What's a good place to take a pistol defensive class in Vegas.  My skill level I would say is slightly better than average.  The wife's is a little below average.  But she does shoot way better when under stress (timer/relay).  But standing still is her problem.  She smoked me on the VTAC for rifle also.  But then again, she's not paying for ammo, so probably just sending rounds down range.  Where I'm pake, so gotta make every shot count.

We want something that's educational, but yet fun.  I've seen the vids and know guys who took PFC Training and Front Site, and they seem a little to serious for us.  Thunder Ranch (Clint Smith) type classes would be right up our alley (he's not in Vegas), Warrior Poet, Active Self Protection, etc...

We plan on taking the class together. 

If you have the time, drive out towards Pahrump and check out Front Sight. Other than that try Range 702 south of Tropicana on Dean Martin Dr.,  Discount Firearms north of Desert Inn on Highland and American Shooters on Spring Mountain

If you have the time, drive out towards Pahrump and check out Front Sight. Other than that try Range 702 south of Tropicana on Dean Martin Dr.,  Discount Firearms north of Desert Inn on Highland and American Shooters on Spring Mountain

You should check out the YouTube videos and all the Front Sight website resources. If you go to Front Sight, you'll have to pass prerequisite classes to participate in more advanced training. Depending on your ability and time available to travel, you can get memberships that let you go to all classes you are eligible for without additional cost (excluding ammo, of course).

In short, even if FS offers a "fun" course you think you already have the skills to enroll in, you may not be allowed until you've passed the lower level prerequisite.

In my book, keeping people without proven skills from enrolling in more advanced courses is good for everyone and keeps everyone safer.

I have a friend who took the FS Combat Shotgun course and loved it.  You might try mixing up the types of firearms/courses to make it more fun.

No personal experience with classes in the Vegas area, but I know many folks who have attended a bunch of classes at Front Site.  Have heard the range of feedback from good to less than good.  I haven't been myself, so can't really comment there.  That said, regarding needing prerequisites, I don't mind (not that you really have a choice in some cases).  I've been through the base/basic/Level I classes for both pistol and carbine with a few training groups and I've learned quite a bit each time.  Each trainer has their own way of teaching and to me the value of the trainer is how they assess skills of the individual and can help you improve no matter what your skill level.  Even in basic courses, there are ways that more experienced shooters can be challenged by the instructors as well as challenge yourself.  I also like that in those classes I can take a step back and either verify basics or work on some basics to hone them to the unconscious level.  I've also mostly been to classes where the instructors will demonstrate and explain "their techniques", but I really enjoy those that encourage you to try and see if their way benefits you, but also help you improve not matter the technique you chose or are comfortable with. 

As for being fun, I have fun in all of these classes.  Even in classes where the trainers aren't that great.  As long as they are safe, all good and I'll enjoy the day. 

Anyways, good luck and I'm sure you'll have a great time with Mrs. Change.  When I've been in classes with couples, it always seems to be entertaining on they end up supporting each other, but also usually being competitive.  It's not uncommon for the GF or wife to end up out shooting the guys in the class. 

I have been to FS several times and am going again next month to take the entry level course again.  FS requires your entry level course not be more than 2 years old to take the advanced courses. 

Only complaint I have about FS was they wanted me to rack the slide using the over the top method, while I find it easier and faster to use the sling shot method.  I still use the ss method and ignore that part of their training.

I have been to FS several times and am going again next month to take the entry level course again.  FS requires your entry level course not be more than 2 years old to take the advanced courses. 

Only complaint I have about FS was they wanted me to rack the slide using the over the top method, while I find it easier and faster to use the sling shot method.  I still use the ss method and ignore that part of their training.

I was told "No slingshot racking" the first exercise. I'm sure I reverted a few times, but when doing certain drills, keeping a hand on the slide and having firm control of it is very helpful. Like after a reload, you're supposed to check for a chambered round before holstering -- to make sure you're ready to fire.  Slingshot racking would make you have to bring your hand back to the slide for that check.

One example. If you want a good grade, give the teacher what he/she is looking for.   

FS requires your entry level course not be more than 2 years old to take the advanced courses. 

2 yr req is only for skill builders. Doesnt apply to advanced classes.

I thought it was for all.  Anyway only got time for a 2 day class.  Next time I'll take the 4 day skill builder and then the tactical.

So sling shot and over the top racking are 2 diff things right?

Sling shot refers to grabbing the slide with your thumb and index finger behind the striker plate?

Vs. Over the top refers to entire hand grabs the top of the slide? AKA power stroke?

So sling shot and over the top racking are 2 diff things right?

Sling shot refers to grabbing the slide with your thumb and index finger behind the striker plate?

Vs. Over the top refers to entire hand grabs the top of the slide? AKA power stroke?

The difference is technique.

Slingshot means you grip the slide near the rear with the thumb and index finger of the support hand while keeping the gun close to the body. You then push the gun with the strong hand while keeping a grip on the slide. You wind up with the shooting arm extended toward the target and the fingers automatically pulled away from the slide, ready to grip the gun and shoot.

The Slingshot rack is preferred by competition shooters. It's much faster and gets you quickly on target after a reload.

The over-the-top method uses the fingers and heel of the support hand -- the thumb hovers behind the slide.  You can rack the slide near the body without needing to push the pistol forward, thereby keeping it better controlled and not in firing position  -- where it is supposed to be when not firing.  This method gives you much more surface area to grip the slide so it doesn't slip (sweaty hands?) and possibly resulting in a short-rack (potential malfunction).  If your hands aren't very strong, you can still push the gun forward while racking. 

When using the over-the-top method, many tend to push the muzzle to the left (for righties), because you have a tendency to push the back of the pistol to the right with the support hand. Need to practice and be aware of muzzle direction when using either method.

Thanks I tried to youtube some vids, but not many showed.

I always power stroke (over the top) because 1 of the wifes pistol doesn't have a slide release.  So to get into the habit, I use the PS all the time. 

Like after a reload, you're supposed to check for a chambered round before holstering -- to make sure you're ready to fire.  Slingshot racking would make you have to bring your hand back to the slide for that check.

With my Glock, i can see brass in the chamber with the slide closed.  No need to open the slide to see.

I really like training at Front Sight.  You have to be open minded to using Weaver stance though.  Not a big deal for me but I guess for some people, it is.     I figure that one day I may need to shoot in a weaver stance just like one day you may need to shoot from isosceles, or running, or under a car, or left handed, whatever.  Good training in an "old" technique is still good in my opinion.  They are all about fundamentals so it can be boring for advanced students until you get to the advanced classes.  I have taken a few classes from other schools and I was always a little concerned about my neighbor accidentally shooting me in ass.  I never felt that way at Front Sight because they always drill those basics into everyone so I had confidence that we were all at least at a minimum competency level.

They are the Walmart or McDonalds of firearms training and I mean that in a mostly good way.  Every class you take will be taught 99% the same, no matter who the instructor is.  They may not have all the fancy organic pineapple vegan teri burger with aioli infused fries, they only sell a basic hamburger, maybe with or without cheese.  It tastes OK, price is right and it is the same burger every time.

Lots of ammo places in Vegas and a couple in Pahrump so you have time, you can get a better price than purchasing through Front Sight.  That being said, the Front Sight ammo prices are not too bad.

The more advanced classes are super fun.  The test is 90% the same but with less time which makes it difficult.  Night shoots are friggin awsome!

I really like training at Front Sight.  You have to be open minded to using Weaver stance though.  Not a big deal for me but I guess for some people, it is.     I figure that one day I may need to shoot in a weaver stance just like one day you may need to shoot from isosceles, or running, or under a car, or left handed, whatever.  Good training in an "old" technique is still good in my opinion.  They are all about fundamentals so it can be boring for advanced students until you get to the advanced classes.  I have taken a few classes from other schools and I was always a little concerned about my neighbor accidentally shooting me in ass.  I never felt that way at Front Sight because they always drill those basics into everyone so I had confidence that we were all at least at a minimum competency level.

They are the Walmart or McDonalds of firearms training and I mean that in a mostly good way.  Every class you take will be taught 99% the same, no matter who the instructor is.  They may not have all the fancy organic pineapple vegan teri burger with aioli infused fries, they only sell a basic hamburger, maybe with or without cheese.  It tastes OK, price is right and it is the same burger every time.

Lots of ammo places in Vegas and a couple in Pahrump so you have time, you can get a better price than purchasing through Front Sight.  That being said, the Front Sight ammo prices are not too bad.

The more advanced classes are super fun.  The test is 90% the same but with less time which makes it difficult.  Night shoots are friggin awsome!

I bought a case of 9MM from an ammo retailer in Pahrump. I stayed in Vegas (which I would not do for another 5 day class!!).  I arrived a day and a half early so I could rest up and drive into Pahrump to get ammo and figure out where the training compound was located. Since we were advised to arrive about 5:00am the first day due to check-in crowds, I figured knowing the route was a good thing.

The ammo I chose was 124g, a little better than what FS offered for a little less cash.  I went through 950 rounds.  Normally you only need 650-700 rds for the 4-day defensive handgun + CCW, but I didn't have a partner for class.  They let me run the exercises twice instead of playing safety monitor half the time. Great fun and made the day go quickly.  But also wore me out trying to keep my mags loaded!

I figured if I didn't use it all, I could run out to a range then carry back any under my 11 lb limit.

Here's the ammo requirements for each course. 

https://www.frontsight.com/firearms-training/ammo-required.asp

After the first time I went to FS, I realized the stupid 10 rd mags are inadequate.  I bought 15 rd mags after that.  I take three 15 rd and three 10 rd mags there. 

After the first time I went to FS, I realized the stupid 10 rd mags are inadequate.  I bought 15 rd mags after that.  I take three 15 rd and three 10 rd mags there.

If I'd only known ahead of time that I'd be lucky enough to be the "odd man out" ...

If I'd only known ahead of time that I'd be lucky enough to be the "odd man out" ...

And when we did games like the "One Hole" challenge, I shot against the best of the instructors.  Everybody was like, "Oh, no!"

After I put the first 5 rounds in pretty close to one hole, the instructor was like, "Uh-oh!!"   

There were a wide range of skill levels there, but after 4 days, everybody in the class earned "Graduate" or "Distinguished Graduate", which they said is unusual. There's usually someone who just "Competed".

I just ran across this chart on the FS website:

Good comparison Rustyeleio.......In the handgun class that I took we had a lady in a wheelchair and the staff was very helpful and encouraging with her needs, wish I could say the same for some of the other students in our group...In the carbine class we had multiple people who weren't able to get into some of the different shooting positions and once again the instructors were very helpful and encouraging.Great experience for a 1st time class, looking forward to going back....