TDDude wrote:The most cost effective way to get some basic defensive pistol training is to simply join up with your local IDPA club. It's mucho fun, very addictive, slightly competitive, and a great way to spend an evening with like-minded folks.
Most clubs are always looking for new shooters and if you’re observant, you will learn very quickly. What you don’t learn on your own, there will be no shortage of experienced shooters willing to help.
If you’re made of money, by all means go spend a couple thousand on a week in the desert but for my money, and to get a consistent weekly regimen in, I’m all over IDPA.
Although IDPA is definitely *not* training, in the traditional sense, it's a great place to get started and HANDLE your weapon in a simulated real-life situation. If you're like most of us, you'll find that the "administrative" handling of your gun day to day will improve, and you'll learn very quickly what works and what doesn't, in the equipment and methodology sense. Most of us have changed the way we carry and handle our guns just through doing it.
Plus, it's a fun friendly atmosphere full of like-minded folks. We support and coach each other, and everyone learns from everyone else. From there, you'll have a better feel for what you want/need to learn about in more formal training classes--which ALWAYS increases the value of the time and money you spend.
It's no substitute for training, but at about the cost of a night of bowling, it's a great investment and movement toward the reality of carrying and using a gun.
And you'll likely run into some professional trainers there...its always good to take your next-level training from someone you've seen shoot, and who has seen you shoot--makes for a much easier and more productive conversation about what you need to work on on training day.