Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > General Topics > Concealed Carry & Self Defense
o

Notices

Concealed Carry & Self Defense All aspects of Concealed and Open Carry, Home and Self Defense.


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 04-30-2017, 11:35 PM
326MOD10 326MOD10 is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 1,276
Liked 2,245 Times in 765 Posts
Default TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review

Previously I had posted a thread asking if anyone had attended the TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course in West Union, Ohio. One member, RASMITH3442, posted that he had attended many courses at TDI Ohio and that I would not be disappointed.

I just returned from a Thursday and Friday, 2 day Snubby Course there and I am glad I took the advice because I was not disappointed.

The first morning of the class you spent an hour in the classroom at TDI meeting the staff and other attendees. I was impressed with the variety of students, from the retired police SGT from a major department to the average concealed carry holder who was just looking for some good training on their carry weapon of choice.

I found it to be a good sign that the majority of the folks in attendance, and there was 13 of us in the class, had attended classes at TDI previously. That, to me, spoke volumes of the training staff that people continued to return to the facility for a variety of training opportunities. One of the attendees in the class had been attending classes there for 20 years.

I was also able to meet fellow forum member, JEEPS, there and that was a pleasure as he is a stand up guy. It was nice to get a chance to speak with him and his friend that came to training with him about their life experiences and love of shooting. In retrospect I probably should have taken more time to get to know both gentleman because I believe there was a wealth of fascinating stories I missed out on. The ones I didn't miss out on were well worth the price of admission.

After introductions there was an introduction of types of snubby revolvers, holsters, reloading methods and of course the safety rules for the range facilities. The classroom was nice and had kitchen facilities so you could bring your lunch, etc... to class for the day.

Once that was done it was off to the pistol range for some basic shooting drills. The original drills were designed to gauge your skill level with the snubby and give them an opportunity to evaluate the students.

Reloading was emphasized as well at this time because compared to the semi-auto reloading the revolver is a drill that you can never practice enough. I, of course, had the same issues that I have with reloading my semi-auto and that is keeping the gun up in my working space while I reload. This was emphasized and some techniques were shown to make this easier to master. It was something that was driven home repeatedly and I am glad it was because eventually I caught myself when I got lazy and self corrected the problem.

The draw and reload was really up to the student. I chose to draw my 640 PRO from concealment each time I deployed it because I believed I would get the most out of the training that way. Others chose to carry their weapon in a non concealed manner. On the reloads I used both speed loaders and speed strips the first day to get the feel for things. By the second day I had decided to dedicate all my time to the speed strip because that is mostly what I carry and it was an area where I needed the most work.

You did not let your gun run dry there was the mantra and my basic goal. If I fired my rounds I made sure that I had enough for a reload prior to stepping off the line. I did not want to have an empty revolver and it was emphasized that an empty weapon is nothing more than a club as well as keeping the revolver topped off.

During the course of the two days we worked on, and worked on some more, drawing the revolver in the manner that you can fire as soon as you bring the weapon up on line. Of course the draw was emphasized to be brought up to the chest and then punch out as you roll the trigger while going to the full shooting position to fire the round. In a critical situation this will allow you to break the shot sooner if need be and still be on target.

This is something that I always need work on and have developed some bad habits over the years. The owner of TDI, Mr. Benner, took the time to speak with me about this one on one and I truly appreciate it. He spent some time speaking with me to correct this. One thing I will do is consciously make an effort when I draw to remind myself of the importance of the presentation. This is something I have been reminded of during range drills before but the explanation this time actually stuck with me and instead of getting the explanation and then being done with range day I had a chance to continue working on it for a day.

During the two days we were able to work on presentation and shooting targets from various distances and positions. We were shown and allowed to practice shooting up close when a target presents itself up close to your front, right side and left side. These were techniques that I really had not thought about before nor had any instruction on. We practice turning to face the threat when we fire but not always is that practical or the fastest way to do things. The techniques shown gave you a better option that was quicker and just as accurate. Of course these were techniques for up close and personal but that is the primary use of the snubby revolver.

We also discussed and practiced drills for when you are out dinning with friends and family. There were tables and chairs set up and you would work with 1 to 3 other people to establish a way to communicate and respond if a threat presents itself in a place where you may be seated around a table. It also reinforced the importance of having a reaction plan if you are out with family and friends and you are the only one armed. It also showed some of the pitfalls of trying to draw your weapon when seated. All this was done in a safe monitored environment by the staff and was well done.

During the two days you also had a chance to run some movement drills. Here you got a chance to shoot at steel while on the move and it is something that you don't get a chance to do on most stationary ranges. Good training because for those that have practiced shooting on the move it is not as easy as the movies make it appear.

We also were able to make runs through the shoot house. Here you were able to do a house clearing drill with hostage, shoot and don't shoot targets. Good training for the average person because you never know when you will hear that bump in the night and have to clear your residence.

Overall a great two days of training and being around some folks who enjoy shooting the snubby revolver. The class called for 700 rounds of ammunition and I went through about 640 or so. I could have fired the entire 700 but was trying to conserve toward the end because I wasn't sure what else they had planned for us to do.

I brought my 640 PRO and a Lobo Enhanced Pancake for the course and that was a great choice. After spending that much time with the 640 I believe it will become my J Frame of choice going forward. Great platform and very accurate. Like one of the instructors told me that is why you paid extra for those sights and then I promptly reminded myself and him that the key is remembering to use them!

Some of the students brought 442/642 platforms and the number of rounds fired took their toll on the hands and fingers. Many of them had tape and bandages over blisters by the time we were done. I was impressed with the dedication to their chosen platform each of them had. Despite an offer of letting them use an extra 640 I had brought, in case of a malfunction, the users of the airweights stuck with their guns and soldiered on.

I also witnessed, for the first time, revolvers malfunctioning to a level that would have taken them out of a fight. One issue was in a weapon seizing up, eventually believed to be a lack of lubricant and aluminum shavings that had caused the problem. The other was a thumb latch screw backing out and making the weapon a not so effective club. Both problems were expertly fixed by staff and back into the training but it did open my eyes of the possibility of a revolver not being 100% reliable and that things can go wrong. It also emphasized the importance of ongoing maintenance of your firearms regardless of what you may carry.

Sorry for this being a little lengthy but to close out if you get the chance to attend the Snubby Training Class at TDI take it. I have never really attended formal training of this nature before and it was money well spent. They only offer the class once a year but they have many other offerings in the self defense area.

In fact I would not hesitate to recommend any of the classes at TDI. The staff was great and the facilities (and I didn't even see much of the property) were top notch.

As an added bonus while in West Union I dropped off my Shield and a Glock 43 with David Bowie of Bowie Tactical. Great guy to meet and I can't wait to see the magic he works on them. Once I get them returned I may have to look into the Level 1-3 Handgun Course at TDI to put them through their paces.

TDI was great and a real value in the training world.

Thanks to Mr. Benner, John, Forrest and Wyatt for a great 2 days of learning!
Reply With Quote
The Following 11 Users Like Post:
  #2  
Old 04-30-2017, 11:51 PM
white cloud white cloud is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,051
Likes: 2,735
Liked 1,373 Times in 573 Posts
Default

This is a great write up. Thank you for taking the time to do this. I wish this classroom was a bit closer to me.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 04-30-2017, 11:55 PM
326MOD10 326MOD10 is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 1,276
Liked 2,245 Times in 765 Posts
Default

Thanks.

I drove 11 plus hours, with construction problems one way and incredible rain coming back the other, but it was well worth it.

You just don't find many revolver courses and this one was top notch.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 05-01-2017, 09:50 AM
snowman snowman is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Rural NW Ohio
Posts: 3,387
Likes: 5,180
Liked 2,444 Times in 1,097 Posts
Default

Thank you very much, sir, for that thorough review. I have a couple questions:

-May I ask what the fee is? (I understand if you don't want to mention it.)

-I am partly disabled and therefore would not be able to do the movement & house-clearing drills, and would be somewhat restricted on a few of the others. Would you recommend the training to me, or would it be a waste of time/money?


Thank you.
Andy
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 05-01-2017, 11:18 AM
max's Avatar
max max is offline
US Veteran
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: illinois
Posts: 6,294
Likes: 1,849
Liked 6,681 Times in 2,115 Posts
Default

I did not see your post asking about TDI or I would have responded in a most positive way. I took the 3 day pistol class several years ago and fired in excess of 2k rounds. It was a great experience and I agree with what you said about the staff, etc.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 05-01-2017, 04:03 PM
326MOD10 326MOD10 is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 1,276
Liked 2,245 Times in 765 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by snowman View Post
Thank you very much, sir, for that thorough review. I have a couple questions:

-May I ask what the fee is? (I understand if you don't want to mention it.)

-I am partly disabled and therefore would not be able to do the movement & house-clearing drills, and would be somewhat restricted on a few of the others. Would you recommend the training to me, or would it be a waste of time/money?


Thank you.
Andy
The fee for any of the classes offered at TDI (If I read the website correctly) is $250.00 per day. They do offer a discount if you pay cash and I mailed them a check for my tuition but people did pay the day of the class.

You have to provide your own ammo. But they do sell it there if you want to purchase it from them. I brought my own so do not know the cost.

I stayed in the Comfort Inn about 25 minutes from the facility. This is the hotel that offers a corporate rate for TDI and the total cost for 2 nights was around $180.00.

Meals are not included, although there are facilities to store lunch and heat anything up you bring. I ate my dinner meals at a diner next to the hotel I stayed in and then took a sandwich from there one day and bought a subway sandwich the other day for lunch. I ate breakfast at the hotel (not the greatest spread but included in the price) and took some fruit from there to augment my lunch. Total cost I paid for meals was around $40.00.

As far as working around any disability the staff seemed very willing to do so. There were no running and gunning tactical types in this course and if there was something you felt you could not do they did not press the issue. One person did mention they didn't feel comfortable doing the moving drills and they spent some extra time working with that person on them. They did mention they have had participants in wheelchairs take the course so I believe they would work with whatever disability presented itself.

The best way to get an answer to your specific situation would be to go to their website and drop Mr. Benner an email. He was very straightforward and would tell you what they could do to assist you with any needs you may have.

I also forgot to mention in the original review that you get to fire through clothing with your snubby if you choose. You can bring your own or they provided some older things to use. That was something I had not done before but good to do and see what the dynamics are like when you do so.

Last edited by 326MOD10; 05-01-2017 at 04:07 PM. Reason: to add.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #7  
Old 05-01-2017, 04:08 PM
snowman snowman is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Rural NW Ohio
Posts: 3,387
Likes: 5,180
Liked 2,444 Times in 1,097 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by 326MOD10 View Post
The fee for any of the classes offered at TDI (If I read the website correctly) is $250.00 per day. They do offer a discount if you pay cash and I mailed them a check for my tuition but people did pay the day of the class.

You have to provide your own ammo.

I stayed in the Comfort Inn about 25 minutes from the facility. This is the hotel that offers a corporate rate for TDI and the total cost for 2 nights was around $180.00.

Meals are not included, although there are facilities to store lunch and heat anything up you bring. I ate my dinner meals at a diner next to the hotel I stayed in and then took a sandwich from there one day and bought a subway sandwich the other day for lunch. I ate breakfast at the hotel (not the greatest spread but included in the price) and took some fruit from there to augment my lunch. Total cost I paid for meals was around $40.00.

As far as working around any disability the staff seemed very willing to do so. There were no running and gunning tactical types in this course and if there was something you felt you could not do they did not press the issue. One person did mention they didn't feel comfortable doing the moving drills and they spent some extra time working with that person on them. They did mention they have had participants in wheelchairs take the course so I believe they would work with whatever disability presented itself.

The best way to get an answer to your specific situation would be to go to their website and drop Mr. Benner an email. He was very straightforward and would tell you what they could do to assist you with any needs you may have.

I also forgot to mention in the original review that you get to fire through clothing with your snubby if you choose. You can bring your own or they provided some older things to use. That was something I had not done before but good to do and see what the dynamics are like when you do so.

Thank you, 326MOD10; very helpful information.

Regards,
Andy
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 05-01-2017, 04:55 PM
ContinentalOp's Avatar
ContinentalOp ContinentalOp is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,315
Likes: 13,115
Liked 12,802 Times in 4,228 Posts
Default

Thanks for the course review and info. Not sure I would want to run that many rounds through my 642s in such a short time, but that may just be a good excuse to get a 640.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 05-01-2017, 10:39 PM
rasmith3442's Avatar
rasmith3442 rasmith3442 is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central Ohio
Posts: 186
Likes: 68
Liked 130 Times in 47 Posts
Default Told ya so

Great write up. Very accurately describes the TDI experience.

Am going to Partner Tactics with my wife in a couple of weeks, and then HG 4-6 in the fall for my annual tune up.

Wish I could get the guys on my church security team to attend.

S/F,

RAS
__________________
A man's got to know his limita
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 05-05-2017, 09:34 AM
jeeps jeeps is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Southside
Posts: 919
Likes: 280
Liked 1,278 Times in 417 Posts
Default

Cut my teeth on snubbys back in the day.Turning bad guys into fertilizer since the depression. A lot of solid old school tatics taught at T.D.I as modern as tomorrow and timeless in being effective in the streets. The get off me Snubby and close fighting merits are still good today. Most young -ins look at pocket autos and are missing out on a real effective protection. Good to meet you 326mod10 ,god bless and have a good retirement soon!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-20-2017, 02:36 PM
ABPOS ABPOS is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: SE Wisconsin
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 3,650
Liked 2,227 Times in 945 Posts
Default

Thanks for taking the time to post this and share your experience / knowledge.

The comment about "keeping them topped off" has me intrigued. Are you saying you were doing tactical reloads? I've seen Clint Smith (I think it was) teach this. But haven't seen anyone else. Meaning you push up part way on the ejector rod and let it fall back down, with the gun facing down and the fired cases will stay up but the ones not fired will drop back down. So you pull out the fired brass and reload those cylinders.
Is this what you are talking about?

It seems like crazy complicated and I never practice this. I only practice reloading once it's empty. But I'm interested in hearing if that's what they teach.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 05-21-2017, 07:31 PM
326MOD10 326MOD10 is offline
Member
TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review TDI Ohio Snubby Revolver Course Review  
Join Date: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,349
Likes: 1,276
Liked 2,245 Times in 765 Posts
Default

Mainly the teaching centered around keeping live ammo in the handgun so you are ready. Most of the time I was ejecting spent cases and topping off with a fresh five rounds. But they did cover hitting the ejector rod and removing the spent rounds and topping off with live rounds as well.

With the amount of shooting we did this wasn't needed much but it was covered and something I did as I went through the shoot house. Once I cleared a room I would locate a safe place to top off the spent rounds before heading to the next location.

We went over it on the range as well using either speed strips for a partial reload or if you carried a 2x2x2 pouch.

Wasn't the number one technique taught but was instructed as an option if the situation presented itself.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Has Anyone Attended TDI Ohio Snubby Course 326MOD10 Concealed Carry & Self Defense 4 03-03-2017 06:52 PM
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL .38 SPL SNUBBY REVOLVER ? ? ? one eye joe Firearms & Knives: Other Brands & General Gun Topics 82 06-06-2015 06:40 PM
I think I over paid for a revolver I didn’t even want. Snubby Pre-10. crofoot629 S&W Hand Ejectors: 1896 to 1961 43 09-01-2012 12:06 AM
Review: new LGS serving NW Ohio snowman The Lounge 1 03-11-2012 12:34 AM
Video Review of S&W 642 38 Revolver carryconcealedshow Concealed Carry & Self Defense 0 01-08-2012 11:20 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:37 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)