Front Sight Training

[saber]

I got a training certificate from Front Sight which gives me the choice of taking one of 5 classes and I'm not sure which one to take. I can take one of the following:

1.) 4 day UZI class
2.) 4 day select fire M16
3.) 4 day defensive pistol
4.) 4 day Practical rifle
5.) 4 day Tactical shotgun

I was kind of torn between the select fire M16, the pistol and the rifle class.

I have an AR-15, an AK, and an M1A so I can easily do the practical rifle class. I also have a 1911 so the pistol class is easily done.

What I was thinking seriously about is the select fire M16 since I probably will never own a select fire M16 and some of the lessons would be applicable to my AR.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[rkt88edmo]

Practical rifle is generally more rigorous/challenging than defensive pistol.

I think if you lay out a little bit about your background, experience and goals/expectations you'll get more specific and helpful advice.

Will the cost of ammo change your choices? Uzi & M16 classes will shoot a lot more rounds and I think you have to buy them from FS, not bring your own, if you are using their guns.

[saber]

Here are some answers to the questions above:

1.) I've been shooting for the past 25+ years and owned guns for about the last 20. I'm a fair to middlin shot with most of my guns. I'm not great but I can usually hit at least the broad side of a barn. I probably end up shooting 4-5 times a year at various ranges.

2.) I am probably a better shot with one of my rifles than my pistols.

3.) Besides some instruction in Boy Scouts and from my dad, I've never had any formal training in firearms.

4.) I have done some competition like IDPA and a little 3-gun but that was probably 5-6 years ago.

5.) Shooting their ammo is not likely to be a problem since I live in So Cal and would drive out there. I would probably just make it my X-Mas present to myself so the cost issue regarding aamo doesn't concern me.

6.) My expectation is that I would go someplace get some good training. I'm not a mall-ninja/SF wanna-be/tacticool kind of guy so I don't imagine that I would be able to conquer the world when I'm done. I just want to learn to be a better shot and have some fun at the same time.

[Spaceghost]

I did the four day defensive pistol class about a year and half ago, it was a lot of fun and I learned more than I thought was possible in a few days. The range next us was the full auto m-16 class, it was pretty intense having what sounded like dozens of full auto ar's open up at the same time.
If you want practical skills that will help you become better with your weapons, than pick either the 4 day pistol, rifle, or shotty class.

If you just want to go and have a good time with toys you will hardly ever get your hands on, then do the select fire ar class. Note, you may say ammo costs are not an issue, but I think they sell 20 rounds of .223 for 15 bucks, that was April 2006 prices. The course description says minimum of 2000 rounds, up to 2400 rounds if you skip the lectures. That is 1500 and 1800 bucks just in ammo. They used to have the proshop prices online some where, but I can't find it at the moment to verify ammo prices.

I am planning to go back in September for the practical rifle class, if my work schedule permits. My OLL will finally be in her natural state! If you have any questions about the pistol class or just general questions about Front Sight, PM me.

[dixieD]

Here are some answers to the questions above:

6.) My expectation is that I would go someplace get some good training. I'm not a mall-ninja/SF wanna-be/tacticool kind of guy so I don't imagine that I would be able to conquer the world when I'm done. I just want to learn to be a better shot and have some fun at the same time.

I am in the same boat. This weekend I am going to try the Appleseed Shoot in Medford, OR. From what I read about the Appleseed program it is very good, and not expensive.

D

[saber]

I just e-mailed Front Sight and found out that they charge $11 for a box of 20. That means the ammo would cost $1100 for 2,000 rounds. They didn't say if they offer a bulk discount or not.

Guess I'll be doing the Tactical Rifle or Pistol class.

[Clodbuster]

$15 for 20 rounds? Is that why Front sight has promotions to give away free courses? If you bring your own firearms, can you use your own ammo?


Clod

If you just want to go and have a good time with toys you will hardly ever get your hands on, then do the select fire ar class. Note, you may say ammo costs are not an issue, but I think they sell 20 rounds of .223 for 15 bucks, that was April 2006 prices. The course description says minimum of 2000 rounds, up to 2400 rounds if you skip the lectures. That is 1500 and 1800 bucks just in ammo. They used to have the proshop prices online some where, but I can't find it at the moment to verify ammo prices.

I am planning to go back in September for the practical rifle class, if my work schedule permits. My OLL will finally be in her natural state! If you have any questions about the pistol class or just general questions about Front Sight, PM me.

[rkt88edmo]

$15 for 20 rounds? Is that why Front sight has promotions to give away free courses? If you bring your own firearms, can you use your own ammo?


Clod

That still sounds a little bit cheaper than the firing ranges which have Full Auto for tourists. It seems like that ammo cost must help defray the course cost and wear & tear on the gun.

Saber, given you have shot some IDPA, unless you feel uncomfortable with your pistol skills, I think you will get more out of the rifle course.

[saber]

I've never been to their range before but I can tell you that their website says that you can bring your own ammo as long as it is new factory manufacture ammo (no reloads) except for full-auto courses. If you shoot full-auto, you have to buy their ammo. I don't begrudge them that the requirement, I just think that if you buy the ammo in bulk you should get some kind of discount.

I think I am going to take a rifle class after all. Now I just need to figure out if I want to use my AK, AR or M1A.

[saber]

I've never been to their range before but I can tell you that their website says that you can bring your own ammo as long as it is new factory manufacture ammo (no reloads) except for full-auto courses. If you shoot full-auto, you have to buy their ammo. I don't begrudge them that the requirement, I just think that if you buy the ammo in bulk you should get some kind of discount.

I think I am going to take a rifle class after all. Now I just need to figure out if I want to use my AK, AR or M1A.

[dw1784]

ammo cost at FS

if ur a first family member, u pay a lower price.

Shooting is expensive anyways. Make your shot count. You don't have to press the trigger everytime. Just go thru the drills. The instructors are cool with it. Working men and women know how expensive it can get and they'll certainly undertand if you want to conserve your ammo. Heck they might even give u some ammo if ur desperate!

I think you'll have fun in any(all) of those classes. Thru Oct(or Nov?) they have night classes, which presents a different challenge in itself. If you haven't done a lot of low light/night shoots, it can be a real "eye opener". I would love to re-take them at night and practice the other flashlight techniques. Plus if you have Scott or Chuck as instructors, they'll do the laser and strobe effects and that's a lot of fun! Good luck and give us a report after the class

[GW]

I think I am going to take a rifle class after all. Now I just need to figure out if I want to use my AK, AR or M1A.

Good idea the full-auto classes are fun but if you've only got 1 class coming then learn about a rifle you own and can keep practicing with
I suggest you use your M1A though ammo will be $$$
But it will be fun to shoot at those ranges
Have fun there

[Blademan21]

Think about the weather when you schedule your trip to FS. Was there in October and it was still a little warm in the direct sun. Wear cotton pants, I was wearing cargo shorts and my legs got cooked. Go and have some fun.

Blademan21