Last weekend [25-26] I went to a Basic Pistol course held at Calgary Shooting Centre. The instructors were from Shadowforce. The main Instructor was Carl. He had a fantastic pedigree coming from not only years of tactical instruction/shooting but also years of experience in the favelas of Brazil.
The course was 2 days from 9-5 each day. The first half day was classroom basics. This was great bit for the super raw green students in the class. Some of the guys in there didnt even have their PAL cards yet. The instruction was great because it allowed a moderate approach to shooting methodology. Carl didnt hang fast to any one mode or another but promoted an "any way that works well for you" approach.
The content covered was great as well. It went from the basics of stance and trigger control to shooting on the move. The 'perfect practice makes perfect' mantra was really where they won me over. Great minds and all...
The 10 student limit really allowed for some great coaching. Speaking of great coaching there was an unfathomable amount of patience from the instructors. I am 100% sure that Carl could get [and might have already] an autistic chimpanzee through this course and holster certified.
The main focus was on safety. The emphasis on developing redundant safety habits was great. It was exactly what the green guys needed and awesome for my own habits. You cant be too safe. The less you get shot the more you can train.
The location was great as well. We used the cinema range as a straight open room. It was nice due to the great venting. A fantastic place to run courses. Also for lunch you can go get a real burger at '5 Guys' just across the road.
I would give this course a 4 on a scale of 1-4. Recommended to super beginners and experienced shooters alike. I think training is a way better place to spend money than gear and gadgets. Better to get a used glock, holster, ammo and TRAINING than a $1500 1911/HK/etc. There were 2 total badasses taking the course for the second time [different guns] because they felt that the training was that effective.
Hints tips and tricks if you plan on going and/or stuff that they should put on the sign up sheet:
- If you are running 1911 bring extra mags
- Bring extra mags regardless [I brought 6. a bare minimum for me]
- Buy and use your gear at least once before you go in the course
- Wear functional clothing
I'll let you all know how the Carbine course goes. I'm taking it with my CZ858 so far.
-chris
The course was 2 days from 9-5 each day. The first half day was classroom basics. This was great bit for the super raw green students in the class. Some of the guys in there didnt even have their PAL cards yet. The instruction was great because it allowed a moderate approach to shooting methodology. Carl didnt hang fast to any one mode or another but promoted an "any way that works well for you" approach.
The content covered was great as well. It went from the basics of stance and trigger control to shooting on the move. The 'perfect practice makes perfect' mantra was really where they won me over. Great minds and all...
The 10 student limit really allowed for some great coaching. Speaking of great coaching there was an unfathomable amount of patience from the instructors. I am 100% sure that Carl could get [and might have already] an autistic chimpanzee through this course and holster certified.
The main focus was on safety. The emphasis on developing redundant safety habits was great. It was exactly what the green guys needed and awesome for my own habits. You cant be too safe. The less you get shot the more you can train.
The location was great as well. We used the cinema range as a straight open room. It was nice due to the great venting. A fantastic place to run courses. Also for lunch you can go get a real burger at '5 Guys' just across the road.
I would give this course a 4 on a scale of 1-4. Recommended to super beginners and experienced shooters alike. I think training is a way better place to spend money than gear and gadgets. Better to get a used glock, holster, ammo and TRAINING than a $1500 1911/HK/etc. There were 2 total badasses taking the course for the second time [different guns] because they felt that the training was that effective.
Hints tips and tricks if you plan on going and/or stuff that they should put on the sign up sheet:
- If you are running 1911 bring extra mags
- Bring extra mags regardless [I brought 6. a bare minimum for me]
- Buy and use your gear at least once before you go in the course
- Wear functional clothing
I'll let you all know how the Carbine course goes. I'm taking it with my CZ858 so far.
-chris
