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  • PREPARING FOR TRAINING

    Training is a journey, not an event.
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    Safety; My class environment is completely different than shooting at a public range or going shooting with friends somewhere – you need to be very alert and heads up at all times and muzzle awareness becomes extremely important.

     

     

    Handling weapon(s) behind the firing line, or without Trainer Permission is a no go. Even something as simple as bending down to pick up an empty magazine can cause you to sweep people with your muzzle. In addition the next item on my list can make a huge difference on not only safety but how much you get out of the class;

     

     

    Relax; Take a deep breath and relax – My class is meant to be a fun while learning with like minded people. It can be a bit stressful at first for someone new to the process. Take a deep breath and relax, clear your mind, and then get back into the task at hand with a fresh frame of mind.

     

     

    Equipment; Review the equipment list and bring the correct and appropriate equipment for the class. This is critical – if you have questions please contact me well ahead of time. Showing up with the wrong equipment can really hinder your learning experience and in some cases make it extremely hard to complete the class.

     

     

    Holsters; A proper holster is critical for a pistol class. Soft nylon holsters like are commonly sold at sporting goods stores are not suitable.

    Holster must attach via the belt (paddle holsters are not recommended). Holsters must provide an active or passive retention device and be able to keep the firearm in place while running or moving in and out of awkward positions.

    Inside the Waistband (IWB) or appendix  carry holsters are NOT suitable for beginner level classes. A shooter needs to develop safe handling and holstering procedures before a more challenging holster is brought into the mix. Once a shooter is competent then he can begin mastering IWB or appendix carry.

     

     

    Electronic Hearing Protection; Students pay a lot of money to attend a class in order to receive instruction, having electronic hearing protection means you’ll be able to follow certain commands and absorb key training points. Without them, you can become a safety hazard to the rest of the class because you’re not on the same page as they are.

     

     

    If you’re not sure what to buy, again contact me well before class and I can recommended brands and models.

     

     

    Pistols; Compact pistols are too be avoided unless they are recommended as part of the class. For the average shooter they are more difficult to shoot well and are not suitable for learning the fundamentals with.

     

     

    Bring a standard sized pistol similar to a Glock 17 or 19 or Smith & Wesson M&P 4 – 4.25” size to the class. Learn the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship, and then begin the process of mastering your CCW handgun.

    I see this fatal error made with female shooters all the time where the boyfriend or husband helped them pick a small handgun to carry concealed. They are brought to a handgun class where they are expected to learn to shoot a pistol that would severely challenge all but the very best handgun shooters. It ends the same way most every time; extreme frustration on the part of the female shooter.

     

     

    Ammo; Bring quality ammo that is suitable for the class. Poor quality reloads or using + P ammo for use in a compact pistol in a basic pistol class is a recipe for frustration and a waste of time and money. It is very hard to give shooters proper feedback when the pistol doesn’t function properly due to poor quality ammo or the shooter is attempting to control recoil that would challenge even expert shooters.

     

     

    Lube; Lack or proper lubrication is still the number one issue I see in every class regardless. Many students have functioning issues with firearms in the class that would easily be fixed with proper lubrication and in some cases proper cleaning.

     

     

    A good rule of thumb is lube the weapon before class and after lunch, depending on the amount of rounds fired. At any time please feel free to ask me about how and where to lube your weapon as well as my recommended lubricants. I’m more than happy to help you out.

     

     

    Training Philosophy; I am an accuracy oriented trainer who feels you need get something out of every round you fire. My approach is very simple; no one is going to have to tell you to shoot faster in a gunfight and accurate hits on target are the only guaranteed way to end the fight in your favor. Therefore I believe in learning to shoot accurately first, then develop your speed.

     

     

    I am adamant that you understand WHY you take every action; only by knowing WHY are you able to then simplify, streamline, or replace methods.

     

     

    I stress efficiency and practicality in every move. I believe that you should always train as you fight, and train for the real world beyond the drills. I eschew gimmicky gear and gadgets, instead focusing on using the gear available, and drilling hard on the skills it takes to stay focused on the threat without being distracted by the platform.

     

     

    I always base my instruction and what the students need based on where the students are at that given time. I give you what you need, not necessarily what you want.

     

     

    I don’t use hype to market myself or claim to know more than anyone else about training.

     

     

    I hope this helps clarify and guide potential students in deciding if a class with me make sense.

     

     

    Have fun, get involved with the course, and help others get the most out of the class as well.

    Be safe and I hope to see on my range.