Excited for first formal defensive pistol class!

CatSnipah

CatSnipah

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I'm pretty excited! I'm signed up for my first Defensive Pistol class on Nov 22 at South Carolina Gun School.

I've been wanting to take some formal training to help build my skill set beyond what I can do at home, at the range and via video/research. As a CWP holder, I've just continued to believe that this is a great way to keep your knowledge and skills up, and physical hands-on training was the one piece I was missing.

I'm looking forward to it.

Thoughts? Recommendations? Things to think about from experience?
 
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Check whatever info they send you carefully. Some schools are fussy about holsters and ammo. Take good quality but preferably not brand new leather. Make sure your basic skill set is reasonable. If possible take a spare gun. Take a lot more magazines than you think you will need. Take at least 10% more ammo than they say you will need. 25% more is not unreasonable. Have fun.
 
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robertrwalsh said:
Check whatever info they send you carefully. Some schools are fussy about holsters and ammo. Take good quality but preferably not brand new leather. Make sure your basic skill set is reasonable. If possible take a spare gun. Take a lot of magazines than you think you will need. Take at least 10% more ammo than they say you will need. 25% more is not unreasonable. Have fun.
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Good checklist. I've already talked to the class instructor about all of those items. He's pretty open, as long as we are being reasonable and safe with equipment. Class size is 8 for this one, so lots of good interaction anticipated.

Thanks!
 
I took a defensive shotgun course a while back and had a "blast"! ;)
 
Since a lot of valuable instruction is given on the firing line not necessarily to you, but to others, a very good set of electronic hearing protectors is a good investment. Good 'muffs' will give you the opportunity to hear all that is being said.

It really speeds up reloading magazines to have all your ammo needed each day out of the box and in a open top container with a handle. Heavy duty orange juice gallon jugs work well because the plastic is much thicker than most liquid jugs. I just cut away a two-hand size opening on the side away from the handle.

Know what the rules are for picking up fired brass before the shooting starts. Usually ALL the fired brass is picked up by the class at the end of the day. Not all of the class members will care to keep their share. My shooting partner and I split a little over 5k rounds the last time we went to Thunder Ranch's revolver class. ......... Big Cholla
 
Good for you. I wish more folks would get training.

I've been to 3 classes in the last 14 months; CCW, Intro to Action Pistol (1/2 day) and a full day Next Steps Defensive Pistol. I'm planning to take the NRA Personal Protection in the Home this winter.

I might suggest:

- A small spiral notebook and pen for taking notes. I use a 3"x4" one that fits in a cargo pocket.
- A Maglula speed loader, if you don't have one already. Makes mag loading much easier.
- An ammo box. I use a plastic one by Plano that was maybe $8 shipped from Amazon. I just dump all the target ammo in and fish it out by the handful.
- Ditto on electronic muffs. I use Howard Leight Impact Sports.
- Goes without saying, but good eye protection, and sensible clothing appropriate to your range.

Have fun!
 
Something To Consider:

I too have taken many defensive pistol classes but with federal agencies and large metropolitan police departments. Comprehensive SD skills must embrace each of the following elements, in order of importance, that often decides who leaves the scene under the bedsheet: Knowledge, mindset, judgment, tactics, marksmanship and firearm. I'm the person who added "knowledge" to the equation. It includes a general knowledge of firearms, the law and intelligence.

By "intelligence" I mean knowing what's going on in your neighborhood or community to include what tactics your potential adversaries are utilizing. For example, If you work in or own a liquor store and you don't know that someone has been hitting liquor stores in your area, every Thursday night around 6 PM, with a shotgun and getaway driver, well, you are at a serious disadvantage.

If your class is largely confined to shooting skills, then it's up to you to acquire the additional knowledge required to make you a formidable adversary. Good Luck!
 
Appreciate all of the feedback.

Already have e-muffs (that would sound dirty outside of this topic), plenty of ammo cans (plastic and steel), and will ask about brass if he doesn't say. He's ok with folks using steel as well...he's more interested in folks maximizing their shooting for each training lesson.

I use my prescription safety glasses during each range trip if I don't wear my contacts and safety glasses, so I'm covered there, too.

I'm glad to hear the experiences and items here. Making sure I have myself covered!
 
One last hint from me; DON'T get dehydrated! Your accuracy will go to pot. Also, in that vein, don't over do the morning coffee and absolutely none of those 'power' drinks. Never miss the chance to take a pee. The fewer physical needs working on you the better you will learn and perform. ......... Big Cholla
 
Use the same sidearm that you will carry, use a sturdy belt, have your cleaning and emergency repair kit with a good squib rod at the ready (others will often times have a back up gun of the exact same gun so as not to spend time repairing).

Proper attire for the given weather...as already mentioned as many magazines/speedloaders as you have for your gun....(I do as I carry...one in the gun and carry two) which usually means that I bring 5-6 magazines/speedloaders already loaded to capacity and a quality carry pouch.

Anytime there is a bit of down time I then top off the depleted magazines/speedloaders so that they are ready when called upon.

I like to use a cover garment just like when I am carrying as well. A good quality range bag to carry all of this STUFF in is also very useful!

Just a few thoughts.......others have already mentioned having more ammo than required....this is not the place to break in a new holster either.

I like to have a small first aid kit with several types of band aids....yes, sometimes things happen to us on the range...ie. splash back from steel target, slide cuts from using out dated grips, loading magazines in very cold weather where thumbs and fingers get sliced and not even know it....

I am sure there will others with a good roster of tips as well.

Did I mention ....be safe, have fun?? Take what you will learn and use it again within 3-4 days afterwards and repeat it weekly if possible.

I have seen many student go into information overload....don't stress out over that. If you can take 2-3 things away from the class you have done very well!!!

Randy
 
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Lots of good advice here.One more thing if you can bring a spare firearm and ammo for it and carry gear.Mr Murphy always shows up and you don't want to miss out on training if something goes wrong with your weapon.Listen to your instructor be safe and enjoy your class.
 
I hope you get everything you're hoping for and more. Physical aliments pretty much eliminate my attending courses. I have adopted a "stand and fight" mentality. Thank heavens for SYG laws.
 
Good for you wanting to improve your skill! :)

I've been to a few. (Try to go once a year.)

Completely agree with growr's post, I've seen most people shoot the class with full size guns OCed then slip a pocket pistol in their pocket hen they leave. You need to train with your carry gear not that training with a full size pistol is bad it just maximizes the training if you use your carry gear how you carry it everyday.
 
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