Training Courses Frontsight

[_Windrider_]

Anyone taken any classes at Frontsight? I got a slamming deal on a lifetime membership, just wondering if the training is quality, mediocre or falls under the category of please god not another guy pretending to be a tactical professional who really belongs bagging groceries at VONS.

 

[Tucsondave]

Re: Frontsight

Interested to hear as well.

 

[turbo54]

Re: Frontsight

No firsthand knowledge, but a couple guys I work with went to a class or two (pistol stuff) and said they came away with improved skill.

They said it wouldn't have been worth the full MSRP, but for the magic discount rate they paid, it was worth it and fun.

 

[_Windrider_]

Re: Frontsight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: turbo54</div><div class="ubbcode-body">No firsthand knowledge, but a couple guys I work with went to a class or two (pistol stuff) and said they came away with improved skill.

They said it wouldn't have been worth the full MSRP, but for the magic discount rate they paid, it was worth it and fun. </div></div>

Well, i figured for 300 bucks (and I got some SHOT show passes) i had nothing to lose. Ill keep the post alive when I finally get a chance to go.

 

[Gunfighting Inc]

Re: Frontsight

I've taken several courses there and was on staff for a time. The product they put out is very consistent and they are good at what they do. You will get your money worth, but realize the depth of what they offer is shallow and limited, because their focus is on static, marksmanship focused skill sets. I now teach for Suarez International. Our curriculum begins where Front Sight leaves off with dynamic, fight proven, full spectrum skill sets and tactics.

Go and learn what you can and use it as a foundation for further study and growth.

 

[_Windrider_]

Re: Frontsight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Reinman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've taken several courses there and was on staff for a time. The product they put out is very consistent and they are good at what they do. You will get your money worth, but realize the depth of what they offer is shallow and limited, because their focus is on static, marksmanship focused skill sets. I now teach for Suarez International. Our curriculum begins where Front Sight leaves off with dynamic, fight proven, full spectrum skill sets and tactics.

Go and learn what you can and use it as a foundation for further study and growth. </div></div>

Thanks for that. Kind what I expected. I train in various places but like I said, for 300 bucks for the rest of my life I have a place where I can go work on the most basic of basics sounds like a win. and worst case, if it isnt that great, I dont go back.

Thanks for your input.

 

[bouvie]

Re: Frontsight

I'm also a lifetime member and have been there twice, both times taking the Four Day Defensive Handgun course. Why two times in the same course? Because I couldn't come close to passing the final shooting exam the first time around. Both times I had a blast and learned a lot. The staff is extremely professional and there is no deviation from the course curriculum by any of the instructors at any time. There are several classroom lectures given over the first two days involving shooting scenarios and the moral and legal ramifications of shooting and possibly killing another person in self defense.

There were approximately 400 people in both of the classes that I attended. You are then broken down into smaller groups of about 34 and sent to individual ranges. All instruction is done from the holster and over the final two days most of it is under decreasing time constraints at varying distances.

On the afternoon of the final day when the desert heat has really taken its toll, they give the final practical exam. And it's harder than you might think. You can graduate at one of three levels: Certificate, Graduate and Distinguished. Of the 34 in my group, four graduated Distinguished; myself, a police firearms instructor from Alberta, an Arizona deputy sheriff and another civilian.

Here's the catch; you can't take any of Fronsights more advanced pistol courses until you graduate distinguished. There was a guy next to me who was there for his third try. He had a nice Kimber Gold Match and was shooting really well for the first three days and then fell apart on the fourth. I felt really sorry for him. A good friend of mine has been there twice and couldn't come close to shooting Distinguished. Needless to say, he's pissed.

If you're an experienced IDPA shooter it won't be that difficult, but for the average person you can learn a lot.

FYI, I'm planning to return next year for the Advanced Tactical Handgun course.

 

[sapper12b]

Re: Frontsight

I have taken both rifle and pistol. Like Bouvie said that you have to graduate distinguished to move onto more advance classes.They want to make sure you have the basic fundamentals down. The biggest problem I have is the malfunction drill, I just get a head of myself. It's worth the money.

 

[_Windrider_]

Re: Frontsight

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bouvie</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I'm also a lifetime member and have been there twice, both times taking the Four Day Defensive Handgun course. Why two times in the same course? Because I couldn't come close to passing the final shooting exam the first time around. Both times I had a blast and learned a lot. The staff is extremely professional and there is no deviation from the course curriculum by any of the instructors at any time. There are several classroom lectures given over the first two days involving shooting scenarios and the moral and legal ramifications of shooting and possibly killing another person in self defense.

There were approximately 400 people in both of the classes that I attended. You are then broken down into smaller groups of about 34 and sent to individual ranges. All instruction is done from the holster and over the final two days most of it is under decreasing time constraints at varying distances.

On the afternoon of the final day when the desert heat has really taken its toll, they give the final practical exam. And it's harder than you might think. You can graduate at one of three levels: Certificate, Graduate and Distinguished. Of the 34 in my group, four graduated Distinguished; myself, a police firearms instructor from Alberta, an Arizona deputy sheriff and another civilian.

Here's the catch; you can't take any of Fronsights more advanced pistol courses until you graduate distinguished. There was a guy next to me who was there for his third try. He had a nice Kimber Gold Match and was shooting really well for the first three days and then fell apart on the fourth. I felt really sorry for him. A good friend of mine has been there twice and couldn't come close to shooting Distinguished. Needless to say, he's pissed.

If you're an experienced IDPA shooter it won't be that difficult, but for the average person you can learn a lot.

FYI, I'm planning to return next year for the Advanced Tactical Handgun course. </div></div>

Good stuff. Thanks. I got the membership cause the deal was good. really had no idea what to expect. thanks for the detail.

 

[bouvie]

Re: Frontsight

You're welcome, TD. One tip; doing well on the test is all about speed and accuracy, it's not a bullseye contest. In other words, you don't have all day to get your shots off. Fast counts. Practice your draw and think about your pistol choice.

My first time out I had my nice Kimber .45 and thought it was gonna be the cat's meow. When I first got there, I noticed that the majority of the instructors wear carrying Glocks (and all of them locked and loaded at all times). Hmm. That was my first clue.

Think about it. A fully loaded 1911 tips the scales at about 48 oz while a loaded Glock 17 (depending on the magazine) comes in at about 32 oz. That's a pound, which is huge coming out of the holster.

So, when I went back the second time, I left the Kimber at home and took two identical Glock 17s: Zev race connectors, full blown trigger jobs, Jager lightened strikers, Barsto fitted barrels and Sevigny competition sights. And I was bringing them out of a Bladetech Black Ice DOH holster. All in all, a much faster setup.

 

[_Windrider_]

Re: Frontsight

Initially I'll be using an HK USP .40 or my SIG 226 in .357 SIG.

 

[bouvie]

Re: Frontsight

I have shot both and they are excellent choices, without a doubt. Having said that, I'm still a Glock guy. They weigh less and I'm not into the DA/SA triggers; the Glock trigger is always the same (except when riding the reset, which I do). Some people will say that you can buy two Glocks for the price of one HK, but my Glocks cost MORE than an HK by the time I get done modifying them, so cost is a wash. Get a fast holster and practice your draw.

 

[codyb]

Re: Frontsight

Being local I purchased one of the lifetime memberships figuring if it was not up to snuff I wouldn't be out too much. I took the pratical rifle course first and was pleasantly supprised.

I thing Reinman hit the nail on the head with his assesment. My class seemed well organized and the instructors were very professional, but personable. It kept moving forward at a pace as good as could be expected with all the different backgrounds and personalities involved. Though the depth off the material is shallow the time constraints ment that you needed to be familiar with your equipment and proficient to graduate at the highest level.

I have a background of 10 + years of competitive 3gun and long range rifle. I didn't feel the times were unreasonable, but I can see how people could get stuck repeating the same class. Then become frustrated thinking they want more when they really need to focus on their basics.

I have yet to go back for their "advanced classes" , but will update when I do for those interested.

 

[Mendy300wm]

Re: Frontsight

Just let one of the guys I work with take my LMT down for a 4 day rifle class.... They made him use a different lower cause the timney trigger in mine was set a 3 pounds, they said only 4 pounds and up.... Better check to see if the weapon you're bringing down meets class requirements, I looked my 1911 that I carry wouldn't be allowed ether

 

[Hookturnr]

Re: Frontsight

I took the better half out for the 4 day handgun course last spring. I didn't have any trouble shooting through at the graduate level and missed the distinguished by a couple points on time. I didn't really learn anything new to me but she improved 100% over the 4 days! Seems I don't speak english but when our instructors told her the same things I had been she actually listened to them! Funny how that works....... All in all, I'll happily take her back as it is still fun to go shoot for 4 days and they do teach the fundamentals very well. Now she wants to take the shotgun course too...might be fun!

 

[hognuts]

Re: Frontsight

I am also a member, have been out to a few handgun and rifle courses, instructors were very professional, picked up alot of good pointers in both rifle and handgun classes. The constant sales pitches to upgrade your membership etc...gets really fucking old really quick! But I really was impressed with the training and I will continue to get out there for a course when I have time, it helps to get me back on point especially with the handgun. Good luck.