Training Courses Inquiry on Group versus Private Carbine training costs

[rob_dixon72]

New shooter to the AR platform. I have 2 local "group" carbine courses that cover basics, safety, take down, and zeroing the optics (THIS is the part I need the most as I have zero clue how to do this.)

- Group classes are competitive both $70-90 for a 4 hour sessions. $ Seems extremely reasonable.
- The private 1:1: session is ~$250 for 3 hours PLUS range fees and ammo. $$$$$ (Basically $300-$350 when all is said and done.

OBVIOUSLY I would get more out of a private class, but crikey its damn more expensive! Given your experience with these, is
1) that reasonable cost for private 3 hour lesson? Keep in mind, I really mainly need how to zero optics in. (I learned cleaning and take down from youtube)
2) Is the MONEY SAVED if I went to a group class, better used for ammo and practice out in the field? I mean that is nearly 1000 rounds downrange.

Much appreciated, now its fun time.

 

[opeagle]

That’s not expensive for a private lesson, if that’s your question. You will likely learn more and if you have a good instructor they will set the class partially for your desires.

 

[M8541Reaper]

For any sort of a private 1:1 course, you are definitely looking at a few hundred for a one day course. I stopped running courses a few years ago due to work (so this is not me offering or soliciting) but if I were to do a private 1:1 course, I'd be willing to work with the individual on pricing. For a 1:1 one day private course, definitely expect to spend a minimum of $200-300 + range fees/ammo, if you are local to the instructor. If it is multiple days and 1:1, then probably $300-500. A good private instructor would work the course around your schedule, at a location convenient to you, and you'd be getting 100% of his attention at all times, so I think that would be worth the increased price over a standard group course/rate.

There is a delicate balance between allotting funds for training and ammo/range time. You can skimp on training and spend more on ammo, but at what point are you engraining bad habits and not honing your skills by not having the fundamentals down? If you invest in nothing but training courses, then you reduce your funds for ammo/range time. Best recommendation is to look at your time & financial budget for the year/quarter/month and see what you're willing and able to allot.

What kind of optics are you running that you are unsure about?

 

[rob_dixon72]

Since this post i decided to do the 1:1 training. I am running a 3-15x vortex PST Gen 2 optic. I need to learn how to zero it.

 

[M8541Reaper]

Smart move man. Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[Zeroit]

You might let everyone know what area you are in somebody might know some recommendations

 

[Sig Marine]

While 1 on 1 has its benefits, I think most new shooters get enough information from a small group class to get started, provided the instructor is capable and knows how to teach good fundamentals. The problem is this: information overload. Starting out you can be overwhelmed with information and thus what you retain is just a small portion of what was taught. Learning in a group setting will give you enough information at an affordable price that you can get started and have money to spend time on the range to work on your fundamentals. After you've been shooting for a while, then taking a 1 on 1 class will give you more value for the increased class cost because you can ask for specifics that address your shooting needs and goals that you want to have instruction on.

Just my opinion...