Front Sight training.

[CSDGuy]

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.

From what I understand, their training is quite good. Their financial side of things is all I have an issue with. I hope their business model is sustainable. It would be a shame if they had to close because of that. I have yet to take a class at FS... but I wouldn't want to become a member there because of their financial stuff. I'd rather not have any recurring ties to them. Otherwise, I have no issue with FS having to aggressively market themselves. It's business and they have to drum some up to stay afloat.

[blackfalcon]

years ago I took their free submachine gun course. For being free, it was actually pretty good. It was a one day deal, but we also got fed pizzas at the end of the day. There was a big sales pitch at the end of the class, but you were welcome to leave anytime. I stayed to hear a little of the sales then left. The guns we fired was the uzi. I thought it was a very good day and the instructors were quite good.

[AngelDecoys]

However, I am very uncomfortable with the financial scheme for their business.

Their financial side of things is all I have an issue with. I hope their business model is sustainable.

Their model is sustainable. As is, they've only tapped into a small percentage of shooters and one hopes the young grow up becoming shooters as well. Its a renewable resource. I think most people don't consider that the average member visits only a few times/year, or that many members buy once and have never been back. And there's a good portion that are members but have never even taken a course.

I would concur that their financial model gives many people 'pause' about obtaining a membership. Some people need that guarantee that every company they do business with will be around forever. Anyway, I would never tell someone how to spend their money.

Heck, I know friends that will never get a season pass for skiing because they won't get reimbursed if there's no snow (or if the resort goes BK). And they would grumble if the deal they got on a season pass dropped to 1/2 price later (which metaphorically speaks to the current FS litigation). IMHO, some of it is reasonable and some is sour grapes.

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.

It would be easy for me (or Experimentalist) to simply say get a membership (since we've already gotten our value out of it). Instead, I would say go, have fun taking a course or two from FS. If you do end up with a membership, equate how many times you'll use it within the next year or so. Also throw in how trip cost, local comparable courses, and your actual desire to train figures into the mix.

[pwhitbeck]

It would be easy for me (or Experimentalist) to simply say get a membership (since we've already gotten our value out of it). Instead, I would say go, have fun taking a course or two from FS. If you do end up with a membership, equate how many times you'll use it within the next year or so. Also throw in how trip cost, local comparable courses, and your actual desire to train figures into the mix.

I agree wholeheartedly. When I took my course I decided, then and there, that I was going to send my Wife, Daughter and Son to Frontsight. When they offered a deal on lifetime memberships including several certificates for free courses it made great financial sense to buy the membership. Within one year I've got my money's worth... Very satisfied.

[Vanguard]

Nice....thanks a lot guys! I got exactly the information I was looking for in this thread. Based on most everyone's opinions in this thread, I feel more confident about Front Sight now. I'll probably set something up for November. I don't mind that they try to sell their other products to you while you're there, they are a business and have to make money. I was worried about the quality and professionalism mostly and you guys have pretty much put that to rest.

[racer]

front sight has a new offer a 2 day handgun class for $100
AGAIN, please follow these 5 Simple Steps to take advantage
of this Special Offer for a $1,000 Two Day Defensive
Handgun Course for ONLY $100.

Here is how it works:

1. The Certificate is good for you to attend Front Sight's
Two Day Defensive Handgun Course at any time in the future
and has No Expiration Date.

2. The Certificate is good for a student's first course
only. Certificate is transferable, but not redeemable for
cash.

3. Simply mail a personal check or money order in the
amount of $100 made payable to Front Sight along with a
Self Addressed, Stamped Return Envelope. Mail your check to:

P.O. Box 2619
Aptos, CA 95001

4. The deadline for postmark of your envelope is April, 20
2009. This means you must drop the check in the mail to us
before 5:00pm Monday, April 20, 2009.

5. Upon receipt, we will mail you back, in the Self
Addressed Stamped Envelope you provide, a special Front
Sight Course Certificate good to attend a Two Day Defensive
Handgun Course at any time in the future with no expiration
date. If you decide at any time in the future you cannot
use it, the Certificate is fully transferable.

Again, it's very simple. Just follow the directions above.

Take advantage of the offer to lock a $1,000 Two Day
Defensive Handgun Course that you can attend at any time
in the future for only $100.

I look forward to seeing you, your family and friends in a
Front Sight Two Day Defensive Handgun Course soon!

Sincerely,

Dr. Ignatius Piazza
Founder and Director
Front Sight Firearms Training Institute
P.O. Box 2619
Aptos, CA 95001

http://www.frontsight.com

info@frontsight.com
1.800.987.7719