Training Dilemma: MAG40 or Gun Site Revolver Class

[Paul_H]

I'm in a bit of a quandary trying to decide where to spend my training money this year. I can either attend MAG40 relatively locally or fly out to AZ and take the Pistol 250 Revolver class.

I took MAG40 8 years ago with a pistol but would like to take again now that I've shifted back to carrying a revolver and using one for my home defense. Also want the refresher in what to do in the aftermath of a shooting. The Gun Site 250 Revolver class also looks great and I'm having a hard time deciding.

Looking for any words of wisdom or folks that have done both that could shed some pros/cons? Not looking for someone to make my decision for me, but maybe point out something I have not considered yet. For other background I've trained for many years at Sig Academy when a group of us were still able to setup a week of private pistol classes, so have had a fair amount of pistol training, but nothing revolver specific.

Here's what I can think of.
MAG40:
Pros: I can drive and it's half the cost all in of Gun Site. I know what to expect from the class. Would really like the legal refresher.
Cons: I took it 8 years ago and it seems to be offered on a regular basis in the Northeast, so probably will have an opportunity to take it again next year.

Gun Site:
Pros: Never taken it. Week of specifically focused Revolver training.
Cons: Twice the cost of MAG40. Have to fly. Not sure if it will be offered again next year. Other than revolver specific handling, not sure what I'll learn above/beyond what I've seen at Sig Academy.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[Frank Ettin]

First, I've taken MAG-40 (it was called LFI-1 back then) and multiple classes at Gunsite, including 250 and 350.

MAG-40 is especially notable for its coverage of the legal and social aspects of the use of force in self defense. At Gunsite the focus is more on weapon handling and use, i. e., the mechanics.

So consider whether you are most interested in a refresher on the legal and social aspects of the use of force or on revolver technique.

 

[Old Dog]

Gunsite.

The MAG 40 curriculum is excellent, but c'mon, now, you already know you'll have way more fun shootin' some revolver and learnin' down in AZ. And you said it, the MAG 40 class will be offered again in your region. YOLO.

Other than revolver specific handling, not sure what I'll learn above/beyond what I've seen at Sig Academy.

(Disclaimer: haven't done the revolver course) You will learn stuff you didn't know that you didn't know. Seriously, best in the business besides Clint Smith and Thunder Ranch. (Disclaimer #2: have never done the SIG academy though I own a lot of SIG pistols)

 

[D.B. Cooper]

I just finished the standard Gunsite 250 last week. There was NO discussion of what to do in the aftermath of a SD shooting. None. As you know, Massad Ayoob is the gold standard in that field.

The Gunsite Revolver 250 has been on the calendar once per year for the past several years. I'm really not sure what you're going to get in that class. Gunsite seemed to me to be all about the autoloader. Jeff Cooper was all about the 1911. I'm sure their instructors are all consummate hand-gunners; it just doesn't seem like their forté. That said, the photograph on their Revolver 250 page is of the other instructor at my class, and he knows a thing or two about DA as I brought a DA/SA pistol, and he worked with me a bunch on it. (And to be fair, my senior instructor was a patrolman in the 1970s, so I'm sure he knows DA as well.)

I've never done MAS40, so I can't give a complete comparison. If you want legalese, Mas is your best bet. One thing to think about is that every state has subtle differences in legal terms of SD. You could probably give yourself a refresher course in your state's laws. Go to Gusite for a different doctrine that you have not yet been exposed to. Or, save a lot of money. I can't afford to fly to Gunsite right now. Airfare is stupid expensive.

 

[D.B. Cooper]

I'm in a bit of a quandary trying to decide where to spend my training money this year. I can either attend MAG40 relatively locally or fly out to AZ and take the Pistol 250 Revolver class...

If you haven't decided, yet, and if you're still watching this thread, Gunsite just posted this:

https://www.gunsite.com/classes/pat-rogers-memorial-revolver-round-up/

There will be a lot of revolver specialists there. Sounds like a good opportunity.

 

[luzyfuerza]

If you just want the legal refresher, consider attending a MAG20 (Armed Citizen's Rules of Engagement). Mas schedules these around the country regularly. Perhaps one might be much closer to your location and therefore cheaper to attend. https://massadayoobgroup.com/events/category/mag20-armed-citizens-rules-of-engagement/

Gunsite's revolver class will be MUCH more useful, I think, than the shooting portion of the MAG40 would be.

I guess that my answer is kind of an "attend both" response. Sorry!