Training question

[Varner]

I'm looking to take a good training class for defensive pistol. I've been shooting for a number of years, but never had any formal training and was curious to see what that type of training can offer in order to advance my skills. I was wondering if anyone has any good recommendations for programs in SoCal? I've read about ITTS at Angeles (one of the ranges I go to) but does anyone know if it's any good? Looks like they make you take the level 1 course no matter what your skill set if you haven't had formal training yet. Appreciate any feedback, thanks!

[IntoForever]

I've been through ITTS training and learned quite a bit. I never had any instruction and have been shooting for 30 years. They worked on getting rid of all my bad habits and still had time to improve my shooting. The old guy next to me was shooting for 50 years and couldn't place two shots in a row in the circle when starting and afterward none were outside of it. For me, level 1 instilled safety and control. So far it's the only course I've taken but I definitely think it was worth it.

[BamBam-31]

We took a class with Uli Gebhard from Suarez International. Good instructor at affordable prices. IIRC, he reserved private ranges at Burro for small classes. Worth a look. Best class I ever took was with Bruce Gray, however. His focus on the techincal aspects of pistol fundamentals was spot on, thorough, and indispensable. Worth every penny.

[chesterthehero]

ive been signed up to take a class at http://www.civilianarmstraining.com/ (classes at Prado off the 71 in chino.. they have a booth at every crossroads show.. price is about half the normal cost) for atleast 6 months.. ive got a buddy who did a class with them and said it was good.. one of these days ill get it done..
ive gotten a lot of great one on one from a few different people at the corona sportsmans club (i joined because of how helpful and nice the people are).. going out and shooting is the best training you can do for yourself.. if someone tells you something it helps to listen.. true there is no "this is how to do it" way of training.. what works for someone else may not work for you..

[Plisk]

Give some consideration for Falcon Security. They provide a variety of classes including handgun. Their curriculum is similar to Magpul Dynamics, and they hold all of their classes at Burro Canyon. If you do a search you'll find a few threads of other members AARs of their classes. After I tried them, I was sold for life.

https://www.falconsecurity.us

[SuperSet]

Recent posting:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=367555

[kanikas]

I've taken 4 classes from ITTS - all excellent. I started with Defensive Handgun I, and everybody in the class showed considerable improvement by the time it was done, even folks who had been shooting for years. Definitely worth a look.

[9mmepiphany]

Before considering an advanced class, a good first step to to take inventory of your skill set.

A good fundamental standard is the ability to place 5 rounds in a 6" circle at 7-10 yards from the holster in 2.5 sec.

A good measure of trigger control is the ability to cut a playing card in half, edgewise, at the same distance

[Librarian]

Before considering an advanced class, a good first step to to take inventory of your skill set.

A good fundamental standard is the ability to place 5 rounds in a 6" circle at 7-10 yards from the holster in 2.5 sec.

A good measure of trigger control is the ability to cut a playing card in half, edgewise, at the same distance

That would mean, at a minimum, you had access to a training location that allowed drawing from a holster.

I won't dispute that such a measure of skill is likely to be helpful in an advanced class, but I don't think it's a fundamental standard.

[9mmepiphany]

Maybe fundamental skill was too strong a word. It is just an objective measure of the skills needed to:
1. Manage the trigger of a gun at speed (approx 5 shots/sec) to make accurate shots.
2. Managing recoil to bring the sights back on target.
3. Allowing the appearance of the sights on target to cue your shot release.
4. Drawing and firing the first shot as the arms reach extension.

But when you post these skills, how do folks measure them...hence a quantifiable standard. But it is really only a goal to measure your personal skills against. My feeling is that if you attend a class with these skills, you'll be able to spend more time learning new skills without having to worry about making time or making hits on target

[Librarian]

I guess that's why I won't be signing up for any advanced classes

The card thing? I couldn't do that with a scoped rifle and a bench rest. I literally could not see a card edge-on - old eyes.

[glock21fan]

Front sight has some good classes and some good prices right now. They also have a home training book which is cheaper then taking a class you can review at home and enroll in a local class like the ones mentioned above. I strongly suggest the home training there are some other guides available on the web too.

[9mmepiphany]

The card thing? I couldn't do that with a scoped rifle and a bench rest. I literally could not see a card edge-on - old eyes.

Sure you can...you only have to be able to see your sights

I'm up in Sacto, if you're up in my neck of the woods, or I make a roadtrip down to the Bay Area, I'll show you how...if you're interested

[HCz]

Uncle Scotty(ITTS) is one of few who has been there and done that. I was really impressed by his class and would have done more if I had time. As for taking his basic class, it's probably a safe bet that you will see some things to fix.

I actually took his intermediate pistol class(in 2007, before 2009 name change) and skipped basic class, but to do that I went over to the range, talked to Uncle Scotty in person, and we discussed my previous classes. I had about 4-6 classes from various other schools so that might have helped, but his class definitely made me put efforts in to catch up.

[Ricky-Ray]

ive been signed up to take a class at http://www.civilianarmstraining.com/ (classes at Prado off the 71 in chino.. they have a booth at every crossroads show.. price is about half the normal cost) for atleast 6 months.. ive got a buddy who did a class with them and said it was good.. one of these days ill get it done..
ive gotten a lot of great one on one from a few different people at the corona sportsmans club (i joined because of how helpful and nice the people are).. going out and shooting is the best training you can do for yourself.. if someone tells you something it helps to listen.. true there is no "this is how to do it" way of training.. what works for someone else may not work for you..

+1 for Civilian Arms. I've taken their Level 1 twice and Defensive shotgun twice also. Looking into taking Level 2 and IPD next year.