Where have you trained?

[JBT]

Have any of the members here had any formal training? Do you compete in USPSA or IDPA or some other shooting sport?

Myself, I haven't had much in the way of training. Went to a school many moons ago and forgot most of what was taught, then my stints in the Air Force, Air Force Reserves, and the Army National Guard.

I look forward to getting some formal training soon so I can utilize it in the Single Stack division in USPSA.

[Sheepdog]

I have taken the 250 course at Gunsite. I absolutely loved it and plan to take the 350 course in the near future. IMHO Gunsite is in a class by itself when it comes to firearms training. They do not teach competition based classes. I am fortunate that I have a friend who is the Coach of the UT shooting team and an world class competition shooter who coaches and trains me for competition shooting. For free. The Gunsite 250 course will give you a great basis for USPSA shooting. Much of their training is much more intense than what you will find in a match. When you have completed the course you will be very proficient in the use of a handgun to protect yourself and family.

www.gunsite.com

[MajO]

Air Force (one afternoon in 1970), Army Reserve, 3 day Combat Pistol Course with Ernest Langdon in 2003.

[Thedragonslayer]

Most of my skilled training I recieved from the School of Hard Knocks:p

Oh, I got a BA-Economics from Wofford:D

[ColMike]

Have any of the members here had any formal training? Do you compete in USPSA or IDPA or some other shooting sport?


I competed inercollegiately/club level at the USMA. Our coaches were senior NCO's from the Army Blue Team MTU out of Ft Benning. I shot some local comps after college but none of the ones you mentioned.

[Feathermerchant]

A couple of years ago I went to Gunsite and took the 250 course. I was pushed well beyond my perceived abilities. Intimidating was putting it mildly as I was the only female in the class. By Wednesday I questioned my sanity for taking such a rigorous course of fire. Then it was Friday and I wondered where the week had gone! My accuracy and speed improved tremendously, yet I felt very humbled. Forgetting all the pain and self doubt, I returned last year for the 350 class. It is faster times, longer distances, rougher terrain, and force on force. That was an eye opener! I am going back in November for 350 lo-light course. The GAS (Gunsite Alumni Shoot) is a blast! Action Pistol on steroids! Why do I go train? because bad guys pick on the weak and unaware. www.gunsite.com

DVC,
Mary

[Dave Waits]

Small-Arms Specialist in the Ohio Air Guard, Prior to that, participant in the First Southeast Asian Wargames. Shot Three-gun Bullseye in the Air Guard, Attended both the 250 and 350 course in the mid-eighties. Shot IPSC for a while, Pin-Shooting also.

[NAMVET72]

Two Tours in Country Nam, numerous shore patrol duty, Brig chaser for 3 years................


Clyde

[JohnnyMoses]

Gunsite 150 at AIM, Cave City Kentucky. I try to go to any local combat/plate/IDPA match that I can get to. Might try PPC this year. Jill, Charles, and I set up and shot IDPA classification course on our range Sunday afternoon. Had a great time and daughter Kat is looking forward to it next time...

[skosh69]

Most of my skilled training I recieved from the School of Hard Knocks:p

And the school of "broad side of a barn"......

[NAMVET72]

Most of my skilled training I recieved from the School of Hard Knocks:p

Oh, I got a BA-Economics from Wofford:D

He got handgun Training Certificate from the Bubble Gum Machine at his local Wally World................


Clyde

[DaFadda]

USAF SAC Mobility Team, 1977-80. Learned a bunch of stuff, from .38 to M79's. For a 20 year old, I was in heaven!!!

Private lessons over the years to draw from leather, shooting in adrenaline situations. Real life experiences: Try owning an inner city convenience store with your wife for nine years. We'll talk. (And that's why I ended up in full time ministry). Interesting story. Perhaps one day I'll tell it.
Dafadda

[Riverpigusmc]

I was in the Marines:p

[DaFadda]

I was in the Marines:p

And you will always BE a Marine.
DaFadda

[AutoMag]

???????????????? and also in???????????????:D:D

[Snipersnest]

First formal trai ning was in the Marine Corps. Became an NRA Police firearms instructor, a police Firearms instructor for the Mass Police Trai ning Committee, police firearms instructor for So. East Mass Police Trai ning Association, Army qualified Police Sniper, Mass. MG instructor, factory tr ai ned Range 3000 Milo instructor, Calibre Press Tactical Course, Factory tra ined Ruger rifle, pistol and revolver armorer, Glock armorer and Mass Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and Armorers Association. I think that's it!

[Thedragonslayer]

He got handgun Training Certificate from the Bubble Gum Machine at his local Wally World................


Clyde

Well actually it was an online trucking company.:D

[alazgr8]

I have trained for years at C.A.T.S. and TopGun, both are excellent. Because they are based in So-Cal, and I live in So-Cal, I can afford to take a few classes a year. I try to at least take an advanced Pistolcraft class and a carbine, shotgun, or lowlight shooting class each year. Over the years I have taken all their various classes. The proprieters of both training groups have learned their training systems from Col. Jeff Cooper, Massad Ayoob, and other world class trainers. The first class I ever took was PistolCraft 110, which is TopGuns basic pistol class. I was already an experienced pistol shooter, but I learned more than I thought possible about defensive pistol craft, in fact I learn something new with in each class. Competing in IPSC has also helped quite a bit.

Regards,

Rick

http://www.civilianarmstraining.com/
http://topguntrainingcentre.com/

[Spodeley]

I shoot mainly rifles with a local club that's a CMP charter.
I haven't trained for Pistol anywhere, just shot steel with some friends at the "Gunblogger Rendezvous (http://gunbloggers.blogspot.com/)" where I met gun-people from all over the USA, namely Mike who organizes the event (http://mrcompletely.blogspot.com/) to pay-back the Shooting Community - he shoots in the Steel Challenge (here and in Holland) and especially-including the petite powerhouse Millisecond Molly (http://mollyminute.blogspot.com/)) - but ALL that's about to change...
Tomorrow I have a class with original Gunsite Chief Rangemaster, Louis Awerbuck (http://www.yfainc.com/) who teaches out here... And I'm nervous.
I hope I haven't learned too many bad habits that need un-doing. I'm out on a limb because I KNOW that whatever happens it won't be the gun's fault, now that I have an Ed Brown Kobra Carry...

[jmtgsx]

My father was on the USMC Rifle and pistol teams 1946-1949. After he got out, he continued competition shooting & became an NRA Instructor...I got trained at an early age.:)
I started IDPA about 6 years ago and have taken a couple of classes from TDSA. I highly recomend them. http://www.tdsatulsa.com/

[vmotorman]

I had the fortune of being trained by Mr. Rick Staples. :cool:

He instilled in me, a higher performance standard for the basic police officer. I hope to never have to use the skills in the line of duty, but I know I possess them if it should ever hit the fan.

[zukinut]

I've taken a 2 parts of a 3 part advanced pistol class with FL Firearms training. Need to shave the weight done before the last class its pretty involved.

Have gone to a couple small group classes with South Florida Gun School and I have another class next Sunday with the SFGS with all benefits going to Florida Carry. A grass toots political helping to promote of guns rights here in florida.

Next year planning on carbine, long range rifle, and hoping to finish the advanced pistol class.

[wheelyfun44]

Ft Benning, GA for basic/AIT/Airborne School.
on-the-job training in Tikrit, Iraq (2005)

Snub Gunfighting workshop with Micheal deBethancourt

hundreds of hours at shooting ranges and sand pits!

[Deleted]

Just finished a Battle AR course from Black Skull Tactical (Clint Hoover)

Already enrolled for his Advance and Low light course next month.

[Hodawg]

Lots of Law Enforcement training. Started with Montgomery Police Academy training back in '79. Basic 2 week handgun course, but I was fortunate to be taught by S.A. Jim Lagrone of the FBI. I learned a hell of a lot from Jim. Then in '92 I was certified by the FBI as a Police Firearms Instructor for revolver, semi-auto, and shotgun. I was on the SWAT team with Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (Alabama) and went through extensive training in that role. I've been to several additional "civilian" courses taught by Terry Hall and Will Faruga down in central Florida. I currently teach firearms courses.

Cheers y'all,
Ken

[BlackKnight]

Lots of Law Enforcement training
Same here, from local, state, and federal. I also had the fortune of training under H&K when they're training division was still active.
Once, we had Matt Burkett, come and do a one day seminar for free. It was great.

[Deleted]

I have been very lucky to have a company this close to me, I have been through many of his courses and the training is top notch.

Anytime you can get training from Special Forces guys you they will train you until you drop. There is none of this stand and shoot, you are always moving and shooting under stress.

http://blackskulltactical.com/

[sstpierre]

I have only had one weekend of formal training (From Robin Brown who regularly takes the trip from AZ to FL to provide training) , but I regularly practice the concepts learned each time my co-worker invites me to the action range he belongs to...

I look forward to more training, when funds and health permit!

[T.S.]

Was taught to shoot from the time I was knee-high to my daddy, till Basic and AIT at Fort Jackson, SC, and then afterwards 10 years of qualifications as a Law Enforcement Officer.

[edgehill]

Taught to shoot by my Dad, uncle, and grandfather. I've done NRA Basic pistol and the QuickKill Pistol training that sstpierre mentioned. I've also taken a few hand to hand classes, including Brownie's (Robin Brown) Threat Focused class and Krav Maga classes.

[Caleb]

I have unlocked the "Gold Camo" perk for all of my guns in Call of Duty and Modern Warfare.




Need I say more?

[sstpierre]

I have unlocked the "Gold Camo" perk for all of my guns in Call of Duty and Modern Warfare.




Need I say more?

:rock:

[milkmanjoe]

I have unlocked the "Gold Camo" perk for all of my guns in Call of Duty and Modern Warfare.




Need I say more?

My sons spanked that last year.....:)

[bttbbob]

8530-USMC Coaches School
8531-USMC Primary Marksmanship Instructor
NRA-Basic Rifle Instructor
NRA-Basic Pistol Instructor
NRA-Basic Shotgun Instructor
NRA- Range Safety Officer
NRA- Chief Range Safety Officer
NRA- Personal Protection Inside the Home Instructor
NRA- Personal Protection Outside the Home Instructor
Jeff Cooper's Defensive Handgun API 1976
Jim Cirillo- Defensive Handgun
Rex Applegates- Kill or Get Killed Instructor Course
FBI Low Light Instructor Course
USMC Embassy School
USMC PPSU School
USMC PPSU Instructor School
NRA T C

[edgehill]

This is the man who taught my wife and I NRA Basic pistol.

[bttbbob]

Thanks Edgehill and it was a pleasure.

[milkmanjoe]

I shot a few classes with bttbob, got my NRA Range Safety Officer certification in his class......

[AdamG247 (Navy-Ret)]

Learned in the US Navy. Various Ships MMA and became a Small Arms expert. Was one of several SA ship instructors. Worked with USCG as instructor for Ship boarding and inspection personnel. Qualified on several weapons platforms at Aberdeen Proving Grounds. My favorite was the M242 25mm Chain Gun that was being installed on USCG Cutters during Dessert Storm 1 & 2.

Still learning from you fine Gentlemen everyday. The older I get the more I realize I don't know.

[sdmc530]

All of my "training" has been from agencyies, the SDHP and the Nebraska SP. Did get some FLETC bomb training that was pretty neat but really useless.

[milkmanjoe]

All of my "training" has been from agencyies, the SDHP and the Nebraska SP. Did get some FLETC bomb training that was pretty neat but really useless.

Bombs are one thing that spook me.....Ya know "that kid" your parents warned you about when Fourth of July rolled around? You know, the kid who had firecrackers blow off in his hand........That kid was me.....The next year my other hand got burnt by lightning......Needless to say, I do not hurl firecrackers during thunderstorms. Hell, I have tannerite I look at sideways...

[DrHenley]

Rifle training was at an early age - father, Boy Scout Camp, YMCA camp, etc.
I muddled through on my own with a pistol until a few years ago when a friend who was a civilian contractor marksmanship trainer for the Army got me on the right path.
I never really considered myself proficient until I began IDPA, and that really forced me to practice hard and take my proficiency up a few notches. I was really nervous the first year of IDPA, but eventually got to the point where things like operating the safety, aiming, reloading, controlling my muzzle, clearing jams, etc. became automatic.

[brownie]

Marines; [ Swat, swat team leader, counter sniper at HK, Va. ]; SIONICS [ studies in organized negation of insurgency and counter subversion ]- this from former OSS operative Mitch WerBell 111 and his cadre; CAR [ Center Axis Relock basics from master CAR leo], ComTech [ 9 of James Keatings Riddle of Steel events ]; Mike Janich blade training.

[GD2A]

Marines; [ Swat, swat team leader, counter sniper at HK, Va. ]; SIONICS [ studies in organized negation of insurgency and counter subversion ]- this from former OSS operative Mitch WerBell 111 and his cadre; CAR [ Center Axis Relock basics from master CAR leo], ComTech [ 9 of James Keatings Riddle of Steel events ]; Mike Janich blade training.

I don't have Brownie's specialized training but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express :D

[milkmanjoe]

Put quite a few thousand down range with Brownie too....Quick Kill Pistol....many techniques he teaches......Every time I go to my SC house I start with accuracy drills from bttbob and go to Quick Kill Pistol.....hours on end.

[pitor]

I've trained with Terry Hall extensively, Brownie (Robin Brown, master pistolero), & Bob Harvey from Boca Raton. If course I've done my own share of technique explorations, developing methods that work for me and give me an edge out on the streets.

I will forever remain a student of the pistola and will continue to regularly seek knowledge and training from those more knowledgeable than me.

Mind is the limiting factor... where have I heard this before???? Mmmm...

[brownie]

Appreciate the thoughts pitor,

Thanks Joe, hope all is well in SC

[brownie]

I don't have Brownie's specialized training but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express :D

Where do you think I got my training? :D

[milkmanjoe]

Where do you think I got my training? :D

funny

[BeerHunter]

Put quite a few thousand down range with Brownie too....Quick Kill Pistol....many techniques he teaches......Every time I go to my SC house I start with accuracy drills from bttbob and go to Quick Kill Pistol.....hours on end.

Military a long time ago and like milkmanjoe, most recently with brownie for the many skills he teaches in QK rifle, shotgun, and pistol. Excellent training, that! nanner

Hope to train more with him this year, and also with bttbob and the guys at Okeechobee, too, particularly after the move back to SoFLA.