I am attending the EAG Pistol 2 class on March 17-18. This will be my first class (probably the only class this year) and I wanted to get the most out of it. I will probably be using my G17 and G26 (I carry this most) with a serpa holster. I have a few questions.
For the low light training, I may also bring my blackwater universal pistol holster (made of nylon and velcro and I’m not in love with it) so I can do the low light training with a TLR1 attached. The other option is to stick with the serpa and just learn how to operate in low light with a handheld light. I do not normally carry with any lights, but when at home the G17 wears a TLR1s. What would you guys recommend?
Any other tips? I’ve got the eyepro, hearpro, mag holders, ammo, hat, and sunblock covered.
Maybe just a liiiittle harsh on a guy looking for advice?
NCPatrol has a good point. If you want to “get the most out of it”, I would suggest going to a level 1 pistol class if you have never received any professional instruction in the past. Leap-frogging the fundamentals is a recipe for absolute failure. I thought I new plenty until I took my first level 1 pistol class years ago. It was an absolute revelation.
I am the host for this class. As long as you arrive with a good attitude and willingness to learn you will do fine. Pat has the ability to deal with problems as they arrive be it mechanical or gear related. Attitude is the biggest thing…Being your first class listen take what you can from it.
Any questions feel free to ask and I’ll be happy to help how ever I can.
Sorry, I was posting from my blackberry and I was trying to keep things short. I have taken classes locally. Basic pistol and CCW class. I believe that was the prerequisite before taking a level 2 class. I don’t mentally consider my basic pistol training a class because it was done on at an indoor range and not taught by a well known instructor. We did cover the basics: sight alignment, sight picture, shooting stances/positions, drawing from a holster, and malfunction clearance (probably more that I’m not listing). I used to shoot 200+ rounds per week (far less now due to family and work) to practice trigger control and accuracy, but I know I need a good instructor to get me squared away.
Pardon me for asking for the advice of the guys on the forum. Doesn’t M4C exist to provide accurate information for its members? I am a full-time eye doctor, not a professional gunfighter or subject matter expert on guns. I know my equipment/gear blows as I am in the process of rectifying that. I’ve only been shooting for 18 months, give me a fucking break. I bought the serpa and blackwater holsters early on because it was what was available at the local stores. Tucson sucks when it comes to finding shops that carry gear used by “high-speed” people. I will be buying a RCS Phantom in the future. All the shops I called never even heard of it.
I don’t know why you have “Subject Matter Expert” under your name if you’re going to be acting bitchy when someone asks a question. IMO it should be “aXXclown”. With all due respect, kindly shut up if you are going to be a pompous ass.
Thanks Nick, I’ll follow your advice and perhaps re-take pistol 1 with a reputable instructor one day
Not trying to dogpile but I think what Dano was getting at was that if you are asking such basic questions regarding gear etc…you may not be ready for a level two class.
I know the tendency is to take a local class and go to the range and blast away and think “hey I got this shit down, I want to take an advanced level course”, when the reality is that most novice shooters do not have the time behind the gun to justify taking that level of a class. You can never practice the fundamentals enough…never! That’s why the best combat and competition shooters in the world spend time everyday simply dry firing!
Why not take a level 1 course from a recognized instructor first and then move on to a level two? Hell why not take a couple of level 1 courses from different recognized instructors and then move on to a level 2+? I can promise you it would be well worth the time and investment vice jumping in over your head in a course you are not ready for.
I can say this from experience…there is nothing more frustrating than paying hard earned money for a class only to have the majority of the instructors time and attention focused on “that guy”.
No sweat; I was just trying to clarify things. While I’m sure Chris will give you the info you need; I would suggest using the holster (as long as it meets class requirements) you are most likely to use in an actual gun fight.
I just asked for advice on HOLSTERS. I didn’t know everyone was going to tell me not to go to a class because they felt I was unprepared:rolleyes:. Let me recap. There are not many reputable instructors here in Tucson. Phoenix is over 90 minutes away. I am not able to travel for classes due to financial and familial obligations. I am trying to make sure that I am as prepared (skills-wise) for this class as possible. If a reputable instructor makes his way near here and I can clear my work schedule to attend, then I will. The class is already paid for so I’m not going to forfeit my money.
Many of our SME’s and Industry Professionals are from elite LE and Military units with a distinguished knowledge in one, or many, key areas relating to weapons, weapon systems, tactics instruction/hands-on training and in many cases tip of the spear fighting knowledge. They typically also possess a very small threshold for questions that are easily vetted with a rudimentary web search.
Now with that out of the way, a thicker skin is expected on a mostly male firearms and tactics/training related website. I hope you can toughen up before you meet Pat in his Level II pistol pr carbine course. If not, you’ll be in for an even more rude awakening. Pat is a Marine from the Vietnam era and a former NYC cop, he’s going to be even more direct than Dano was…
I would revisit with Chris that EAG specifically believes your previous training is a satisfactory foundation to take their level II class. Just to be all clear.
Roger that. I would suggest against the SERPA from my personal opinion of its weaknesses.
Sidearmor or Bladetech can probably rush order one to you if you call and MAKE SURE it’s in stock and will ship to you in time. They are 100% better options and you can get one that allows you to keep the TLR1 attached. Pat will probably cover both pistol attached and handheld methods, so bring both lights and lots of spare batteries.
You know, it is my fault for asking. I know through reading extensively on this site that the serpa was marginal at best. I just have not had the time to get my shit straight regarding buying holsters and was trying to get advice on which of my crappy holsters would be more up to the job. Maybe I deserved it… if so, I apologize to you Dano.
I have been chewed out most unceremoniously before by some very mean SOB attending doctors. I worked with a lot of former marines and army at the southwest blind rehab center and I’m familiar with their spirit. I have no problem with being verbally dressed down by an instructor, but a complete stranger with whom I have no affiliation…took me a little by surprise. Thank you for the reminder though, it will prepare me for the probable verbal onslaught I’ll receive.
I have PM’d ChrisL and he has assured me that it will be fine.
Thank you for the suggestion. I will contact Bladetech Monday morning to see about a rush order. Do you have any experience with the RCS Phantom that JW777 recommends so highly?
Only wearing someone else’s belt with one on it, and a few simulated draws. I liked it, and have one on order for the Hk45 w/ X300. 40 days quoted to produce, so no chance you would get one before the class unless you find one used, jump on it and they FedEx it to you.
As I stated in the PM I sent, the Serpa isn’t the best but it will do (until it breaks or your pistol becomes stuck). I would recommend a new holster ASAP once the course with Pat is over. Also as mentioned here, BladeTech, Raven Concealment or a nice custom leather holster from someone like Josh Bulman would probably suit you much better.
I noticed in your last post that you said you watched videos (on top of the other courses you mentioned). Just remember videos do not provide feed back, which most of the time will be in the form of a smart ass remark. Don’t take it person and move on and learn from that experience.
The fact that you are seeking outside training says alot. Now take what you learn and apply it. Just remember that thick skin at training courses is a must!
Thank you Chris. I am going to try to get the holster issue corrected before I get to the class. I recognize that it is a training course and not a feel good gathering. I also know that videos are no substitute for good training and am 100% open to learning from Pat.
I found a place in Tucson that carries Bladetech holsters, but they are open after I start my schedule and closed by the time I get out of my office. In the event I can’t find it online and can’t sneak out during the day to purchase it are there any holsters from Safariland or Comp-Tac that you would recommend (another place carries these)?