Is private instruction worth it?

[Anna]

I've been practicing on my own for the last couple months or so, and I think I'm starting to develop some pretty bad habits, not to mention just plain wrong ways of doing things. So I'm thinking of paying for private instruction at an indoor range.

I'm just wondering if it's a good idea. The price is not cheap, but I can manage that. Are there other alternatives to private instruction? I've read books and watched videos, but as someone succinctly pointed out to me, you don't learn to drive cars by reading books and watching videos either.

[AMS MIKE]

I am in So Cal and I have taken classes with many other forum members in Burro Canyon.

Self Defense Firearms Training - Be Safe, Be Confident, Get Trained!

I highly recommend these classes. Start off with basic handgun and work yourself up to Advanced.

Perhaps someone will chime in with some great training classes in Nor Cal

Good Luck and be safe!

[45 ACP]

Originally Posted by Anna

I've been practicing on my own for the last couple months or so, and I think I'm starting to develop some pretty bad habits, not to mention just plain wrong ways of doing things. So I'm thinking of paying for private instruction at an indoor range.

I'm just wondering if it's a good idea. The price is not cheap, but I can manage that. Are there other alternatives to private instruction? I've read books and watched videos, but as someone succinctly pointed out to me, you don't learn to drive cars by reading books and watching videos either.

Private instruction will benefit you if:

1. You can afford it (you mentioned you can, but for the sake of completeness......)

2. You have limited time

3. You prefer learning in a "one on one" environment

The downside to private instruction is that you are relying on the experience of the instructor. That is to say, you can't "learn from someone else's mistakes" since there aren't other students in the same class doing different things requiring different corrections. You will be relying on the instructor to fill in those gaps as necessary.

That being said, if private instruction is what you're looking for, be ABSOLUTELY sure the instructors credentials and experience cover what you need. No sense in developing other bad habits due to the instructor's lack of experience or requisite skill.

As to learning by reading or watching videos, I would tend to agree with the concept that you cannot learn without doing. Books and videos are useful tools for refreshers or really basic concepts, but are no subsitute for actual range work.

Good luck.

[Glock Holiday]

I agree with AMS Mike I have taken all the classes offered and learn something new everytime. You cant go wrong and at the same time meet alot of great people.

[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.

[Apeman88]

I started shooting around 12yrs old with family and friends as my instructors. I did not get any real training until about 4 years ago. I can tell you 60% of what I learned from my family and friends were wrong from stance to grip. About the only thing they taught me that was correct was finger off the trigger and don't point the gun at anything you don't want to distroy but I thank god they at least taught me the correct safe handling.

After I re-learned how to shot, I'm much more accurate and consistent. So.. yes... I strongly believe training will help everyone.

[ptbarnacle]

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.

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.

[CCWInstructor]

You get a better value when you take a class. It cost me the same amount of money to rent the range for a person or 15 people. IF you take a class make sure they run instructor student ratio, 1 to 3, or 1 to 4 MAX.

Make sure you get a good instructor. Preferably a full-time instructor, not a hobbyist. One with a law enforcement training background, and law enforcement training credentials.

[barnowl52]

Originally Posted by Anna

I've been practicing on my own for the last couple months or so, and I think I'm starting to develop some pretty bad habits, not to mention just plain wrong ways of doing things. So I'm thinking of paying for private instruction at an indoor range.

I'm just wondering if it's a good idea. The price is not cheap, but I can manage that. Are there other alternatives to private instruction? I've read books and watched videos, but as someone succinctly pointed out to me, you don't learn to drive cars by reading books and watching videos either.

Anna, Mendocino College has an advanced firearm course (ADJ 058) that I've taken several times. We meet at the sheriff's training center for the classroom session (about 2.5 hrs.) The next day from 8 to 5 at the gun club. The class is taught by the officer who is the head of the major crime task force. All in all, a good class. Cost is $25. Bad part, it's held in the middle of the week for now, but they are trying to get a week-end one scheduled.

[NSP]

Q. Is private instruction worth it?

A. Yes

Also try looking up your local range to see if they have any general classes. I've taken 2 classes and they were very helpful. Plus you get a nifty certificate

[Anna]

Originally Posted by barnowl52

Anna, Mendocino College has an advanced firearm course (ADJ 058) that I've taken several times. We meet at the sheriff's training center for the classroom session (about 2.5 hrs.) The next day from 8 to 5 at the gun club. The class is taught by the officer who is the head of the major crime task force. All in all, a good class. Cost is $25. Bad part, it's held in the middle of the week for now, but they are trying to get a week-end one scheduled.

I didn't know about that. Thanks for the tip.

[El Gato]

Thunder Ranch Inc.

Thunder Ranch® Oregon

Has some womens classes and they are north of you in Oregon... just over the border on HWY 395...
NOT private instruction but small classes ... I think they limit classes to 12 people and they treat you like a real guest...

As to private instruction... some of the part time instructors can be really good at basics... the NRA first steps program is a good example...

But if you want a good class to really get you up to speed on the self defense front... I would recommend a class with an instructor who instructs professionally... like thunder ranch... gunsite... or some of the small classes taught around the state. So Cal seems to have alot of good stuff to offer... CCWI has a good rep and there are a couple of other schools south of the grapevine

My wife really liked thunder ranch.. so much so she insisted we go back... so next month we go again... just ordered the ammo

[MadMex]

All women course at Gunsite. Impressive women instructors. They welcome people who are having their first-time experience with a handgun at the course, the well seasoned and experienced, and everyone in between. Just show up with an open mind.

[cksh8me]

I don't know the area you live in or which ranges are close to you. This might help you find a range in your area you are unaware of. International Defensive Pistol Association and United States Practical Shooting Association. If you find a range near you check what classes they have to offer or they might have someone they can recommend.

To answer your question yes private lessons are worth it with the right instructor and a clear objective of what you want out of the lesson.

Good luck

[napaCCW]

I dindnt realize how much I needed a class untill I took one. I would reccomend Point Of Defense it was a great instruction. If you look close you can see me in one of the pics.