Training while looking for 1st handgun

[honu]

Been reading lots of posts for the past few weeks. Read a lot on this forum and others and like what I find here.

I am in the market for my first handgun. It will be used for home defense and camping/hiking with the family. I have been outdoorsy for as long as I remember and never felt like I needed a gun until I starting taking my wife and kids out with me. I realize, now, a single handgun to meet both needs is not ideal but will have to do for now.

Been to the range a tried quite a few different calibers and gun types. I am definitely drawn to the simplicity and utilitarian uses of the .357 revolvers.

I want to get some training before I finally make a purchase. I am interested in any opinions or directions any of you could offer regarding training. I have found two specifically that allow you to try out different styles and calibers as part of the class and that makes a lot of sense to me since I have yet to decide and buy.

1. AllSafe Defense Systems
2. Inland Firearms Training

I am looking for something in the LA/OC area. I have found lots of other Basic Handgun classes but am specifically interested in those that will showcase, explain and allow participants to try different handguns and calibers.

Any opinions, recommendations and/or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

[USMC 82-86]

I trained with T.J. Johnston of AllSafe Defense Systems for my NRA Pistol Instuctor Certification. He is a great teacher and can definitely help you accomplish your goals.

[USMC 82-86]

Welcome by the way!

[Stan08]

+1 for TJ. I earned my NRA instructor certs through him as well.

Once you make your decision on which pistol you are going with, please come train with me as well.

[honu]

Thank you both for your replies and the welcome.

[lewisracing]

I have yet to train with Stan08 (above), but have heard tons of good things about him... someday I would like to try him out. Based on what I have heard, you should not hesitate to try him out.

I have over 200 hours with Falcon Operations Group, but their classes are not geared toward what you are looking to learn, in my opinion. Perhaps once you have more time with your gun of choice, and are looking for more intense training, FOG is a good choice.

[honu]

Thank you lewisracing.

After more research I have narrowed it down to AllSafe or Self Defense Firearms Training with Greg Block. Both Stan and AllSafe seem to get the thumbs up from a number of folks on here. I look forward to training and learning from more than just one person or organization. Don't seem to find much on here re Greg Block.

Any experience with him or Self Defense Firearms Training?

[Brian1979]

Because most people dont like Greg Block. Lots of drama with that guy.

[Eldraque]

any reason your thinking a handgun over a shotgun?

since your not going to be concealed carrying, i see no reason why your first choice isnt a shotgun.

[G-Solutions]

Thank you lewisracing.

After more research I have narrowed it down to AllSafe or Self Defense Firearms Training with Greg Block. Both Stan and AllSafe seem to get the thumbs up from a number of folks on here. I look forward to training and learning from more than just one person or organization. Don't seem to find much on here re Greg Block.

Any experience with him or Self Defense Firearms Training?

Welcome to Calguns... you've got the right approach in looking for a firearm and training!

Big Thumbs up on TJ. I went through a couple of his courses including several NRA instructor certifications. He will do a very thorough job of establishing your basics. Even though I've been teaching, following his training, for over a decade now, I'm still going back to some of his courses and events on occasion just because they are fun and because I like working with TJ.

That said, I also took a couple of classes with Greg back in 99 when I first started shooting. I don't want to bash the guy but I was thoroughly disappointed. Let's leave it at that.

Your learning experience and retention of the material will be significantly better with TJ.
ETA - give him a call and let him know that you want to check out different types of firearms. I'm pretty sure that he will be able to help you pick a suitable weapon.

If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

Cheers,

[mefbiz]

I train with TJ as well, great teacher, highly recommended. Can't go wrong with TJ! If you're in the beginning stages of learning the shooting craft (or even if you're a seasoned shooter), TJ is the man.

I also recommend that you check out Stan at stcrispian.com, I've taken several classes with him. He's very professional, thorough, and overall nice guy.

These are the two guys I will continue to take classes with, excellent instruction, super-reasonable cost. They really care about giving the best firearms instruction. Best bang for the buck!

[honu]

Thank you for the continued suggestions and replies.

As to the shotgun question, Eldraque, I foresee purchasing one at a later date but am currently looking for something I can take with me when out hiking with the family. While I am almost certain this may be less than legal, my family and thier safety is paramount, and certainly a lot easier to pull off with a handgun rather than a shotgun. Also, easier to store in a small safe at my bedside rather than what I have seen accessibility and cost wise for a shotgun.

[Ricky-Ray]

Another + for TJ. Great instructor. You won't go wrong with him.

I took his NRA RSO class earlier this year and will be going back for more.

[scootle]

Welcome to Calguns. You are doing the right thing with training before you pick out your first firearm.

I'm not in SoCal, so I won't comment on specific trainers, but when I started, the NRA FIRST Steps course run at the local indoor range was excellent. The trainer included an optional third evening of training followed by a "test drive" session where he and his assistant instructors brought out a literal "buffet" of handguns ranging from a Walther PPK .380 auto all the way up to a .44 Magnum revolver (and everything in-between) for students to try out. I found it to be very enlightening.

Once you get that under your belt, rent as many different guns as you can at a local range to see what you are most comfortable with. Shoot lots, shoot often.

Good luck!

[honu]

Thank you for the "Welcome(s)" and the advice.