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After reading some of the replies I think I should have provided a better reason for asking about the various training options. I really appreciate the thoughts and I am sorry this is a bit long. My reason stems from the NRA training as well as the different shows available to watch. One of the points we covered in my NRA Personal Protection Outside The Home course, others and in these shows was how to recognize when is it right to draw and if you need to shoot. Well, every situation is different and as mentioned many times and especially in the other thread on Making History, you really don’t know until it happens. What will you do? Do you know?

I know NRA covers all the adrenalin issues, shaking, time slows down, tunnel vision etc, but you need to experience it. We did a drill in our NRA class at the end to simulate what was more closely related to what LEOs face. Our only instruction was when the target appears, decide IF it is a threat and SHOULD you shoot. That’s it, you are on your own. Note: that means it may be a threat but does that mean you should shoot? Do you KNOW it is a threat and should they be shot? Can you live with it? The simulated pressure was I don’t want to be wrong. I know it is a piece of paper but I wanted to be put in a situation of feeling bad if I made a mistake. I wanted to be pressured and so a situation was setup to TRY and do that. Six of us took that test one at a time. We did not know what, who, type or anything what was going to be shown to us. Some of us shot quickly, some more slowly and some hesitated long enough to really not be considered as making a decision at all. Outcome? From holstered and concealed position I shot and killed a woman who was 8 months pegnant in what I think was about 4 seconds….. she was pointing a semi-automatic pistol right at my chest. All I could see was the end of a barrel, no side view. I reviewed and went over that test over and over for days. What went through my mind in that time was “Is it a gun? Is it pointed at me? Is she really pregnant? Can I shoot and stop her well enough and NOT injure the unborn child so that medical could still save the baby? All these questions went through my mind in slow motion, as I checked that the gun was not a candy bar being handed to me, I looked at the intent of her face and I made my decision and acted. Seemed so slow yet I know it was not. All of us came back from the shooting line with a grimace on our faces. Even if it was the right decision it was not one I wanted to make or live with, yet I had to make that decision. I hit two shots in the upper chest area as I decided to try and not hit any area of the womb. My choice, slowed me down, right or wrong it is what I did. No one else can make that decision for me.

That is the pressure along with other training to try and AVOID having to make that decision that I am looking for but that I CAN do it if needed. We may not always get to have the easy way out, so if really pushed, can I still THINK and make a GOOD decision? Many training facilities offer how to shoot well but I also want consequences in my training to understand what using that skill means. I may shoot good but I may not like it. So this is why I was asking about some of the training centers for defensive and tactical training. To be good at using my weapon correctly and well but also use it with the proper mental, emotional and control of all the problems that come with being in a situation.

I have had to make the real decision before in my home with only a knife, I know what it is to make the decision for real up close and personal. All the tunnel vision, adrenalin and time slowing really happens. It turned out OK in the end but it could have been much worse. But I was calm and did what I had to do. But I still feel the need to practice it and own it.

Sorry for the long post but when I ask for training, I mean for life skills as it pertains to our real lives. Thanks.

Gary

I appreciate and agree. It is not that I feel those two venues are something to try to go to but instead was looking for similar venues at a closer distances, nothing more. I agree the practice of the student is what counts but having a place that offers more options to do the training is where I was going. thanks.

Gary

thanks and much appreciated. Yes I noticed most of his programs are focused on agency type training. But will check out what he has to offer for civilians. Wish I had the backing and money and would try to put together something in this area for people like Gunsighte and Thunder Ranch.

Gary

thanks I will check out the site. from the description they move around to various location or they are in Victory all the time? thanks again.

Gary

Well, I feel like a true AGGIE, I am asking and answering my own questions. Makes me realize I must be getting old or something. Anyway, I sent an e-mail to Thunder Ranch asking for info on the Texas classes etc last night. I got an answer from Heidi Smith already with great info and a link to another site here in Texas. First, very nice of her to respond as she did and it was much appreciated so I want to give a public thank you. The Texas training is full for 2010, 2011 and she could put me on the 2012 list. Only right now a few weeks each year offered. However, she also sent info on a place in Nacadoches. It is CSAT, Combat Shooting And Tactics, and seems to have some courses. Anyone here been, heard, know or info? thanks and now to go back and gum my mush and figure out what I thought I said.

Gary

OK, I am an AGGIE so forgive. I just found a link in the Thunder Ranch web site showing the Texas ranch site North of San Antonio. Not a lot of info on that location but I think this is the site I am assuming Charles has mentioned before in classes? Chas, comment? That is a workable distance. Anyone else here been and can comment? My sister is a deputy sheriff up in Fredricksbury and I can stay with her just north of there and drive to class. A little bit of a drive but hey saves money if needed. And she lives on 60 acres in the country to practice at.

Gary

Yes I appreciate it the response and I have taken both of those courses here at the PSC. Very enjoyable and good. I highly recommend those that Marc teaches. I was looking for something such as the 5 day courses I see at Gunsight or Thunder Ranch type of training etc. However, to travel that far is a bit too costly is all. I know a carbine training course has been thought of for the PSC but not setup or approved. If you have watched any of the sports channel programs such as Personal Defense or others you see some of these type seminars that are available, just not locally. Thanks

Gary

I have taken some of the NRA courses here locally at my gun range, PSC. Really enjoyed them not to mention the Texas CHL Forum day training. Question is what is near by, (qualify), for advanced training without having to go to Arizona or Oregon? Can't afford that much for a trip even though the training offered is probably fantastic. Looking at tactical and defense training with carbines/AR and pistol etc. Anything this half of Houston Texas area? Thanks.

Gary