Civilian Arms Training Classes - Any good?

[lawaia]

Anyone here take the handgun course through Civilian Arms Training? Any comments good or bad?

I'm signed up for Defensive Tactical Handgun Level 1, and am curious about the training quality.

Thanks.

[HCz]

Guys at Prado? I consider it a good range time. If you have not taken any firearm courses before it might be worthwhile. Not bad, but not the best either.

[workinwifdakids]

Here's my review from another forum; I can't remember if I posted this here at CalGuns or not:

Yesterday, I attended the Civilian Arms Training program at the Prado Olympic Shooting Park in Chino California. Before finding C.A.T.S., I had two assumptions about quality defensive firearms training: 1) you have to travel out-of-state; and 2) you have to spend a lot of money. After spending the day with the instructors there, I found neither was true.

I picked up a $30 voucher for the course at a Crossroads of the West gunshow in Costa Mesa, but the normal price for first-time students is $90. Even return students only pay $60, unless they pick up the half-price voucher at a show. The other costs are a $15 range fee from Prado, 250 rounds of ammunition for Level I, and an optional $6 lunch.

The instructors were all 100% volunteers, and are chosen from the student body after completing advanced courses. Many are graduates of nationally-known firearms training centers; the instructors just believe that every American ought to receive quality, affordable firearms training. There was a certified armorer, a licensed medical staff member, and a 1:7 instructor-student ratio not including the armorer and medic.

We opened the day in Level I Defensive Pistol with a safety briefing and orientation. Then, we went through the day with:
> the five-count draw
> deliberate fire from 3 to 25 yards
> scanning to break tunnel vision
> shooting from bent knee
> reloading drills
> immediate action drills
> tactical "duck" walk
> controlled pairs, accelerated pairs
> triple press
> barricade drill against multiple targets

All this culminated in an urban conflict drill which asked us to use all the skills we learned throughout the day. And... I didn't shoot the 'hostage'! We went back for a debrief and left a fulfilling and challenging day of instruction. If I paid $250 dollars, I wouldn't have expected more. I'll be back to take Level I again, as many students do - I just cannot wrap my mind around mag swaps!

On the plus side, [forum member] wrote up an in-depth look at the difference between controlled pairs and the infamous double-tap, which I never understood until I took this course. On the line, my hands up and weapon holstered, all I remember is him yelling "THREAT!" over the bullhorn, and then I was scanning for threats. When he ordered us to holster and cleared the line for taping targets, I saw I'd put two in the upper "A" and one right between the eyes, I couldn't help smiling. Talk about a moment of, "DID I DO THAT?!?" What a rush!

[thempopresense]

do they offer anything like that in the SF Bay area?

[lawaia]

workin -Thanks for re-posting that review. You actually had posted that here before. I thought I had read something here previously, but my search turned up nada.

Anyway, that was very helpful, and I am looking forward to this class.

them - The classes through this organization are only in Southern CA to the best of my knowledge. Here is a link to their website if you want to contact them. http://www.civilianarmstraining.com/

I understand that there is a lot of high quality trainig available in Nor Cal from other organizations, though. Try looking in the Competition, Action Shooting, and Training area of this website.

[tango5]

do they offer anything like that in the SF Bay area?

I'll stand next to you and wait for an answer. I would do something like this if it was local.

[HCz]

If you are in SF Bay area, I think Chabot does have a class. If not maybe up in Richmond? Keep an eye on the trainings section.