Pistol Instruction Phoenix AZ area

[Mike Belkin]

Looking for recommendations on training classes or instruction in the Phoenix area.

I'm a new shooter. Did a 90 min. one-on-one lesson at Scottsdale gun-club and also took their 4hr CCW class. Interested in self-defense. What should I do next?

Thanks for your thoughts,
Mike

[Cecil Burch]

Looking for recommendations on training classes or instruction in the Phoenix area.

I'm a new shooter. Did a 90 min. one-on-one lesson at Scottsdale gun-club and also took their 4hr CCW class. Interested in self-defense. What should I do next?

Thanks for your thoughts,
Mike


Sign up for classes with Glen Stilson at Independence Training http://www.independencetraining.com/

Glen is an excellent shooter, but even more importantly, he is even better as an instructor/teacher. He has a great grasp on the realities of defensive firearms use, especially for the private citizen. You won't get the latest cool guy chick dig it stuff in his courses. You WILL get solid, functional info and guidance.

His one day Defensive Pistol 1 class is a terrific bridge from a CCW class to full on courses with the top guys like Tom Givens. And one of the cool things Glen does is offer alumni the chance to retake a course at half price. This way they can get in some extra work, or do it with a different firearm, or I have even seen a guy come back and take the Defensive Pistol class left handed. As a matter of fact, I may be talking advantage of that offer and redo the pistol class this coming Sunday.

And Glen is my co-host when I bring Craig to town. He himself is a dedicated student and is always looking to get better. I can't recommend him enough.

[David S.]

Totally agree.

[JAD]

For those who have been recently, how is 250 these days?

[David S.]

I also see the following training opportunities coming up around your state.

Tom Givens of Rangemaster (http://rangemaster.com/) is teaching Combative Pistol in Tucson in June (http://www.eventbrite.com/e/combative-pistol-course-tickets-19197231436). This is an excellent class for anyone, especially a relatively new shooter.

Massad Ayoob will be teaching MAG-20 (http://massadayoobgroup.com/schedule/) in Tucson in March. Also very good from what I understand, especially concerning the legal matters surrounding a defensive gun use.

I also see that Ken Hackathorn (http://aliastraining.com/kenhackathorn2-daytacticalhandgun-april23-242016-prescottarizona.aspx) is in Prescott in April. One of the great instructors of our time that's nearing retirement.

[BK14]

Here's another vote for Mr. Stilson. I took two courses from him a year or two ago and had a great experience. There were some things he suggested to me to improve my shooting that at the time I kind of just ignored, but in the past 6 months have started to really click. His instruction like Mr. Burch said isn't fluff, he knows his stuff, and the things he teaches will give you the skills you need to start improving.

I just got the opportunity to jump into the class with Craig Douglas that he is hosting in two weeks. When I saw that independence was hosting, it was an even bigger no brainier. Good guy, good classes, good prices. What's not to like?

[Default.mp3]

For those who have been recently, how is 250 these days?How relevant is Gunsite these days? I feel like I haven't heard of anyone really going there since I've started training.

[David S.]

How relevant is Gunsite these days? I feel like I haven't heard of anyone really going there since I've started training.

I think GJM has been to Gunsite fairly recently and commented about it here in the past. IIRC, he said it's generally a good program in spite of it's continued promotion of weaver stance. I seem to recall reading that they aren't as rigid as they used to be on that point.

[jetfire]

How relevant is Gunsite these days? I feel like I haven't heard of anyone really going there since I've started training.

While they still teach Weaver, I really do feel that few places do a better job with teaching mindset than Gunsite. The big advantage to the 250 is that you're there for a week and you're immersed in self-defense teaching and thought the entire time. You can always learn to shoot better; however it's also worth noting that for most people Weaver will get the job done just fine.

[David S.]

Although I haven't taken the course, I agree.

[Mike Belkin]

Thanks for the recommendations! I will look into Glen Stilson's stuff. Craig Douglas and Tom Givens have been on my radar, too. Nice to know there are local folks with the similar ideologies, like Cecil and Glen.

I saw that Gunsite has a local 2-day defensive pistol in Tempe, also.
http://www.gunsite.com/classes/phoenix-2-day-defensive-pistol/

[JAD]

It's been a long time, but for me the very immersive nature of 250 was important to me, from a mindset development standpoint.

[1911Nut]

Another vote for Gunsite. Don't fret over them teaching the Weaver or modified Weaver. They are flexible and want you to learn how to take care of yourself with a personal weapon. It is the best training around for the fundamental building blocks to build further training upon.

[NCmtnman]

Don't forget that Mike Pannone routinely runs classes in that area as well. Phoenix is a good location for training.