Hi Anna:
I live in Nor Cal and drove to take a group class at Burro with CCWI Tues. Great class and I did learn I had a few bad habbits to break. Group class benefit was shooting while others are shooting next to you. It broke the flinch habbit right away. I saw others being intructed and compared it with my grip, stance, etc.. Fun to meet others with similiar interests. People asked interesting questions which I hadn't thought of. Disadvantage was we moved at the group's pace, less one on one, less flexibility in the curriculum.
I had trouble finding instruction close to home also. If you are looking for holster work, most ranges do not allow this. You may have to join a class/pvt instructor who has permission to teach drawing from the holster. This will be my next class at Burro. I didn't realize how much I could learn by doing things like double taps, triple taps, etc., which are never allowed at public ranges.
I would ask the instructor:
Could you give me a list of your credentials?
What groups do you teach? If they are teaching Law Enforcement, they may be doing something right. CCWI's credentials go on and on- and they are real credentials.
Etc.
I've been PM'd by members on this board, who I do not know, offering instruction in my area. They haven't mentioned credentials, insurance, range relationships, etc. Anyone can teach, but few should. I am leary of training from the wrong person, and safety.
To do holster draws, etc., you may need to work with someone who can rent out a range to allow drawing and double taps etc. Others may correct me but that may require they have insurance arrangements, a rental agreement, and a track record with the range. Private instruction on a range means you will need to pay the full rental, plus the instrutor's rate. Oh, and plus ammo.
I found an incredible differenc in instruction from my El Dorado CCW course, and CCWI's basic handgun course. Long drive but worth it.
Perhaps, call ranges for references, gun shops, and maybe bring some cold sodas to the Sheriffs Office to bribe some references out of them. Or try a goup class in your area for the basics, then you can make an informed decission on the trainers in the group as private instructors. They may also help refer you. Remember, if you feel they are conducting the class unsafely at any time, you can leave. Give an excuse or tell it like it is. Safety first. You mentioned a bad experience at the range, I've moved to the other end before as well as left outright. A bad vibe is a bad vibe.
This is just my 2 cents. I am not an instructor, nor do I play one on TV.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Anna
Good point about "learning someone else's mistakes." Didn't think of that.
What credentials should I be looking/asking for in an instructor? The range I'm thinking of going to is supposed to do a lot of classes and certifications, including CCW and law enforcement stuff. Is there a credentialing entity in CA for this kind of thing?
I did look up the Burro Canyon classes, but it's way too far, even for me. I wish I could join a group like that. Right now, though, I think I don't want to learn with male students (bad experience yesterday at the range), and I think I know a little more than the average female who is inclined to take the beginner classes. I'm not quite intermediate either. That's why I thought of private instruction.
I really want to improve my marksmanship and get drilled on safety issues. I've been shooting alone at the range, with my stuff laid out on the table. I have to learn how to shoot from a holster properly and how to safely handle my gun in a group. I think I'm getting a little too comfortable with my gun.
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