4-Day Defensive Handgun

What were your reasons for taking this specific course?

I was going to Front Sight for the first time with a "newbie", and we wanted to be in the same class together. Also, this being my first trip to Front Sight, I was limited to either this course or the 2-Day course, as far as handgun courses are involved.

What are your general comments regarding this course?

The 4-Day Defensive Handgun Course is a very good course. I shoot at a local shooting club in the Phoenix area, and quite a few people at this club have been to Front Sight. Based upon the discussions I heard at the shooting club, the 4-Day Defensive Handgun is an excellent course that combines novices and experienced shooters.

This course was very intensive, with only a few breaks in the mid-morning or the mid-afternoon. I would have appreciated a few more 5 or 10 minute breaks before and after lunch. The instructors were very good, but they placed a lot of emphasis on accuracy as opposed to speed, which is understandable. However, the test at the end of the 4 days was a bit of an unpleasant surprise when the time element was added in. We were on a course with no turning targets, which meant that an instructor had to watch 4 or 5 students at a time to make sure he hit the designated area within the time limitations. During the test, students got very little feedback as to their progress; so if you were taking the test, you really didn't know if you should be speeding up your shooting or not. Hence, you really had no idea whatsoever how you had done until the scores were posted.

Do you have any tips for first-time students of this course?

Study the practice manual that you can buy or download before you go. Also, get in some dry practice time and become familiar with the types of malfunctions and how to clear them.

Would you suggest this course to others?

Yes, I would suggest this course to others.

How did you get there?

I live in a suburb of Phoenix; and we drove to Front Sight, which took about 4.5 hours.

Where did you stay?

I stayed at the Saddle West in Pahrump. It was suitable for what we needed.

How did you handle the ammo situation?

I transported my own weapon and ammo to Front Sight.

How did you handle the lunch situation?

We ordered the box lunches from Front Sight, and they were fine.

Do you have any dinner suggestions?

We ate at a Country Club just outside of Pahrump on a couple of occasions, and it was good.

What other classes are you planning to take in the future?

2-Day Handgun Skill Builder
2-Day Handgun Skill Builder (At Night in Summer)