I am looking for feedback on the quality of instruction and courses offered at Sig Academy. I’d be most likely to pursue handgun courses, but am interested in any feedback generally. The facility is within range to be a (somewhat) reasonable day trip for me and they seem to offer an interesting variety of courses.
I did a search and didn’t come up with much. This seemed like the right place to post. Thanks,
I’ve taken two classes at the Sig Academy, the Basic Practical Handgun Skills (102), and Low Light Pistol. Both classes were held at their indoor range in Epping.
The Basic Practical Handgun class was what you would expect from an entry level class. The day started out in the classroom with a discussion about safety, equipment selection, and the fundamentals of shooting. The range portion of the class consisted of shooting from static position at close (3yds) to slightly farther out (15yds) to demonstrate the difference between point and precision shooting. We eventually worked in drawing from the holster. The day ended running failure drills on their automated steel targets.
Working knowledge of a handgun was not a prerequisite for this class. A lot of the instructors time was addressing safety violations. One student was stripped of his ammo and made to do most of the class with a dry gun. The individual time spent between student and instructor suffered because of this. I definitely learned a lot from the class, however I could have learned more.
The class had about 16 students, a primary instructor Tom Horn, and an assistant instructor named Aaron. Both instructors were friendly and knowledgeable. Sig Sauer requires the use of frangible ammo at the Epping range. The cost of ammo was included in this class.
The Low Light Pistol class was a lot better. There were only four students in this class. Again, it started out in the classroom with a discussion about safety, and then to operating in low light. Basic handheld flashlight positions, tactics and concerns were addressed.
On the range we started out drawing and shooting in the fully lit indoor range. Once the instructor was satisfied with our abilities to draw and shoot safely, the lights were dimmed. We shot with and without lights. The lights were then turned off and we shot with lights. Each student was tried each of the various flashlight positions and then was encouraged to use whichever they preferred. We then started to shoot and take a side step. Shooting moving forward and back in darkness followed this. Low/no light malfunction clearance was also taught. The class ended on a scored drill based on a Police low light qualification.
John, the instructor, was again friendly and knowledgeable. I took a lot more from this class than I did my first. Ammo was not included in this class and proved to be a significant expense. Sig’s frangible ammo was $28/ box for 45ACP and $21/ box for 9mm. We shot 350 rounds in the 8 hour class.
I took something away from both classes. I fully expect that I’ll go back. I live 40 minutes away. I do intend to train with other instructors and am taking Randy Cain’s TH101 next month.
If Epping is a “reasonable day trip” from you, than you may want to check these guys out. http://www.neshooters.com/index.htm
They are hosting the Randy Cain class I’m going to, as well as, Larry Vickers (full) and others. Most classes take place at Pelham F&G in Pelham NH.
Thanks very much for the description, and thanks for the link too. Those giys look very interesting.