Front Sight training.

[Vanguard]

Has anyone ever attended one of their classes in Las Vegas? Their website looks scammish. One of their packages offers to give you a free Springfield XD (thanks FS00008) with the course. I'd like to take a defensive pistol course but I don't know if I trust these guys. There was also a class action lawsuit against them...which doesn't bode well.

Anyone have any experience with them?

[dustoff31]

I've never been there myself, but according to everyone I've talked to that has, as well as prior threads here, the consensus seems to be that if you are going to attend a firearms course, fine.

Stay far, far, away from anything else they have to offer.

[FS00008]

You mean Springfield XD?

[AngelDecoys]

Has anyone ever attended one of their classes in Las Vegas? Their website looks scammish. One of their packages offers to give you a free S&W XD with the course. I'd like to take a defensive pistol course but I don't know if I trust these guys. There was also a class action lawsuit against them...which doesn't bode well.

Anyone have any experience with them?

I'm hesitant to repost everything already said in other threads. As one who's been going since they started (Bakersfield), I'm already sold on the inherent value. As one who has been to several other schools, I'd say FS's beginning courses are on par with the other schools I've been to. The higher level courses are excellent. Integrated handgun, tactics, advanced tactics, precision rifle, etc are great. In my experience, those who do not like FS tend to be those who can't pass the tests to qualify for the higher levels.

FS isn't scammish. At its best, its a Disneyland for the gun enthusiast. At its worst, it's a soft sell for training the average person doesn't value. Naish does use a bit too much marketing, but like the NRA it's made him millions and gotten him results.

Here's the latest thread on it.

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=166231

[Vanguard]

Thanks guys...I just haven't heard anything from real people about them and needed some lowdown.

[AngelDecoys]

Thanks guys...I just haven't heard anything from real people about them and needed some lowdown.

Sure thing. I just treated my Dad to the 4 day XD special (he lives in AZ and has a CCW). As a father/son deal, it was quite a 4 day. I figured he could use some training if he was going to carry.

I'll probably be down again at the end of May for the 2 day tactical scenarios class (handgun/rifle/shotgun). Weather is great that time of year.

When you thinking about going?

[domokun]

I hear they're having a sale this month on their 2-day pistol class until the end of the month... Only $100!

[ohsmily]

Read my post here also excerpted below: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...40&postcount=2

I took the 2 day defensive handgun course with my fiance. I was an avid shooter before going but had never had formal instruction. They eliminated a few small bad habits (minor grip and stance adjustments) and , combined with my own time spent practicing afterward, ingrained a very good presentation from the holster, malfunction clearing, and basic threat assessment skill. The course also serves as a CCW class for the Utah and Nevada courses (but you have to pay extra money for those licenses). It was about 1/3 lecture 2/3 shooting/lecture on the firing line.

When you go for your first time, MAKE SURE TO GET ONE OF THE "FIRST FAMILY CERTIFICATES" off of eBay or another source. That way, the course will cost you 100 bucks (sometimes less) plus the $50 background check fee and the cost of ammo. That course is good for a person's first class at Front Sight and works for 1 person for a 4-day class or 2 people for the same simultaneously enrolled 2-day class. It covers 4 and 2 day Defensive Handgun, Defensive Shotgun, or Defensive Rifle classes.

[BB63Squid]

I took the Tactical Rifle course two years ago. The course was excellent, instructors all knowledgeable with no egos. In the end I learned quite a bit and had fun.

Pahrump is where the rectal thermometer would be inserted if NV needed it's temp taken. Then again after twelve hours in 100+ degree temperatures all I was good for was some chow, two beers a shower and it was lights out for me.

[DRM6000]

it's not a scam. it's a good place to receive training. once you've taken a course, you'll desire more. i became a member last year after i took one course. so far this year, i've attended three and have at least one more planned.

go and enjoy the course.

[Vanguard]

AngelDecoys, I'm just throwing around the idea right now. I'll probably try to convince my wife, my buddy or my dad to go with me.

[8-Ball]

I considered attending their Las Vegas school last year and decided, based on all of the pending litigation, and the scammy marketing scheme to beg off.

They also entered into a link flooding paradigm that was intrusive.

It may be a good school, but it felt very used car to me... no thanks.

[pwhitbeck]

Last year I attended the Four-Day Defensive Handgun Course. Everything was first-rate and very professional. I learned a lot. I bought a lifetime membership which came with enough free certificates to also take my wife, son and daughter which means that I'll be taking the four-day defensive handgun course at least two more times this year.

Now, I understand some people's raised eyebrows about the marketing -- I was slightly wary until I took my course. I anticipated a "cult of personality" atmosphere around Ignatius Piazza but the actual experience was nothing like that. In fact, as others have mentioned in other threads there is only one very low-key and optional marketing presentation. No chants of "Ignatius" while flashing the secret I sign or anything. Simply very professional instruction and lots of it.

I think Dr. Piazza is simply a very aggressive, passionate and determined Type-A businessman. Let's face it -- if you want to succeed you have to sell your product! Nothing is wrong with that.

In fact I've yet to meet anyone who has actually been there who has issues with the marketing... Doesn't mean they don't exist but I haven't met 'em.

[Experimentalist]

I've taken several classes at FrontSight, though far fewer than AngelDecoys. I have never been disappointed with the quality of instruction, course material, or facilities.

However, I am very uncomfortable with the financial scheme for their business. I know they have several streams of income from paid courses and sales through their pro shop. I'm just not convinced that this income will overcome the burden of all the life members taking courses for free (yours truly included).

I would not hesitate to recommend a class at FrontSight. If you enjoy the shooting sports I am 98% certain you will enjoy the class.

IMHO, If you buy a life membership you should be confident you will be able to take enough classes to get your money's worth from it within a year or two. I did, and now I'm reaping the rewards.

And don't take classes after April, or before November. Pahrump gets mighty hot, this is why no summer classes are offered.



And by the way: If you should happen to find yourself in one of the fireworks stores in town, and happen to find what you think just might be M-80s.... they aren't.

[rkt88edmo]

I am a real person, have trained at Front Sight (and also with other trainers) and will go again