Was going to go to Tucson in Nov. for Magpul Dynamics carbine course but it is booked (as are every other class).
I live near Tampa and even thought I THINK I know a lot, I realize that I need to start at the basics and work up for carbine training.
Any suggestions for where to go for a basic (2-3 day) Carbine class within 4-6 hour drive of Tampa?
I have no clue about the layout of FL, but if your near enough to Lakeland Randy Cain does quite a few courses there
http://www.randycain.com/schedule.htm
Ive taken a few courses from Randy. Top Notch.
I would echo Shawn L’s choice of Randy Cain in Lakeland, you
can’t get much better for a basic carbine course.
Then there is also Frank Garcia at Universal Shooting Academy
in Frostproof ( Rob S did a nice AAR of a class he took there last
year).
Also, Wade Rorich of Bushido Tactical in Orlando is another good
instructor. I would say take the Randy Cain or F.Garcia class first.
Then a Bushido tactical class when you want to test yourself under
stress and add a few more items to your toolbox.
Just my .02
As the others have mentioned, you are in luck being so close to Lakeland, Southern Exposure, and Randy Cain.
It looks like there is a Carbine 1 April 8-10.
I would strongly suggest taking his Handgun 101 first, but if your focus is on the carbine Carbine 1 will work as a standalone class.
There are teachers that pay lip service to the fundamentals, teachers that hold the students to a high standard of accuracy, and then there are those teachers that can actually instruct you on those fundamentals and ensure that you absorb them to achieve that high standard of accuracy. Randy is in the second group.
I have said it before, through 13 years of public education, undergrad, grad school, and a lifetime of instruction in hobbies and sports as well as professional instruction, I have never met a TEACHER as good and as thorough as Randy.
THanks, guys - this will help out a lot.
If at all possible, I also recommend taking Handgun 101 first. I consider it the cornerstone of Randy’s curriculum. Many of the concepts first introduced in 101 apply to long guns as well. Randy is a great instructor and your money and time will be well spent.
UPDATE:
Took the Handgun 101 class with Randy Cain at Southern Exposure.
Wow. Just . . . . . wow.
I’ll have to write a detailed After Action report later, but let me echo the chorus of those before me - well worth the money, I learned a lot, was humbled and motivated, and learned that I’m nowhere near as good as I thought I was, but am now on the road towards constant improvement.
I also learned that gear does not make the shooter, and that in most cases the KISS principle applies to gear, but make sure it is GOOD simple gear.
If you ever get the opportunity to train with Randy, do it. Best money I ever spent.
And I’m looking forward to doing it again and again.
One other option (not noted above): Kyle Lamb/VTAC will be teaching a rifle and pistol class each, in Titusville in May.
More info?
Seconding what Rob said…
More info please. 