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[Vinnie Boombatz]

Based on what I hear about the SW - I wouldn’t even want to risk it…

As to not just staying at WR - yeah, I am not particular about preparing food when I am just by myself.

It is not really an issue of cost (maybe I really didn’t clarify my question)… Yeah, could be $30/night cheaper for the SW as opposed to BW - but at what other costs and/or inconvenience? But for comparatives like BW and HI - why not save about $230 across 5D/4N, right? And as I hear - they have good breakfast.

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Got it. Well, aside from the complimentary breakfast I really don't see any advantages/disadvantages to staying at one place or the other if you're comparing SW, BW and HI. The pools are decent at WR and it's really quiet there, but of all the days/nights I've stayed at WR (or any other place in Pahrump) I think I've been to any pool once.

Like I said, I've never stayed at the Holiday Inn, but given that others say it's clean and doesn't look like a flashback from a 70's horror movie or a hotel room that reminds of the movie "No Country for Old Men", I'd probably stay there as well.

I'm all about saving a buck, but I do have to draw the line somewhere and want something clean and comfortable, and quickly discovered that the line was the Saddle West when I was out there on a solo Front Sight trip.

Since you've been out there already you know that you'll most likely be beat after class each day and just want a clean, comfortable place to sleep. SW, BW and HI all accomplish that.

[VolvoWrench]

If you stay at BW and don't need to schlep a bunch of gear in and out of your car every morning / night, ask to stay in the "newer" building / tower.

[beanz2]

Best Western or Holiday Inn?

First time at FS was with my family so we got the Wine Ridge. Second time, just by myself, I took the Holiday Inn.

Going into my 3rd time - I find that Best Western is about $200 cheaper across 5D/4N. Would it be worth it? I will going alone for a 3-day private class.

TIA!


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Does Holiday Inn have a free breakfast buffet that opens early?

The biggest Wine Ridge bummer is that their breakfast doesn't open until 9 AM, when all the retirees in their RVs wake up. I've been staying at WR all this time when in Pahrump and never had their free breakfast. Not even once

Never stayed at BW since the new East Indian owner took over. How's the food?

[Mustard]

Man i miss going to FS. I haven't been in like.... a little over 2 years

[NorthBay Shooter]

The last two times I went to FS, I simply got a VRBO rental. It's more expense but the comfort of a house, good bed, nice shower and the food that I want is worth it. Plus being able to dry fire in a living room rather than a hotel room. Other than the cost, the only down side is buying food. It requires a trip to the grocery store at some point, at least for breakfast materials. I also bring my lunch to FS.

Right now there are 54 properties in Pahrump on VRBO anywhere from 65 to 300 per night. Most are around 100-130.

I normally go with at least one other person, so splitting the cost.

[rodralig]

Does Holiday Inn have a free breakfast buffet that opens early?

The biggest Wine Ridge bummer is that their breakfast doesn't open until 9 AM, when all the retirees in their RVs wake up. I've been staying at WR all this time when in Pahrump and never had their free breakfast. Not even once

Yes, the HI opens at around 6:00~6:30. Except for the first day - I usually can get my breakfast fill. They also have those ToGo bags.

Never stayed at BW since the new East Indian owner took over. How's the food?

Well, I already have heard in at least a few responses that the breakfast seems better. The Pour House (??) )they say is, well, good.

Maybe someone that has lodged more recently at the BW can opine?

Oh yes - never got to try the WR breakfast when I was with my family. *ugh* Or those gathering/buffer in the evening? Oh well.

The class is still in February. For now, I have reservations for both HI and BW with a cancelation policy a few days prior... I am leaning to BW, just so I can try it out.

The last two times I went to FS, I simply got a VRBO rental. It's more expense but the comfort of a house, good bed, nice shower and the food that I want is worth it. Plus being able to dry fire in a living room rather than a hotel room. Other than the cost, the only down side is buying food. It requires a trip to the grocery store at some point, at least for breakfast materials. I also bring my lunch to FS.

Those are good choices. Albeit, as mentioned above, unless I am going with family or friends - I prefer simplicity. And you are right - the down side is the buying/preparing your own food, which isn't my style when solo.

As for dry practice - I have this "travel kit"

https://www.andersonshooting.com/product-page/match-mode-dry-fire-travel-set

Man i miss going to FS. I haven't been in like.... a little over 2 years

Same here... My last class was June of 2019 - THG/ATHG.

I will be heading out in Feb for a 3-day private class. A 2-day refresher on rifles, then a 1-day HCMP experience (no, I have not taken the HCMP yet; but can't afford a 4-day class). For the latter, I was told that they'll run me through the 4DDHG test, then the 'advanced test' given on day #1~2 of the actual HCMP. If they think I am ready - they'll have me experience the actual HCM test. Depending on whether there are two (2) others HCMs present - test score won't count.

Since you've been out there already you know that you'll most likely be beat after class each day and just want a clean, comfortable place to sleep. SW, BW and HI all accomplish that.

You got that right…! And just like you - I think I will draw a sand with SW.

The FB group of FS students, etc. are filled with SW die hards… Can’t argue with them, you get those “angry” smilies when another student would comment with a bad review of SW.

If you stay at BW and don't need to schlep a bunch of gear in and out of your car every morning / night, ask to stay in the "newer" building / tower.

Good to know. I will think about it. Thanks!

I will be bringing a rifle first two days; then handgun for the last day.

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[Divehobo]

For those that have taken the Tactical Shotgun class, how are you carrying your spare shells?

I have a crap-load of 6 and 7 round velcro/elastic shot cards. I can keep one card velcro'd to the receiver and one velcro'd to the stock, but how are you carrying spare shot cards, or do I not need to worry about carrying any spare shot cards on my person when up on the firing line? Would a very minimalist chest harness with shot cards velcro'd onto it be overkill/unnecessary? Any way to carry shot cards velcro'd onto a belt?

I also have couple of shell holders (that I don't think are make any more) from California Comp Works that clip to a belt pictured below.

Any use for a dump pouch or a shotgun belt pouch?

I'm sure most of this is personal preference and discovered by trial and error, but it's nice to hear the rigs and set-ups other have used who have already been through the class.

DG'd class last month. I used Velcro side saddles on reciever, Safariland shell caddies identical to your Cali Comp belt caddy, a two shot Safariland shell holder, match saver on forend and a 5.11 shotshell zippered pouch. I'm a gear junkie, probably had more than I needed. Bought a bunch of Safariland gear when they gave NRA instructors discounted pricing.

My buddy also dg'd class with a rigid side saddle on receiver and dump pouch loaded with shells.

I had competition carriers for doubles and quads but did not use, not needed. Velcro cards, match saver and dump pouch are about all you need.

Shotty is a hungry beast, need to feed it constantly. Your going to find the shooting part is not difficult, getting hands moving fast so you can shoot slow is the trick. Guess it's no different than any other comp or defensive situation, hot hands and memorizing dance steps till second nature and requiring no thought.

[Vinnie Boombatz]

DG'd class last month. I used Velcro side saddles on reciever, Safariland shell caddies identical to your Cali Comp belt caddy, a two shot Safariland shell holder, match saver on forend and a 5.11 shotshell zippered pouch. I'm a gear junkie, probably had more than I needed. Bought a bunch of Safariland gear when they gave NRA instructors discounted pricing.

My buddy also dg'd class with a rigid side saddle on receiver and dump pouch loaded with shells.

I had competition carriers for doubles and quads but did not use, not needed. Velcro cards, match saver and dump pouch are about all you need.

Shotty is a hungry beast, need to feed it constantly. Your going to find the shooting part is not difficult, getting hands moving fast so you can shoot slow is the trick. Guess it's no different than any other comp or defensive situation, hot hands and memorizing dance steps till second nature and requiring no thought.

I really appreciate this, thank you!

[dad4mnc]

Second this. Just got back from the 4DDH with my daughter(she missed DG by 2 pts). The Wine Ridge cottages are pretty comfortable and convenient with a full kitchen.

Why not just rent one of the tiny cottages at Wine Ridge? In the off-season it's cheaper than both the Best Western or the Holiday Inn.

I've never stayed at the Holiday in for no other reason than I've just never stayed there but may give it a try sometime just to compare it to the other places I've stayed.

I've stayed at both the Best Western and Wine Ridge a few times each and like them both, but when I've stayed at BW it's been in a suite with a kitchen. Advantage of the BW is the breakfast in the morning, but have no problem just hitting the grocery store and making my own breakfast in the cottage at WR. Plus you get a full kitchen in the basic cottages and casitas at WR, but have to upgrade to a suite and pay more at the BW.

I am not a fan of Saddle West but many have never had any issues. I can't stand walking through the casino to check in and then smelling like smoke the rest of day. Plus, the room I was in was nasty and depressing. I'd pay a few more bucks to stay at the BW or jsut spend pretty much the same as SW and stay at WR.

[rodralig]

Second this. Just got back from the 4DDH with my daughter(she missed DG by 2 pts). The Wine Ridge cottages are pretty comfortable and convenient with a full kitchen.

As mentioned above - I am going solo (if I am with my family - WR it is). I prefer my time not spent on groceries, preparing food, etc. I am lazy.

Again - it is not really a matter of cost, but if it were two comparable like BW and HI, that extra $250 could be spent on more ammo (which I would likely need as it would be a private class).




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[TeamAllen]

Thread has been quiet for awhile. Headed out for a Precision Rifle SB 12-13.
Looking forward to it. Starting to organize my gear.

[Jedi54]

yeah, things tend to get rather quiet here as we get close to the Holidays.
I used to try and do the Adv Tac close the week of Turkey Day and then call it a Season.

Usually hit it hard come mid February again.

[Citizen_B]

I'm considering taking the 4-day Rifle Marksmanship course soon. I have a relatively heavy (wooden stock) 308 bolt-action with a 3-9x40 scope. It has a mounted bipod though I also have a bag rest.

Now that some time has passed and more people have taken it, what are your thoughts on the course and do you think my setup is appropriate? Other recommendations?

[damon1272]

[DRM6000]

Run what you brung. That rifle would work. I ran a heavier setup and did fine.