Ammunition $875 (5.56) + $75 (9mm) = $950
Ammunition might make it or break it for a lot of people. About half the cost if you can even find it. Not to mention sending it off-island. Whoever is the "host/coordinator" (jonjon?) should ask Magpul about using .22 for the carbine classes. It might allow a few more people to attend. Earlier in the year Magpul Dynamics posted this:
"Magpul Dynamics Pricing/Equipment Changed for 2013
Magpul Dynamics Pricing and Ammunition Requirement Update
In an effort to make training more accessible in these times of increased prices and reduced availability, Magpul Dynamics has updated their pricing structure, round counts, and acceptable calibers for the 2013 training year.
Effective immediately, all three-day classes are reduced to $600 per student, and two-day classes are reduced to $450 per student. In addition, the curriculum has been revised for all pistol/carbine courses based on the changes occurring over the past year to allow for maximum training value at a slightly reduced round count.
Also, we are temporarily allowing the use of pistol-caliber carbines and 22LR AR-15 pattern training rifles in the carbine classes. Please understand that there are many drawbacks to training with 22LR as opposed to normal rifle platforms, but significant training value will still exist. We expect a full return to allowing rifle-caliber rounds only in the future as the ammunition supply catches up with current demand and ammunition prices return to a reasonable level. However, we understand the financial burden placed on students with the current state of the economy and the rapid rise in retail pricing in the ammunition industry. We firmly believe in the value of quality firearms training and are committed to providing quality products and services at a fair price.
Duane, Steve, Jon, and Caylen"
I know this assumes you have a .22 upper or AR patterned .22, and .22 ammo itself is hard to find right now, but people willing to spend over a grand on training are probably the type that had enough foresight to stock up on ammo long before this current craze. I train a lot with .22 on an AR and although there is a difference, I'd much rather train with .22 than with nothing at all. In fact, given that bulk .22 tends to have a lot more malfunctions when compared to centerfire rounds, you end up with a lot of weapons malipulation/malfunction practice. Which is a big part of these classes anway. Good luck to you guys, it's awesome to see the possibility of this type of training in Hawaii.