I got the opportunity to attend the Defensive Pistol I class at Semper Fi Gun Training in Alto (https://semperfiguntraining.com/) last week . I'd previously rented their range a couple times and they also hosted a rifle forum shoot we put together last fall, but this was my first chance to attend an instruction course.
I'll start by saying that I've had the benefit of some training in the past, but this course provided a much needed emphasis on fundamentals of grip, draw, sight picture, accuracy, stance, malfunction clearance, and reloading. I'm probably like a lot of people who have had bits of informal training here and there, which lead to an amalgam of techniques that did not always produce the desired result of quick hits on target. My first exposure to pistol shooting as a kid involved the "teacup" Weaver. I switched to Iso when I began shooting again as an adult as that was the common method of the day, at least in my circles. When transitioning into a fighting stance as is necessary for the type situations I feel it best to train for in my circumstance, e.i. personal/family protection, I found myself Weaver on bottom, Iso on top. That lead to less that accurate fire, especially at the longer distances as is captured so beautifully in my "Dueling Tree of Doom" video on YT.
I went into this class determined to, as much as possible, do it Semper Fi's way. They teach Modified Weaver, which I admit, was a struggle for me at first. It was a challenge to avoid charging both shoulders toward the target. After a little practice, it became much more natural and reminiscent of my beginnings. I am pleased with the results as I am much more confident in my ability to place good hits quickly, even at the longer of likely self defense scenario ranges. I'll continue the practice and I hope to be able to take the advanced courses as well.
I attended the second day of the class with the other two shooters who were pretty green in their pistol craft. I mention that because I was very impressed with the way they were able progress during the class. They went from "where do the bullets go?" to being able to safely and relatively quickly put good rounds on target from the holster in those two days. I think they also left with a good deal of confidence in their abilities and the benefits of practice as well. In my opinion, these new potential CCW's were also well served by Semper Fi's emphasis on knowing the condition of the gun through press check and mag inspection.
The bottom line is this. IMHO, if you haven't had specific training in the fundamentals of defensive pistol, you probably need it. If you are or have friends or loved ones who are new shooters, you definitely need it. There are lots of different ways to learn to shoot. You can go through a few thousand rounds of ammo at the range, be confounded as to why you aren't hitting, and then seek training. You can pick up bits and pieces here and there, only to have to unlearn them as they probably won't work together as a system. I think the best way would be to seek out quality instruction, get the immediate feedback, make the needed correction and know how to spend your practice time. If you are in or near the N GA area, you can get that from the guys at Semper Fi Gun Training in a safe environment and atmosphere that is conducive to learning. No yelling, no bravado, no intimidation, and with all techniques instructor-demonstrated and proven. On top of that, they are very nice guys and 2A advocates to the core!
I'll start by saying that I've had the benefit of some training in the past, but this course provided a much needed emphasis on fundamentals of grip, draw, sight picture, accuracy, stance, malfunction clearance, and reloading. I'm probably like a lot of people who have had bits of informal training here and there, which lead to an amalgam of techniques that did not always produce the desired result of quick hits on target. My first exposure to pistol shooting as a kid involved the "teacup" Weaver. I switched to Iso when I began shooting again as an adult as that was the common method of the day, at least in my circles. When transitioning into a fighting stance as is necessary for the type situations I feel it best to train for in my circumstance, e.i. personal/family protection, I found myself Weaver on bottom, Iso on top. That lead to less that accurate fire, especially at the longer distances as is captured so beautifully in my "Dueling Tree of Doom" video on YT.
I went into this class determined to, as much as possible, do it Semper Fi's way. They teach Modified Weaver, which I admit, was a struggle for me at first. It was a challenge to avoid charging both shoulders toward the target. After a little practice, it became much more natural and reminiscent of my beginnings. I am pleased with the results as I am much more confident in my ability to place good hits quickly, even at the longer of likely self defense scenario ranges. I'll continue the practice and I hope to be able to take the advanced courses as well.
I attended the second day of the class with the other two shooters who were pretty green in their pistol craft. I mention that because I was very impressed with the way they were able progress during the class. They went from "where do the bullets go?" to being able to safely and relatively quickly put good rounds on target from the holster in those two days. I think they also left with a good deal of confidence in their abilities and the benefits of practice as well. In my opinion, these new potential CCW's were also well served by Semper Fi's emphasis on knowing the condition of the gun through press check and mag inspection.
The bottom line is this. IMHO, if you haven't had specific training in the fundamentals of defensive pistol, you probably need it. If you are or have friends or loved ones who are new shooters, you definitely need it. There are lots of different ways to learn to shoot. You can go through a few thousand rounds of ammo at the range, be confounded as to why you aren't hitting, and then seek training. You can pick up bits and pieces here and there, only to have to unlearn them as they probably won't work together as a system. I think the best way would be to seek out quality instruction, get the immediate feedback, make the needed correction and know how to spend your practice time. If you are in or near the N GA area, you can get that from the guys at Semper Fi Gun Training in a safe environment and atmosphere that is conducive to learning. No yelling, no bravado, no intimidation, and with all techniques instructor-demonstrated and proven. On top of that, they are very nice guys and 2A advocates to the core!
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