Reccomendations for Training in San Jose

[CBruce]

I am looking for reccomendations for handgun training in the San Jose area. Here is what I'm looking for:
1) Basic safety.
2) Learning proper stances, grip, and techniques for accurate target shooting.
3) Use of a handgun for home defense

I know that 2 and 3 are pretty different types of training and probably not something that a single class could adequately cover. But anything is better than nothing, or in my case, better than a schmorgasborg of random knowledge collected from blogs and youTube videos. I'm sure there's dozens of places in this area that offer classes, but really looking for the best that I can afford. So throw out some names that you'd reccomend and let me do a bit of research on their classes.

Or, if you'd like, direct me to a thread here on Calguns that's already covered this topic and chide me for not knowing how to properly use the search tool...I didn't have much luck finding anything outside of training for tactical competition when what I'm looking for right now is learning how to put a tight group on a paper target at 25-50 yards and make absolute sure I won't shoot myself in the face.

[Atekhed]

In your area I'll give a recommendation to Tactical Training Associates in Morgan Hill. I took there Level I Pistol class a couple of months back and definetely felt it was value for my time and money. The instructors are all current serving SJPD officers and bring a lot of experience and knowledge to their courses. They also made the class interesting and approachable for the new shooter.

Link to their next pistol class upcoming and other contact info:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=561962

I'm definetly looking at doing some future training with them.

[joelogic]

I really like alpha dog tactical. Jeff is a great instructor and even does private instruction. He trains out of Metcalf.

http://alphadogtactical.com/

[sanjosebmx]

+1 on Tactical Training... do it, you will have a great time and learn a ton!

[johnny_22]

Assuming you know the basics...

I would go with Louis Awerbuck's classes at Reed's Indoor Range. He trained with Jeff Cooper and is respected nation-wide. I have taken a number of his classes and always learn something new.

If you are an absolute beginner, like I was in 2003, I recommend the one-day NRA Basic Pistol class at Target Master's West. 1:1 teacher to student ratio on the range.