Training
 

I want to really get serious about formal training after Boy Child arrives. I'm looking online at local ranges and classes offered near me so I can start saving the money and ammo to hopefully get a couple of classes under my belt before the year is out. I'm not really impressed with what I've found local to me (within an hour drive). I don't see many places offering more than basic pistol. I'm already comfortable with the things advertised as covered in the basic pistol course, but I plan to start there because it seems like square one? I do want to look at classes beyond that as well though and I'm just not seeing a whole lot. I know I will probably need to broaden the area I'm looking in. I did want to run this one place by you guys though and get your opinions on it.

https://northwestfloridafirearmstraining.com/

The classroom portions are in Milton, Fl (20 minutes west of me) and the range is in Cantonment (40 minutes west of me). Some of their courses look like they would make for a really interesting place for me to start. The range is the Escambia River Gun Club. ERGC looks like they have a lot to offer too. They seem to do a ccw class, but also have an IDPA chapter as well as a Gun Goddesses group. The name of the second does nothing for me, but both chapters/groups look interesting.

I hope to go check both the training place and the gun club out when I can. Just figured I would check here to see if any of you knew anything about either of these places before I did. I want to make sure the training place looks legit to more experienced eyes and not just a money grabbing gimmick.

Thanks in advance.

Training is a must in my book, Some people believe it is as simple as buying a gun a holster and strapping it on. Training will give you the tools to carry and know what to do in certain situations. Being aware of your surroundings at all times is key to staying safe.

IDPA matches will help hone your skills as far as how to shoot from cover and how to shoot in a tactical sequence (threats close to furthest), I've been shooting IDPA for a couple of years now and it's a blast.

Training is costly but can you put a value on your and your families lives?

You are on the right track. If a range has enough interest that they are holding IDPA shoots, and have a women's group that sounds like a good place to start. You may want to go to an IDPA or USPSA shoot in the area. Most are usually helpful and supportive of new shooters. You need to get some references on trainers. BEWARE of know it alls, you can get allot of advice not all of it helpful.

I agree with USPSA Shooter. Trai ning! Trai ning! Trai ning! I try to take a class every 3 to 6 months. How do you get to Carnegie Hall, Practice, Practice, Practice. One of the most humbling things that i have ever experienced was my first day at Gunsite. I thought I knew what I was doing, I was WRONG.

Look here:

http://www.pdi-2a.com/index.html

I moderate a martial arts forums where it has a section on modern weapons, i.e. firearms. You'd be surprised how many get on there and will tout the importance of quality instruction in the martial arts, but when it comes to the importance of getting quality instruction in the art of the gun they pretty much ignore it and think it's a matter of strapping on a gun and a holster or shooting at paper targets.

You're on the right track. Good for you.

Join an active gun club. Until I moved, I was a member of PCS in Friendswood, Texas. Since it was a bit hard to join, you met the nicest, most gun savvy people. It also helped that the club was committed to building a world class facility. I think they already were.

I concur as well.

One thing about the games. They are just games. I did some training courses and the went to see what idpa was like. When I read the rule sheet and watched them shoot I decided it wasn't for me. I didn't want to make bad habits form after the training I received.

Don't get me wrong I prefer USPSA!!!! Lets you figure out the problems. I can't stand the rule book! Reload here, not there, don't take a step. NO RULES IN A GUNFIGHT!

The problem is it is not always available. I have to travel over 100 miles to shoot USPSA and Steel.(60for idpa)

There are a lot more rules in IDPA, But those rules are put in place to better prepare you in the event you do get into a gun battle.


Shooting and reloading from cover. Smart
Never move from one shooting position to another with a empty gun. Smart

USPSA is fun but if you just want to throw a bunch of lead down range go for it.

where are you shooting uspsa and idpa?