Review of Thunder Ranch course I took in July (THG2)

[BYcyclist]

Last July I finally had the opportunity to train with Clint Smith at Thunder Ranch, at the Tactical Handgun 2 course!

About the instructors, Clint and Scott Anderson. They moved the course along very quickly, were very knowledgeable, straightforward, yet personable - all in all very good instructors. Most of you know Clint's bio so won't regurge here.

Other than myself, there were 10 others - 7 LEOS, 2 "contractors/instructors" - which left 2 "civilian pukes" as Clint puts it. Of the eleven guns - 7 Glocks (all the LEOs), 3 1911s (all Wilson Combat CQBs), and 1 Berretta (M9). Clint packed a Les Baer 1911 one day, and an awesome S&W TR .45ACP revolver - similar to the new M&P revolver, but chambered in .45ACP instead of 357. Had a hard time listening, I was staring at his gun so much. (no photo due to board limit)



Here was Clint giving another briefing regarding clearing/cornering etc., which we all had the opportunity to put into practice - we got to do three runs through the "Terminator". Once in full light, once in dim light, once in no light - all three runs getting progressively more difficult. It was a huge learning experience - intense but fun. All my runs were clean (maybe I have a second career on SWAT in the future? - nahh, too old).




As far as the defensive handling, boy we did it all! Two hand, one hand, malfunctions drills, shooting from various positions, on the move, behind barricades, laying down, kneeling, getting flanked by BGs. As we progressed rapidly through the drills, we would first work the motion dry-fire, then close in on stationary targets, than further back, then finally on the move against moving targets.

Towards the middle to end of class, we worked on alot of team/two man drills including covering for each other in various situations, etc., which further changed the dynamics of the drill. For example, if during a course of fire, your teammate had to reload, then you had to clean your opponent AS WELL as your teammate's opponents. Very intense, but great stuff.

Here are a few pixs of one of my favorite drills towards the end, running an alternate line with my teammate down a row of 12 steel targets out then back.



Teammate shot body, I opted for all head shots going down the line.



Much of the drills were 7 yds out or further. As I said, this drill was a blast. I kept volunteering to run this drill with partnerless guys who were in the Terminator with Clint and worked on my quick head shots.





At the end of the day, it wasn't just about shooting and gunfighting (although my skills hugely improved during those three days, especially shooting moving targets and shooting on the move), but about developing the confidence, responsiveness, and awareness not just to use gun skills, but to avoid the situations where guns have to be used.

There's so much more I could write about things I learned, side conversations I had with Clint and others, my initial expectations, etc., but I'll keep it about this length so you folks don't get too bored.

Bottom line - if you can afford the time and money, I would be hard pressed to give a higher recommendation. It really changed my outlook and skills for the better. I'm definitely going back for further training, probably in Urban Rifle. Even though in many ways I felt this course seemed more LEO/military oriented instead of civilian oriented, the skills learned here would still serve anyone who has a firearm very well.

[Glock32]

Very nice report Sir. Thanks for sharing your experiences at TR. I am envious.

[BYcyclist]

Very welcome. I post them in an effort to support the good trainers and to encourage folks to make the time and investment to get good training.

I kinda went crazy with the training stuff this year, that's what most of my tax refund went to.

[IAmASensFan]

WOW!

That looked Great! Where is Thunder Ranch?

[hygyliac]

what type ammo did you use and how many rounds did you need? Bet your bag was a lot lighter coming out.

[hbliam]

Originally Posted by IAmASensFan

WOW!

That looked Great! Where is Thunder Ranch?

Google is your friend: Thunder Ranch® Oregon

[BYcyclist]

Originally Posted by hygyliac

what type ammo did you use and how many rounds did you need? Bet your bag was a lot lighter coming out.

They only allow frangible, lead-free rounds at their range so special order drop shipped there 1000 rds.

[Glock32]

Originally Posted by BYcyclist

They only allow frangible, lead-free rounds at their range so special order drop shipped there 1000 rds.

I went to Gunsite last year in October. We used some of that stuff (pricey!) in the fun house. Amazing how it just turns to dust once it impacts steel.

TR would be a great place to train at. I thought about going when Clint Smith was still in Texas. A lot of people think about it, not many fork out the money to actually do it. I would love to hear more some day.

Thanks again for sharing.

[BYcyclist]

Don't wait too long...he told some of us that he's not going to be teaching forever. He's already starting to cut back on some classes, etc.

I've signed up for his Urban rifle class next spring - right now going in June, but may move it up to March depending on kid's school, weather.

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by hbliam

Google is your friend: Thunder Ranch® Oregon

I know...I'm lazy

[XD in the OC]

It seems that if you can go to either Thunder Ranch or Gunsite, than it is worth the time and money. But what about FrontSight? On some of the other forums, they either really hate it or think that its the best gun school in the country. Also, Frontsight is not cheap unless you buy a coupon from somebody. Where would you go to get a week of training?

[1buba]

Originally Posted by XD in the OC

It seems that if you can go to either Thunder Ranch or Gunsite, than it is worth the time and money. But what about FrontSight? On some of the other forums, they either really hate it or think that its the best gun school in the country. Also, Frontsight is not cheap unless you buy a coupon from somebody. Where would you go to get a week of training?

I have heard nothing but good about Frontsight from folks that have been there. (I have not). Most of the complaints stem back to one of two things... 1) The lawsuits that have been filed in re: to the finances/completion of stuff there, and 2) Ignatius' religious affiliation. I'm not stating that either of these are right or wrong, I'm just explaining that these are typically the issues.

If I had a week, I'd do some 1:1 training with Greg Block of Firearms Training (CCWI here). Once I felt that I had assimilated as much of his knowledge as i could (it would take me much more time than a week), and then I'd go to Rifle's Only

[BYcyclist]

Originally Posted by XD in the OC

they either really hate it or think that its the best gun school in the country.

There is no BEST gun school in the country. Be careful of getting caught up in the gun school dogma.

I suggest learning/solidifying the fundamentals of gun handling from any recommended reputable school, then take various advanced from various instructors. You'll learn something from all of them, then you can synthesize what works for you.

You'll find there are commonalities and huge differences in the various schools, philosophies, etc. You just have to sort them out and think for yourself what works.

[IAmASensFan]

Originally Posted by 1buba

I have heard nothing but good about Frontsight from folks that have been there. (I have not). Most of the complaints stem back to one of two things... 1) The lawsuits that have been filed in re: to the finances/completion of stuff there, and 2) Ignatius' religious affiliation. I'm not stating that either of these are right or wrong, I'm just explaining that these are typically the issues.

If I had a week, I'd do some 1:1 training with Greg Block of Firearms Training (CCWI here). Once I felt that I had assimilated as much of his knowledge as i could (it would take me much more time than a week), and then I'd go to Rifle's Only

I think you have to take it a bit further than that.

I think most who have issues with frontsite see it as an integrity issue resulting from both of the reasons you give.

Like you I hear the training is fantastic, but then again, if most people get crappy training for $100 dollars, they'll talk about it. If they spend $1000 and get the same crappy training, they won't...they are too embarrassed.

[XD in the OC]

BYCyclist, I agree with you that you/we should go to different gun schools and see what they all have to offer and learn as much as we can. And practice as much as we can afterwards. But like everything else in life, we have to be selective. Bottom line, get as much training as you can and practice.