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Any good places to find good pistol training here? Before you guys suggest Thunder Ranch and Gunsite, please keep in mind that I'm a newbie. Such advanced schools would be wasted on me. I need a good school where I can learn the fundamentals.
Oh, winter isn't that bad! No there aren't any indoor ranges... I hear there used to be one. Do a search, there's a couple of schools, or you could sponsor a class w/ someone like Gabe Suarez in your own town.
1. Walt Marshall, old-time "gunfighter" who has "been there, done that" and has participated in ~5000 high risk entries while head of Richmond SWAT Team. He also used to be Rangemaster at Gunsite and has many colorful stories to share about his encounters with Massad Ayoub as well as the Hells Angels. He runs class out of the Richmond Rod & Gun Club. http://www.awt-co.com/Director.htm
2. Louis Awerbuck of Yavapai Firearms Academy is starting to hold classes at Reeds Shooting Range in Santa Clara. 2008 schedule isn't out yet though. http://www.yfainc.com/
Either of these Gents will help you become proficient with pistols from intro thru expert. Shotgun classes by either are also top notch.
Oh yeah, as for your "advanced schools would be wasted on me" comment, no reputable trainer would accept you for any advanced courses & tactics until you can demonstrate proof that you have already taken & passed introductory courses. No way to jump the line in terms of training knowledge, this is for your own and everyone else's safety.
I took one of AWTs Defensive Handgun classes about a year ago. It was a great class. Over the course of a weekend, we trained in all aspects of defensive pistol usage. Mostly range time with about 900 rounds fired. The instructor was a Richmond SWAT officer and his experience in the field was enlightening. The tactics were those taught at Gunsite and although condensed into a two day course, very informative and easy to grasp.
The class was well worth the money. I liked the fact that it was local and offered over a weekend so as not to miss work. I'd love to travel to Gunsite at some point, but for now AWT weekend classes will have to suffice. I plan on taking others offered by them as my finances allow.
I took one of AWTs Defensive Handgun classes about a year ago. ...The instructor was a Richmond SWAT officer and his experience in the field was enlightening
For those who aren't familiar with Richmond, CA. It is by population count, one of the most violent cities in the USA. Richmond is where the Hells Angels got their start, and probably the birthplace of our current crystal meth epidemic. Then there are the black street gangs and cocaine/crack problems... Richmond SWAT's High-Risk Entry Team is world-class. Anything they teach was learned and filtered from the streets over decades of OIS.
Yep, Mark is one heck of a good instructor and a nice guy to boot. He ran a very comprehensive class and as I stated before, introduced quite a bit of "real world" scenarios. I look forward to taking another of his classes. He and his assistants really took the time to observe and analyze each student in the class. I came to the class with some "bad habits" that I needed to "unlearn". By the end of the weekend, my speed, awareness, and proficiency had progressed quite a bit. Again, I can't say enough good things about it.
I'd suggest your local firing range that offers a certified Basic Handgun course. After that the world is your oyster....Gunsite, Frontsite, Thunder Ranch, Black Water...etc.
My wife and I have taken good training with them. These guys train hard. If you are an average householder and not a cop or ex-mil the courses will be hard work for you, and well worth the time, effort and money.
I highly recommend Louis Awerbuck. He is one of the most respected trainers in the world and has training classes scheduled at Reed's indoor range in San Jose. You will not be disappointed!!
Let me second the reco of Awerbuck. He's a great, no-BS kind of guy with no ego issues, and knows his stuff cold. He'll work with you (after class, lunch, etc.) as long as it takes if you're having difficulty with something, and seems sincerely interested in preparing you as best he can for whatever you might realistically face.
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