Dr. Piazza;
My name is Heather. I'm a college student (studying journalism). With my dad, I attended the two-day defensive handgun course held May 9 & 10, 2011. Our range master and instructors were: Marty Carter, William Wills, Spenser Mossier, and David Jones. We were on Range 7.
- Comments about specific instructors or staff members:
While Marty was driven and barked his directions, he was a good problem solver, was straightforward, and seemed to have an excellent knowledge of firearms. While I agree with my dad that his manner felt too much like a drill instructor, I appreciated his straightforwardness. I had an issue with my gun that several people suggested might be due to a dirty gun. Marty heard my problem and told me straight out that it was because I wasn't holding it firm enough (the push/pull isometric tension). I made a point to focus on that the next day and had no issues. He was right, and I was happy my problem was solved. One thing that bothered me was while he would say that we needed to be encouraging, he didn't seem to encourage as much as he corrected. He had an exasperated attitude in general over the two days, appearing irritated with several particular individuals.
Will had a reserved, perhaps detached, way of carrying himself. While professional, he was not approachable, and when asked questions, he explained things as being done because it was routine or system. Things were the way they were just because it was procedure. My dad and I debated whether his lack of investment was simply because he has macho attitude or because he has a relaxed and laid-back personality. When pressed for an answer, he certainly seemed knowledgeable. I personally appreciated his patience and humor as he instructed!
Spenser exemplified a trainer without the boot camp mentality or drill instructor attitude. He was extremely polite, patient, and helpful in one-on-one instruction. Spenser was personal as well as eager and willing to explain or reiterate steps. Before the house simulation routine we were warned that they might use offensive language. While standing at the waiting area, I wasn't sure what I was getting into and could hear yelling in a hostile aggressive tone. I was relieved after I went going through with Spenser. He didn't yell or use offensive language; I don't think I could have handled it if he had. Embarrassingly, I ended up shooting all the targets. He was very patient, and afterward explained why I shouldn't have shot certain targets.
David, along with Spenser, exemplified a trainer without the boot camp mentality or drill instructor attitude. He was very approachable and personable. He was willing to assist and did so in an amiable manner. While at Front Sight we decided to drive home through California. When we asked David about traveling in California with our guns, he not only answered our questions but also brought up things we hadn't even considered and helped us prepare. He took the initiative to ask us what kind of guns we were taking and to inform me that my magazines, which hold 13 rounds, are illegal in the state. He then helped me take them apart so that we could travel while being compliant with state laws. He was very helpful and informative.
Personally, I thought the mix of instructors was good. They balanced one another. If it had only been Marty, it would have been too much like the military, but if had only been Spenser and David, the pace would have gone too slow. I don't know if Front Sight does personality or learning style tests with the range masters and instructors, but it seems to me that if all the teams of Front Sight instructors are as well mixed, Front Sight is doing a good job!
- Professionalism and friendliness of the staff (8 —see above comments)
- Quality of the course curriculum (10)
- Efficiency, logistics, and administration of the course (10)
It was very efficient. The pace moved along well.
- Welcome, Sign-In, and Weapon's Inspection on the first morning (10)
- Classroom lectures and video presentations (10)
The speaker was exceptional! I don't remember his name, but he had a good balance of story-telling with lecturing. I enjoyed the classroom lectures and found them not only helpful but also interesting.
- Pro Shop staff, inventory, and efficiency (9)
Staff was great! They went out of their way to be helpful!
However, the shop was out of the dry practice manual. The selection and stock appeared limited. The staff had a challenge finding loaner holsters that fit.
- Physical facility (classroom, ranges, simulators, parking, toilets, etc.) (10)
Top-notch and impressive, while not as extensive as the online description implies. My dad appreciated the coffee and tea.
- Overall course rating (9.5)
I am telling my friends and family how pleased I am with the training! I'm telling them that they need to go to Front Sight! When I turned 21, friends suggested I should go buy "a drink." Instead, I chose to support my second amendment right and applied for a concealed handgun license. When my dad decided to attend the two-day course, I told him on a whim, I wanted to come too. I must say I was skeptical of Front Sight. After looking at the website and receiving seven (long) e-mails in less than 3 weeks, I half thought it was a scam. The website and e-mails seem like a lot of hype with grandiose deals and sensationalist quality to them. Despite my wariness, I came with my dad. Despite the fact that I carried an Oregon CHL, I was consciously inexperienced and lacked any confidence shooting my gun when I arrived at Front Sight. When I left, I felt really pleased with my progress. I'm no longer skeptical about Front Sight. I still have so much to learn before I start packing, but I am eager now to go practice what I've learned. I feel empowered. I can't wait to come back and learn more! If I wasn't a poor college student avoiding debt, I'd have signed up for a membership before leaving. I was tempted to sign up anyway. It's the first thing I'll get when I'm able to afford it! Thank you!
Sincerely,
Heather
Also, please feel free to share my comments with others!
Dr. Piazza;
I've been home two days and I am looking forward to our next time and encouraging all to attend. After completing your two-day handgun training, I truly believe that anyone with a gun needs this basic knowledge and training in order to be safe and responsible with it. I am amazed that in the years I've owned a gun I didn’t hurt myself due to lack of basic awareness. I too would have signed up for a lifetime membership except for my student loans and currant slavery to the government. I am adamant that as soon as I am free I will become a lifetime member. I want to do my part in upholding our constitution and specifically the 2nd amendment to keep our country safe and reclaim our gun rights that are being intentionally taken away. I want to sincerely thank you for the informed, rational, educated, loving, family friendly, presentation (semi-bordering on indoctrination – ouch!) on the 2nd amendment. And I especially thank you for being there for my daughter who can now shoot more accurately than I can.
Dr. Kris , Psy.D.
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