Gun instruction

[zfields]

Giant red flag IMHO.

Seriously ... this bothers you or something? Do you get out of the hothouse often?

Who claimed otherwise?

I get out plenty, dont worry. But this damn heat is starting to get to me, thats the one thing I miss about N. California.

[greybeard]

You might want to check this out. NRa personal Protection in the home.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=490454

[tacticalcity]

Id love to see someone suggest a semi auto for my Mother or girlfriend, then try to watch them try to rack the son of a *****.

We may never hear what context that one specific instructor recommended that revolver in.
For some people, revolvers are the right choice, no matter what a professional shooter may say. For someone who isnt going out and training on malfuction clearance, speed reloads, and all the other fun stuff we all do at the range/in matches, some people just want something simple that will go bang if they need it. I dont feel its doing your due diligence as a gun owner, but thats beyond the point.



Ok your right Tactical, Im just having a good time now.

Every course I have taken had women in it (including Air Base Ground Defense School in the military - man was that an amazing course - love MILES Gear). They packed everything from Glocks, 1911s, and I even saw one packing a DA/SA Sig. They did just fine. Lots of new shooters, not just women, have that infamous issue trying to rack the side. It's not a strength issue, it's an intimidation issue. They get intimidated and turn into weaklings because they are over hesitant and cautious. It's a natural reaction. You explain to them that it is about leverage and they need to lock their elbow and push with the gun arm while pulling with the free hand and three year old girl can do it just fine.

I'm a big dude and had a little trouble figuring out how to rack the slide of 1911 with the hammer down. Requires more leverage. But I figured it out in a few seconds. Looked like a NOOB infront of the clerk at the store but I can live with that.

And as for your earlier post...haven't you learned by now that it is always all about me. Just ask all my ex-girlfriends. They'll tell ya.

[zfields]

Every course I have taken had women in it. They packed everything from Glocks, 1911s, and even a DA/SA sig or two. They did just fine. Lots of new shooters, not just women, have that infamous issue trying to rack the side. It's not a strength issue, it's an intimidation issue. They get intimidated and turn into weaklings because they are over hesitant and cautious. It's a natural reaction. You explain to them that it is about leverage and they need to lock their elbow and push with the gun arm while pulling with the free hand and three year old girl can do it just fine.

And as for your earlier post...haven't you learned by now that it is always all about me. It's my world and you're just living in it. Just ask all my ex-girlfriends. They'll tell ya.

No wonder we buttheads, Ive herd the same plenty. If you ever come to central TX ill buy you a beer and show ya how to use AK sights :P

Ive been proud, the gf can finally rack to make sure my AK is clear before she uses it for photos. Granted she has to stick the buttstock on the table and pull down real hard.

And again, your talking about getting a lot more familarization with their firearms then a lot of gun owners are willing to do. Believe me , I wish more women were out at the range, but I know plenty who have handguns in there house that have never fired them, or at best a box when they first bought them.

[tacticalcity]

No wonder we buttheads, Ive herd the same plenty. If you ever come to central TX ill buy you a beer and show ya how to use AK sights :P

I enjoy Texas, now that I've had enough time to recover from the shell shock of basic training. Ah, the memories! Would love to shoot an AK again, but I would be worried the AK bug would strike again. I have enough trouble feeding the guns I have.

Ive been proud, the gf can finally rack to make sure my AK is clear before she uses it for photos. Granted she has to stick the buttstock on the table and pull down real hard.

Some people just struggle with it, others get the leverage vs. muscle thing right away. Always amusing to sit back and watch the ones that struggle though.

And again, your talking about getting a lot more familarization with their firearms then a lot of gun owners are willing to do. Believe me , I wish more women were out at the range, but I know plenty who have handguns in there house that have never fired them, or at best a box when they first bought them.

In this case, the OP is on the right track. He wants to get trained properly right from the start. That right there is more commitment than most shooters ever demonstrate. So I have high hopes for him, and respect the heck out of him. I'm hoping to see him on the firing line in my next course/vacation. Those of us addicted to taking lots of courses are a growing club, but I realize we are sadly not the majority.

[RedFord150]

I am not in SD, but I am sure you must have an indoor range near you.
Check out the local indoor ranges and ask what they have for a beginner course. A group class might be as low as $35.00, a few hours of 'one on one' might be as high as $95.00. They will probably furnish you with one to four rental guns to try out. The instructor can probably recommend a few good models that will work for you.
When you get prices, ask if that includes rental gun and ammo.
Once you have at least one beginner class under your belts, you can start thinking about more advanced training and what guns you might consider buying.
Good luck.

[scootle]

Slightly off topic ... any good courses in the SF Bay Area? I know Reeds shooting range offers one, but it's $300 for an 8 hour day. Seems a touch pricey.

Bill Tidwell does NRA FIRST steps courses at Reed's too... ask them about it. He runs the 2-night NRA program then does an optional 3rd night on the range where he unloads the entire gun collection on the line and you can try everything from a .380 auto all the way up to .44 magnum to see what you like. For non-gun owners (first timers) this is very very useful.

I've taken the other classes with Louis Awerbuck at Reeds (spendy, but awesome -- Awerbuck trained with Col. Jeff Cooper back in the day) as well as a class with LMS Defense at Metcalf. Both are great programs depending on your needs and wants. There are many other small outfits in the area, as well as many shooting clubs that do ad hoc training and practice sessions in the area, depending on your interests.

And as an aside... this thread sure got ugly in a hurry... when I started, I initially learned on a semi-auto, but I have shot revolvers. Both have their benefits and cons. I think ultimately, it should be up to the user to decide which they prefer. In the modern world, semi autos probably show up more often, but there are plenty of wheel guns out there for the picking too. The biggest downside for a first-time buyer is probably something as simple as cost. A *good* revolver costs probably 2x as much as a typical quality semi-automatic pistol. This can be important.

From my personal experience, my first gun purchase was a Ruger Mk III Target model in Stainless... best decision ever. Cheap to shoot, reliable, and perfect to get the fundamentals practiced often and without breaking the bank on ammo costs (even 9mm gets spendy after a while).

[tacticalcity]

Bill Tidwell does NRA FIRST steps courses at Reed's too... ask them about it. He runs the 2-night NRA program then does an optional 3rd night on the range where he unloads the entire gun collection on the line and you can try everything from a .380 auto all the way up to .44 magnum to see what you like. For non-gun owners (first timers) this is very very useful.

That sounds absolutely perfect for somebody new to guns or even somebody looking to check out something new without having to buy it first. After all a refesher course on the fundamentals is always a good idea. Very cool suggestion.

The LMS Defense course you also suggested would probably be better for somebody who already has a gun and gear, knows they will be into it, and wants to get the most bang for your buck. The NRA First step courses are VERY basic. Which could be just what the doctor ordered for somebody like the OP who is totally new, but from the posts I've read from LeadWaster I would guess he's ready for the really cool stuff. We'll be calling him LeadOptimizer soon enough. Pretty sure I read a post from him recently about buying his first handgun? Don't remember what but it sounded cool. Maybe that was somebody else.

I really want to take the Tactical Medicine course from LMS Defense. I had Self-Aid buddy care in the military, but that was oh so long ago. They had to have made advances in techniques since then and I probably only remember a small fraction of the material. It's a garling hole in my training as far as what is upto date. So far my scheduel has never meshed with the course.

After that some of the really expensive executive protection courses from US Training Center (including the defensive driving courses) are on the bucket list. Partially because I've taken the handgun and carbine stuff already and partially because it sounds like a lot of fun.

I usually spend my vacation time taking courses, which means I usually need a vacation to recover from my vacation. Sadly the economy has really put a dent in the vacation budget.

[scootle]

Bill Tidwell does NRA FIRST steps courses at Reed's too... ask them about it. He runs the 2-night NRA program then does an optional 3rd night on the range where he unloads the entire gun collection on the line and you can try everything from a .380 auto all the way up to .44 magnum to see what you like. For non-gun owners (first timers) this is very very useful.

That sounds absolutely perfect for somebody new to guns or even somebody looking to check out something new without having to buy it first. After all a refesher course on the fundamentals is always a good idea. Very cool suggestion.

I should add... for the NRA FIRST Steps course, night 1 is in the classroom, night 2 is on the range using .22LR pistols and revolvers, so you do get a chance to use both systems. The NRA curriculum is inclusive of both pistol and revolver systems so you are competent/safe with both by the time you are done. Highly recommended for any first-timers out here in the SFBA.

The 3rd optional night that Tidwell runs is great though... I remember they had a selection of stuff ranging from a Walther PPK .380 auto, a .357 revolver loaded with both .38 special and .357 magnum, a Beretta 92FS 9mm, a Glock 23 .40, a 1911 in .45 ACP, and a Ruger Super Redhawk .44 Magnum... and maybe some other stuff that I forget.

edit: And I concur that the LMS courses are likely more for someone who already has picked out a weapon system and does have interest in getting a bit farther into the tactics and defensive shooting aspects of things. Their 1-day clinics are a little less intense, but for the 2-day classes, definitely plan on busting out the kneepads and getting down and dirty!

[tacticalcity]

I should add... for the NRA FIRST Steps course, night 1 is in the classroom, night 2 is on the range using .22LR pistols and revolvers, so you do get a chance to use both systems. The NRA curriculum is inclusive of both pistol and revolver systems so you are competent/safe with both by the time you are done. Highly recommended for any first-timers out here in the SFBA.

The 3rd optional night that Tidwell runs is great though... I remember they had a selection of stuff ranging from a Walther PPK .380 auto, a .357 revolver loaded with both .38 special and .357 magnum, a Beretta 92FS 9mm, a Glock 23 .40, a 1911 in .45 ACP, and a Ruger Super Redhawk .44 Magnum... and maybe some other stuff that I forget.

edit: And I concur that the LMS courses are likely more for someone who already has picked out a weapon system and does have interest in getting a bit farther into the tactics and defensive shooting aspects of things. Their 1-day clinics are a little less intense, but for the 2-day classes, definitely plan on busting out the kneepads and getting down and dirty!

All good to know. I have realitives and friends in that area who would benefit from that info. Thank you.

[Jarfykk]

Just want to thank everyone again for the valuable info in thread and via PM.

[SDProtection]

I will throw our hat in the ring as well. We teach LE and civilians out at PALA during the week. Www.archangelpartners.com/weaponstraining. Not beginner classes but the next step in your learning adventure. Be safe!

[tacticalcity]

You guys are in his area as well. Well there ya go!

Once he commits fully and gets a gun, picks up a nice kydex holster and double mag pouch, sturdy nylon trainers belt, and eye/ear protection he can sign up for that Handgun I course and be ready to rock and roll. Exactly the type of training and school I was thinking of. Price is good as well.

Courses like those not only give you a nice solid foundation but really build your confidence. I really enjoy them.

[Revoman]

I highly recommend the San Diego Police Revolver Club 'Basic Handgun Safety Course' at the SDPD Range off of Home Avenue.

It's for beginners, takes you from novice to intermediate in about 6-7 weeks. It's usually on Tuesday evenings starting at around 18:30 I think.

Professional instruction, legal and moral rights/thoughts and how to shoot over that course.

Very enjoyable environment. Contact the range to find out more about the course.

Once you attend and pass the basic course, you can join the advanced class....it's a barrel of fun!

[zfields]

I highly recommend the San Diego Police Revolver Club 'Basic Handgun Safety Course' at the SDPD Range off of Home Avenue.

It's for beginners, takes you from novice to intermediate in about 6-7 weeks. It's usually on Tuesday evenings starting at around 18:30 I think.

Professional instruction, legal and moral rights/thoughts and how to shoot over that course.

Very enjoyable environment. Contact the range to find out more about the course.

Once you attend and pass the basic course, you can join the advanced class....it's a barrel of fun!

Uh oh, it almost sounds likes hes suggesting a revolver, quick burn him as a heretic!


On a serious note, that sounds really cool. Wish more PD's allowed stuff like that on there ranges.