A surge in training?

[Tack]

We've all read about gun sales going through the roof. Now I'm seeing new gun owners as they come out for more training. Are you seeing it too?

My evidence-

• local clubs are growing or full
• local ranges seem busy and their gun saftey courses are full
• the entry level combat handgun steel shoots have lots of new gun owners learning to use their equipment. Some of the events are twice their regular size with new shooters.
• IDPA is only now seeing the growth in our area

This is in gun-unfriendly California! I think it is great that these new owners are learning to use their firearms. That has to help our cause.

Do you see the same surge of new shooters seeking training in your area? How much for how long?
Rob in San Diego

[disturbed1]

future us milita members!

[cindynles]

I'm seeing it. The monthly match at my local range last week was double the normal size.

[joelogic]

Professional training and Learning how to game are two completely separate animals.

Maybe off topic but I think Magpul did a real disservice by setting the cost to train bar at $200-$250 per day. Magpul may command these prices but now pop up trainers are charging this much.

[fiddletown]

Good signs. The more people who come into shooting the more people to spread the word to their friends and neighbors.

[SuperSet]

I think the trainers will have to chime in here if they've seen the increase in attendance. Maybe the dudes from Front Sight since by numbers alone, they train more people every year than anyone.
And to be honest, I think $200/day is a very fair rate since it equates to roughly $25/hour. A golfing instructor runs $75-$100/hour.

[joelogic]

A golfing instructor runs $75-$100/hour.

True, but that is one on one. Would you pay a golf instructor $100 per hour to teach a 15 person class?

I am all for paying for information but to pay $200 for someone to yell threat for 8 hours is crazy. Read the course description and reviews and spend your money how you want.

[SuperSet]

Dude, if that's all the instructor does then I'd be unhappy too!

[9mmepiphany]

A golfing instructor runs $75-$100/hour.

That is what I charge for 1:1 instruction, depending on if I come to you or you come to me. You can cover a lot of ground working 1:1 and the improvement is dramatic.

I actually ran the numbers once and it is actually cheaper, to cover the same material, than going to Front Sight when you factor in travel, lodging and food. Plus I offer the option of breaking it into 2 hour blocks to better fit your schedule and budget...but you don't get to visit Pahrump

[joelogic]

That is what I charge for 1:1 instruction, depending on if I come to you or you come to me. You can cover a lot of ground working 1:1 and the improvement is dramatic.

I actually ran the numbers once and it is actually cheaper, to cover the same material, than going to Front Sight when you factor in travel, lodging and food. Plus I offer the option of breaking it into 2 hour blocks to better fit your schedule and budget...but you don't get to visit Pahrump

Maybe true but Nevada is a Free State.

[Outta Control]

I think this will be a quick surge then will quickly drop. I think most new gun owners will learn what they can to be safe but after that 1 or 2 class they would stop and just go to the range from time to time. I say this is because of the cost of ammo.

Say a typical course cost $200 at your local training school. You expect to send about 250-300 rounds down range. At the current cost for 45ACP or even a 223 rounds this can be a pretty expensive class for one day. I used to pay about $280-$300 for 1K of 223, now they are at what?..

[QQQ]

but you don't get to visit Pahrump

Truly the best part of the Front Sight experience.

[dustoff31]

This is in gun-unfriendly California! I think it is great that these new owners are learning to use their firearms. That has to help our cause.

It's not just CA. People seeking at least a basic level of training is up in AZ as well.

When AZ was considering changing the training rules for CCW as to what training would acceptable, some of the loudest critics were training facilities and instructors. They have come to find that class attendance has actually increased and that many taking the class could fully qualify under the new rules without taking the class.

The same to some degree with CC. While people can just stick a gun in their drawers and walk around with no training, new shooters generally tend to seek again, at least a basic level of training.

[Mickael81]

Interesting..... I was just thinking about the same thing. My local range has a waiting list of people waiting to join. Ammo prices are going up again, and gun stores are having a hard time keeping their inventory stocked.

I noticed a surge in Tactical training but I thought it was due to the fact that San Diego is packed with active, reserve, and former Marines and Sailors.

I have taken a Tactical Carbine course with Falcon Operation Group and $200-$300 a day is more than resonable for an 8hr advanced course. My problem was having to buy 1,800rds of 5.56 and 600rds of. 40cal for one class..... it ended up being a $1,000 weekend with ammo.

[Outta Control]

Interesting..... I was just thinking about the same thing. My local range has a waiting list of people waiting to join. Ammo prices are going up again, and gun stores are having a hard time keeping their inventory stocked.

I noticed a surge in Tactical training but I thought it was due to the fact that San Diego is packed with active, reserve, and former Marines and Sailors.

I have taken a Tactical Carbine course with Falcon Operation Group and $200-$300 a day is more than resonable for an 8hr advanced course. My problem was having to buy 1,800rds of 5.56 and 600rds of. 40cal for one class..... it ended up being a $1,000 weekend with ammo.

Exactly. That is not even counting on people taking courses from folks like Costa, Haley, Howe, or LAV which commands more than $300.

Either two thing need to happen to keep this trend going. One is that the prices on ammo goes down significantly or two, you change your training caliber to a .22LR for both rifle and pistol. If not, you may see training schools struggling to stay afloat or close shop.