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Is anyone aware of any advanced handgun training coming up in the San Antonio area? I am looking for some training but there does not seem to be much in this area, I have gone to the courses at Lonestar Handgun in Schertz and attended a class with Tactical Immersion but I am always looking for more, any recommendations would be great.

I have attended weekend training classes put on by Bruce Gray several times over the years. He is a master gunsmith and factory competition team shooter. Check with OpSpec Training http://opspectraining.com/ Here's another link: http://grayguns.com/category/articles-news/

He might be scheduling some courses in the area soon. In the meantime, download his materials on dry-firing. http://grayguns.com/dry-fire-secrets-of-the-pros/

I'm gonna shoot my first IDPA match at Cedar Ridge range tomorrow offered through Texas Tactical. That's should be a good, less expensive training aid.

They have matches almost every weekend. http://www.texastactical.net

jayinsat wrote:I'm gonna shoot my first IDPA match at Cedar Ridge range tomorrow offered through Texas Tactical. That's should be a good, less expensive training aid.

Just an observation that IDPA, and USPSA as well, are excellent for gun handling and shooting practice, but they're sports, complete with arbitrary sets of rules specific to the game, not real-world defense. As such: good practice, but they're not training in defensive shooting.

For example, most modern defensive handgun instructors teach that getting off the "X" is critical, that you need to be moving off your original position while you're presenting your firearm. That's less safe on the square range than drawing and then moving, so the latter is what you see in IDPA.

Another example: depending upon the shooter's skill, if presented with two relatively equal threats, the fastest and most efficient option may be a controlled pair to COM on the closest target, then two on the farther target and assess. But the Tactical Sequence rule in IDPA says that if the CoF requires two hits each on multiple, relatively equal threats, regardless of the distance, you have to put one round in each before returning for the second round (i.e., three targets would get 1-1-2-1-1).

IDPA matches are also conducted straight up and down, meaning there is no 180-degree rule and the muzzle of the gun must be oriented downrange at all times. But, of course, bad things don't always come at you head-on. Defensive training, particularly force-on-force, will address the real, 360-degree world.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the IDPA rules. But it's a game employing a potentially dangerous implement, so when the rules were codified they had to strike a balance between practicality, repeatability and, above all, safety. It's great and fun practice. You just have to keep in mind that not all elements of the game are sound defensive tactics, and you have to find ways to train appropriately and keep the other defensive skills honed.

I have recently taken the "Beyond Concealed Carry" class with Bob Mayne and Ben Branam in San Antonio and highly recommend this class. Its the next logical step in training after obtaining your CHL. Lots of training and plenty of shooting. You won't be disappointed. Check them out at handgunworld.com.

Duckman62 wrote:I have recently taken the "Beyond Concealed Carry" class with Bob Mayne and Ben Branam in San Antonio and highly recommend this class. Its the next logical step in training after obtaining your CHL. Lots of training and plenty of shooting. You won't be disappointed. Check them out at handgunworld.com.

Thanks duckman. I will definitely be following up on this training.

@ jayinsat, if you decide to take the class, depending on what type of firearm you have, be sure to take at least three magazines. I use a Glock 27 and had three with me but they only hold nine rounds. On some of the drills I used all three. I really needed one more. My brother-in-law shoots an XDm and didn't have the same issue since those mags hold many more rounds. The guys with 1911s were using at least four. Bob and Ben are great teachers, firm but without the "drill instructor" mentality. You will learn a lot and have a great time. Good luck.

Duckman62 wrote:@ jayinsat, if you decide to take the class, depending on what type of firearm you have, be sure to take at least three magazines. I use a Glock 27 and had three with me but they only hold nine rounds. On some of the drills I used all three. I really needed one more. My brother-in-law shoots an XDm and didn't have the same issue since those mags hold many more rounds. The guys with 1911s were using at least four. Bob and Ben are great teachers, firm but without the "drill instructor" mentality. You will learn a lot and have a great time. Good luck.

I use a ruger sr9c. I have the 17 round mag and two 10 round spares. Hopefully that will be enough.

Check with NPSI....