a joke.

The program and website are designed with beginners and new pistol owners in mind with no intention of the typical military-style hardened approach that comprises the majority of firearm instruction.

As a new shooter, it was invaluable to me to have a resource that was more in tune with my style and didn't try to shove an AR-15 or 50 cal in my face the first day. Also, to share with my lady friends who want to shoot.

Go to any range and you'll find a whole lotta dudes trying to get their girl to shoot their .45 and you'll see just why this type of focus is something that is both sorely lacking and desperately needed.

[Litespeeds]

Is this website a joke?

I bought a bunch of 9mm ammo from the person who is the instructor for that website. He competes nationally and has a location in San Francisco that you can go to for training or I think he can even come to your house. He can train at different levels starting from dry fire drills and then to the range for live drills. Very knowledgable individual who I will most likely contact in the future for private lessons at the range.

[les96]

Has anyone taken courses, specifically home defense or ccw, at Bay Area firearms training?

http://www.bayareafirearms.com

[bug_eyedmonster]

There is also a part that many do not mention, which is student to teacher ratio. I have been to classes that were a "bargain" only to be one of 35-40 students for one instructor and two minions. I would rather pay for a quality instructor with a lower number of students to make sure, especially as a beginner, that all bad habits are replaced with good ones. The classes at Solar Tactical are great, they are taught on a private range. Brian Normandy is a GREAT instructor, and genuinely a nice guy to talk to.

Some instructors might have a hint of what some might consider "military hardened approach" because safety with new shooters is an issue, and sometimes people need to be yelled at to get a point across, especially with hearing protection. In larger classes I mentioned above, you'll always get someone that does something wrong, forgets to put in or take out hearing pro, and even slow the class down.