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4-Day Defensive Handgun

Front Sight Course Review

Janet S. 

Editor's Note: This is a review for the 4 Day Defensive Handgun Course class offered at Front Sight.
  • 4 Day Defensive Handgun

  • Student: Janet S. 
  • Occupation:
    Art Dealer
    FFL Dealer
    Personalized Sign Manufacturer
    Web Designer
  • Weapon: Springfield XD 9mm
  • Rounds Fired: 600 rounds
  • Number Course Taken: 1st time
  • Student Rating: 9/10
  • Course: Front Sight
What were your reasons for taking this specific course?

This was my first time at Front Sight, but I am already planning to attend two more courses in 2014.

What were you reasons taking this Course?
  • I wanted to learn proper techniques for handling my firearm. I have handled a firearm before, but have never had any formal training.
  • I get a lot of men on the range all telling me what to do, but I have always preferred getting proper training when starting any new sport so that my muscle memory is properly trained. Front Sight hit the nail on the head with this!
  • Finally … my husband kept bugging me to go. After he said he was going with or without me – I was on board!
General Thoughts on the course?

I took the 4-Day Defensive Handgun Training in Oct 2013. I loved it – I have already booked another flight to Vegas for Jan 2014 (all the way from South Carolina!) The staff was professional, well trained, courteous and helpful in every matter possible. The class was very well scheduled. I felt the entire time was well spent – not a lot of down time with unnecessary stories or jokes. Throughout the entire course, all instructions were precise and clear, easy to understand and follow. Staff was always right there to assist with corrections, problems and very encouraging! I rated it a 9 because of the last 2 day's usage of porta-potties (I'm a country club girl – it's just NOT how I roll…) but otherwise – awesome!!

Did you go through the shoot house? What were your thoughts about it?

YES!  Fun Fun Fun.    There was a bit of a wait and down time here – I am not sure how this could be addressed, but that was about the only down time we experienced.  I would have liked to go thru twice, but the instructor advised me that best feedback is given on 1st run thru – which makes sense.

I have to return in Jan to do it again!  This time, I will shoot everyone like my husband! hahahaha

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

Enjoy the experience and have fun. Even though it's serious (as it should be), I also had FUN! For 1st time students – BUY the highest membership you can afford because you WILL use the courses!

How would you improve this course?

I think the layout of information is right on topic.  However, I would have liked an hour of practice before the test on Day 4.  It is very difficult to concentrate for 8 hours, 4 days straight.  I believe that MORE students would graduate Distinguished if test were earlier.

The remaining part of Day 4 can be a series of fun, competitive challenges utilizing all the skills we have learned.  Perhaps have more one on one, speed, shooting 4 targets (that was fun!) and things like this after lunch and closing ceremonies.

The Pro Shop merchandising is very weak.  As a female – and a merchandise marketing background, there are MANY improvement areas available here.  But that’s NOT about the course – just a general statement to pass along!

Would you suggest this course to others?

ABSOLUTELY and already have mentioned to MANY of my friends and family!  I wish it were closer to east coast – like in North or South Carolina!!

How did you get there?

Is this a trick question?  Planes and automobiles – no trains!

Where did you stay?

We stayed in the cottages at Wine Ridge.  We enjoyed being able to have our normal breakfasts in the morning and also having homemade hot fudge sundaes after hard days at school.  Having a refrigerator allowed us to grocery shop on beginning of our trip and bring our lunches and drinks to Front Sight.

How did you handle the lunch situation?

We brought our own – we’re picky eaters!!  PB&J on Croissant – Yummy!  I needed some milk with it though!

Do you have any dinner suggestions?

Two of the nights, we had dinner at Symphony’s 2 of the nights – excellent food but a little pricy… or maybe that was all the wine we drank!  Oops…

What other courses do you plan on taking in the future?

4 day rifle
4 day defensive handgun again (missed Distinguished Graduate by 2 points)