Training Class Cost

[SISIG]

I would like to attend one of this formal handgun training but the price just turn me off, some charge $525 for 2day, $125/day why is there so much variable in pricing?

If you included ammo cost on top of this a 2 day class can go up $1K easy. What would be a reasonable price for such class, is it instructor to student ratio, quality of teaching, venue?

I'm here in the Bay Area and is interested in a good foundational training so not to develop bad habits and waste ammo in the range.

[joelogic]

First and foremost its brand name.

Smaller names get $150-$250 per day and "Magpul" type names get $300+ a day.

Of course the training is different and I am over simplifying.

Do you run your own business? Overhead is expensive. Range rental, travel, insurance, materials, labor.

Plenty of great opportunities in the Bay Area. Check out that subforum.

If 1-2 days is too expensive, find a range that offers hourly training.

In case you did not know, shooting is expensive. Welcome.

[9mmepiphany]

The big name schools like Gunsite, Thunder Ranch or Massad Ayoob charge $1500 for a 5 day class...so $300/day

Most quality classes with well known instructors will run about $200/day for 2-3 day classes...so anything less than that is good (if the quality of instruction is up to par)

Private 1:1 instruction runs between $70-$100/hour, usually with a two hour minimum...but you gain more knowledge faster and you use less ammo (because you're getting correction every couple of rounds you fire)

[SuperSet]

Pretty much everything Joe said, especially about the shooting is expensive part.
I'll add one more thing.. the most expensive class I took was a disappointment and the cheapest class I took was fantastic. Price is not always an indicator of quality but I knew what I looking to get out of the class too. If you're just starting out, much of the basic instruction is the same so find what fits in your budget and location. Good luck.

[El Gato]

The big name schools like Gunsite, Thunder Ranch or Massad Ayoob charge $1500 for a 5 day class...so $300/day

Most quality classes with well known instructors will run about $200/day for 2-3 day classes...so anything less than that is good (if the quality of instruction is up to par)

Private 1:1 instruction runs between $70-$100/hour, usually with a two hour minimum...but you gain more knowledge faster and you use less ammo (because you're getting correction every couple of rounds you fire)

Did a 5 Day combo rifle/handgun class at Thunder Ranch once (been there 6 times)... never more than 12 people in class....was exhausted at the end....2,000 rounds each for the wife and I and that's green ammo....was a very expensive trip....as was last summers trip to TR for team tactics (again)....

bottom line.. with Thunder Ranch, you generally get what you paid for...If the instructor has to pay for the "dirt" .. as in owns it... you are going to have to pay for that too...and TR is a great facility...

as instructors we generally charge 75.00 per hour plus ammo, plus a 10.00 for each person "range fee" which helps to cover targets etc....but that's in Bakersfield and it is what it is...

one day classes are usually 120.00 per day

expensive?
want my insurance bill?
and don't even talk to me about the tax thing...pulease!

and no I am not soliciting for classes... just making a point....

suggestion... don't go to the latest gee whiz bang I was a navy marine special seal operator you can trust me cause i said so school...
check the people out...sometimes they are actually who they say they are.. but if they are crowing about themselves too much I get suspicious ...
and the former military people can be very good instructors...sometimes no so much...just because you was there doesn't mean you know how to communicate good safe techniques...

some of the best are the quiet ones....

so get references and find out who is doing the instruction...personally I am looking forward to taking some classes with the following school...as they DO have a good rep with the people I trust..including Clint et. al. at TR

http://www.internationaltactical.com/scott.html

I shouldn't pontificate when it's late... carry on

[joelogic]

the most expensive class I took was a disappointment and the cheapest class I took was fantastic. Price is not always an indicator of quality...

+1 to this.

My most expensive class was full of high speed guys on the clock and with a training budget. They lagged to and from the line and took a 2 hour lunch. WTF.

Find a Handgun I class, look up reviews, and give it a shot.

[GM_77]

When I judge the cost of a course I usually go by a rate instead of the flat cost. I have taken classes that had 30 hours of training but cost $600.00 which comes out to about $20/hr rate. Some courses advertise as $130.00 a day but only really train for 4 hours which comes out to a $32.00/hr rate.

Going off my excel sheet I have compiled for training in CA I would say that $20.00/hr is probably a good rate to look for a class that has an instructor WITH real world experience. However that rate can go as high as $30.00/hr depending on the background of the instructor (i.e. SF or World Class Shooters). Those rates are for group classes.

Remember to take out an hour for lunch if they break for lunch when calculating the rate.

[gesundheit]

OP, do a little search on the instructor/school and what they bring to the table. In contrast to SuperSet, the worst class I took was also the cheapest. Just sent a lot of rounds into the berm and got a certificate. AAR on here and on the Internet would help you decide.

P.S. It is better to be trained than be a safe-queen(s) owner.

[HighLander51]

I would like to attend one of this formal handgun training but the price just turn me off, some charge $525 for 2day, $125/day why is there so much variable in pricing?

.

Maybe you should take up golf or bowling if you think it handgun training costs too much. Of course, neither of those hobbies will help you save your life, or your families, when confronted by the ever increasing number of violent felons being re-introduced into our society . I hear competitive quilting is very low cost and not dangerous either.

[acegunnr]

You might want to look into Front Sight.

I've compiled a list of CalGuns Front Sight threads in my first post here:

http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?t=518454&referrerid=41

[SISIG]

Thank you all for the response! What do you guys think about NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course as a foundational start.

I'm thinking of taking the Gray Ops Class, any AAR on this group. I just to spend the money wisely.

[gesundheit]

SISIG, there is a lot of quality variance in teh NRA Basic Pistol Shooting course. Bunch of AAR on Gray Ops. However they have shifted their operations to NorCal after closing shop in SoCal. I'd recommend doing a search on this sub-forum for norcal classes. There are a bunch of good reputed schools in your neck of the woods but since I have not taken classes I'd not be comfortable recommending any one of them. I'll let others chime in on that.

[SuperSet]

For your first handgun course, NRA Basic Pistol isn't bad. Note that NRA instructors have to teach the NRA approved curriculum so you'll get the same basic information.. this is the action, barrel, grip..
Try that Front Sight offer that acegunnr mentioned. I've never trained there but folks seem to be happy with it and you can't really argue with a $50 certificate.

[SISIG]

There is no need for such sarcasm, what is wrong with having an informed decision making instead of navigating blindly. If you want to take up quilting for yourself go ahead.

Maybe you should take up golf or bowling if you think it handgun training costs too much. Of course, neither of those hobbies will help you save your life, or your families, when confronted by the ever increasing number of violent felons being re-introduced into our society . I hear competitive quilting is very low cost and not dangerous either.

[Stan08]

There is no need for such sarcasm, what is wrong with having an informed decision making instead of navigating blindly. If you want to take up quilting for yourself go ahead.

Pay them no mind, the internet is an easy place for sarcastic remarks.