I just wanted some feedback from the people who have attended any of the major tactical schools, Blackwater, Thunder Ranch, Gunsite, or any others. I really want to go ahead and attend any of the major schools to take several courses including Tactical Pistol, Tactical Carbine, Carbine/pistol, etc.
Now that I have the guns I need to take the courses, I want to get some formal training (I do shoot weekly for fun). I have the money to spend on the courses and the ammo and would like to take them all as close together as possible and as soon as possible.
I really would appreciate the feedback if anyone has had experience with any of the major schools.
I don’t have feedback on those schools, but just want to commend you for taking that first step towards getting some good training. Too many people are out in the world never get beyond the collection phase.
I’ve taken several courses at Blackwater, and I’ve always been pleased with the experience. I’ve learned a great deal there, both from the instructors and from fellow students.
BW is bar none the finest facility I’ve ever seen. The instruction I have had there has ranged from good to excellent. Recently they began hiring a cadre of really good full-time instructors who bring a lot of experience to the table as well as the ability to teach. (Not everyone with lots of experience is a good instructor…)
If you are a beginner, Tactical Handgun I should be the first course you take which will introduce you to the fundamentals of range safety and shooting in general, and then the “Bushmaster Carbine Operator’s” course will build fundamental skills with the carbine. The exact content of the class depends largely on the class itself and how well everyone is progressing. If you have a class that picks up the basics quickly the instructor will often pick up the challenge level.
I’ve also had the opportunity to train with Larry Vickers. You should make every effort to train under him when you get an opportunity to. Ditto Pat Rogers and Ken Hackathorn.
Those instructors don’t often have the luxury a really awesome facility like Blackwater does, but their level of instruction isn’t hindered by that.
BW is bar none the finest facility I’ve ever seen. The instruction I have had there has ranged from good to excellent. Recently they began hiring a cadre of really good full-time instructors who bring a lot of experience to the table as well as the ability to teach. (Not everyone with lots of experience is a good instructor…)
That is a very good description of BW. I would go back there, particulary if I could pick the instructor(s).
It’s good to see you’re considering professional training. Too many people would rather spend their money on more guns than to learn to properly and competently operate those they have. First considerations are what you want to learn and where you’re located. Only you can make the learning decision. There are very fine instructors that travel to certain areas due to the base of shooters available that seek quality instruction. Obviously, if you can train near where you live, the savings in travel expenses can go towards ammo. Larry Vickers, Ken Hackathorn, Pat Rogers, John Farnam and others travel to some areas to train shooters. Some schools must be traveled-to in order to receive their instruction. There are many good schools and instructors and you’ll receive many recommendations from everyone you speak to. Chose carefully and spend your money wisely. Tactical Defense Institute, Gunsite and Thunder Ranch are highly regarded.
Gunsite was the second “school” I went to and I enjoyed it immensely. I was fortunate enough to attend prior to Col. Cooper’s passing.
Having said that I doubt I would spend the money to go back based on my current location. I’ve taken several classes from itinerant instructors such as Pat Rogers as well as Bennie Cooley, Larry Vickers and Paul Howe.
If I were a beginning student with no formal training I would probably go with Paul Howe or Larry Vickers. Pat & Bennie are great but I think someone would get more out of the class if they already have the marksmanship and weapons manipulations down.
There are other great instructors out there and I look forward to training with all of them
I really appreciate all the comments. I like Blackwater as it’s in the east coast (I live in Miami Beach) and it would be easy for me to drive up. Also, I’ve heard that they have lodging facilities which makes life a little easier.
However, I’m considering all the other schools as well. I have not made up my mind yet at all.
I guess I need to look at the schedules of each school as well and see if they fit my schedule.
Again thanks for all the feedback. Keep it coming. So many of you have soooo much more experience than I do and anything that you guys can offer me in terms of advice is well received.
Was new to the forum and looking to get some ffedback on the O’Gara Group; wondering about the training they offer in particular their tactical/weapons trng, maritime security/interdiction, PSD trng and more advanced trng they offer (HALO) etc. Any feedback would be appreciated.
The bunkhouse is where lots of the fun part of Blackwater happens. Cleaning your rifle alongside guys from 3rd SF is a great time to get some good info you can’t get many other places…
The bunkhouse is the most reasonable option financially, and it is the best option for the sake of your gear. You don’t really want to be toting around a lot of hardware in and out of cheap motels in Chesapeake.
Nobody messes with anything that isn’t theirs in the bunkhouse, and nobody freaks out when a guy walks in with an M249 and a couple of M4’s. (empty ones, of course…don’t run around the bunkhouse with loaded weapons…)
If you’re in Florida, I’d check out Southern Exposure Training (www.southernexposuretraining.com). They host some top-notch instructors. I’d highly recommend Randy Cain’s Tactical Handgun 101 for a novice/intro class.
Agreed, and I’d add that Randy’s carbine course is a perfect first class on that platform as well.
Randy will also be doing a Handgun 101 class in the Florida Keys January 7-9. I don’t know how you could ask for a class in a better place at a better time.
R,
I can strongly recommend Vickers if your just starting to take a few classes, I had my first class with him and wow, he opened my mind to all kinds of new things. The amount of thought he has in his subject is mind-blowing. After that I would strongly recommend a Coolie or a Hackathorn and if your up to it a Super Dave. A strong diet of ammo and gun scrubber and you’ll be ready to take on the world, later!
-Zef M.
