4-Day Defensive Handgun

What were your reasons for taking this specific course?

Earlier in the year, I had taken a Texas concealed handgun course and passed.
After taking this course, I realized that I was woefully ill-prepared should I ever have to use my weapon for self-defense. The course that I took in Texas taught me the legalities of carrying a handgun, such as where I should and should not be carrying a handgun. However, when it came to the range portion of the class, it was pretty much, "bang, bang, bang", "you passed", with very little emphasis on proper presentation, technique and accuracy. It was upon the advice of my brother, a Front Sight member, that I chose to go to Front Sight to 4-Day Defensive Handgun Course.

What are your general comments regarding this course?

As far as personal skill level, I gave myself about a "3" (on a scale of 1 to 10) before I took the course. At the end of the 4-Day course, I was able to pass the skills test, but I am going to take this class again with my brother and a number of friends in a few months. After that, I plan on going back before the summer to take the 2-day Skill- builder, and I plan on going back in the fall, also.

It was also for religious/ethical reasons that I wanted personal assurance that I would be able to quickly determine the appropriate response to potential threats to my family and myself. The carrying of a lethal weapon is a great responsibility,and I do not take the proper response to these life and death situations lightly. After taking this course, I feel more qualified to make these quick life and death decisions. My skill level has increase greatly, and I would now rate myself at about an "8".

Overall, I thought it was an excellent course with excellent instructors. The only thing that I can think of in the area of improvement is to place a hotel and a restaurant right there at Front Sight, eliminating much of the travel time back and forth.

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

Get some practice time in with your weapon before you go, because you will be doing a lot of shooting over the 4 days. Being familiar with your weapon is important, so that you don't pinch yourself or hurt your hand in any way, hindering your performance over the 4 days.

Make sure you are dressed properly for the weather, layering if possible. Don't stress about buying a weapon if you don't have one. You can rent one there, and it is a relatively straightforward process.

Further, take your vitamins and eat your Wheaties, as they say. You will need your energy and stamina. It is a very active 4 days.

Would you suggest this course to others?

Yes, I would suggest this course to others.

How did you get there?

I flew from Texas and transported my own weapon along with some of my required ammo. I verified online and via the airline as to the proper procedures for transporting my weapon and ammunition prior to my trip. I flew on American Airlines and had no trouble whatsoever transporting my weapon or ammo.

Where did you stay?

I stayed at the MGM in Vegas. The drives to and from Front Sight took about 40 minutes each way. I didn't mind the drives back and forth each day, and they presented an excellent opportunity to discuss the class and topics related to the class with my brother, who has much more experience than I do.

How did you handle the ammo situation?

I took 200 rounds of ammunition with me on the airline, and shipped another 500 rounds of ammo to the MGM.

How did you handle the lunch situation?

I brought box lunches.

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

4-Day Defensive Handgun
2-Day Handgun Skill Builder
2 or 4-Day Shotgun & Rifle Classes