The course descriptions (Pistol I and Pistol II) look pretty cool, some actual experiences from this place would help in making my final decision. Basically I'm looking for something to re-inforce the basics and fix any technical problems that I have (grip, stance, trigger control, drawing, moving while firing).
Sigma,
I attended the Tactical Pistol I class back in November at the Tiger Valley location outside of Waco. The class was taught by T.J. Shilling and one other instructor whos name escapes me.
At that time I had just taken up IDPA (for about 3 months) and was looking to improve on my technique. Up until then I was pretty much self taught from reading books, shooting on my own, and what others would share with me (on how to improve) at the matches. I decided to attend the course for pretty much the same types of things you are looking for.
To summarize... I think you'll enjoy the class. I ended up shooting about 2K rounds over the weekend. The only classroom time was a short discussion (maybe 30 minutes) prior to going out to the range on the first day. I honestly don't remember all he covered in the discussion, but it was very general. I do believe we covered saftey, the basic operation of a semi-auto, the proper grip, and the isosceles stance (and why he teaches that stance over Weaver).
The following two days were all range instruction and shooting drills. All targets were steel. Here's my best recollection of what we covered:
Day 1
- From 3 yards (this is the only drill shot on paper targets), single shots trying to shoot the smallest group you can. Followed by same drill shooting a full magazine. I believe we covered trigger control here and the instructors were getting some idea of each students comfort level/capabilities.
- All other drills were shot from 10 yards or further.
- Shooting drills from low ready
- Draw from holster instruction and drills. Broke it down as a three step process: 1. Strong hand on gun, weak hand to center. 2. Bring gun to weak hand at center and up to eye level. Push gun out toward target and break shot as soon as you have sight picture.
- Transitions. Emphasized using the recoil dead time to make your transition. Don't wait to see/hear the hit. Come back and clean up misses.
- Single shot drills from holster on timer.
- Two shot drills from holster on timer.
- Six shot rhythm drills.
Day 2
- Warm up with all drills from Day 1.
- Prone out drills at 25 yards.
- Shooting while moving drills.
- Moving forward (Heal to toe)
- Moving backward (Step drag)
- Combo moving and transition drill. Walking down course w/ steel targets on each side finishing w/ one steel targe in the middle
- 180 drills. Draw from holster shoot target straight in front, shoot target 90 degrees left, shoot target 90 degrees right.
- Finished w/ moving target drills. Fun drill. Load all your mags to capacity and shoot 'em all at the moving target.
I'm sure I've forgotten some. Reloads were in there somewhere but I forget where. I enjoyed the class and I felt it was worth it. I would suggest bringing a soccer chair, sunscreen, bandaids (or something to help w/ blisters), and a cooler w/ water and food.
