AAR Fundamental Handgun Class - Cresson Texas June 14th
This was my first shooting class that I've ever attended, so my perspective from being under the tutelage of Tier 1 Super instructors is nil.
I am your typical CHL holder that visits the local indoor range once maybe twice a week on my lunch break and had reached a plateau for improvement gleaned from YouTube instructional videos and tips gleaned from friends and family with more experience (Brother = USMC Scout Sniper, LEO friends, NRA Instructor Friends).
I signed up for this class half thinking that this would be an entry level introduction to handguns and a taster to more advanced classes. Boy was I wrong. This Fundamental Handgun Class, and according to other attendees (LEO and Active Duty) had something for everyone.
Class is 10 hour information packed and implementation full knowledge dump. Stephen is a great and approachable guy, at no time did I feel like I needed to drop and do 20 when asking even pedestrian comments.
There were around 12 students of above beginner level so I think that helped get the curriculum off to a good start. Everyone knew how to load and fire.
Class started in a build up methodology explaining the topic, the desired execution, the logic behind the choices, the pros and cons of the decision, pros and cons of alternate stances and finally the implementation and adjustment to the individual.
IE Stance:
- The building blocks of stance
- Feet - Hips - Shoulders - Elbows - Wrists - Sight Alignment - The perfect setup for ideal shot and what it allows you to do.
- What happens when there is deterioration due to exigent circumstances?
- What is fundamentally required to still get the shot you need to take and can accept?
- Recoil Management
- Enabling Accuracy (accuracy is most important)
- What is Stephen's Theory of Execution
- Clear Definition
- What others have taught
- What are the quid pro quod and pros of cons of both that enable you to be successful in shot choice.
- Range time implementing his desired effect with evaluation and correction.
Everything was executed in this deliberate and methodical way. Topics breakdowns were as such:
Stance
Grip
Sight Picture
Trigger Setup
Recoil Management
Reloads
Draw Break Down (5 Stages)
Draw and dry Fire
Draw and Fire
Weapons “Refunction” (Malfunction Clearance)
Moving toward Target
Moving to shooting position
Every topic has 2-3 shooting drills incorporated for practice, all timed and all scored on accuracy. This added an exceptional amount of accountability to the execution of the drills. Aim small miss small, in some instances, targets were 1" or 3x5 size index cards. A valuable an honest assessment at how one performs under pressure and any inconsistencies become blatant when aiming at such sized targets. I also found that this helped to develop better visual acuity when developing target localization and sight picture alignment.
Personally, this class opened up Pandora's Box of drills, desired effects, and where I need to improve to become a better fundamental shooter. Very challenging mental and physical integration with the timing and scoring of everything.
I thoroughly enjoyed this class, and for those of us out there that can barely get away from everyday life due to funds being directed to wives, kids, work etc... this class is excellent both from a time and economic investment.
I am looking forward to the reps I can now take at the local range to improve as well as taking a carbine fundamental class.
Impressions of Stephen:
He is very interested and invested in being a quality instructor. He takes open criticism of classes at the end of the class, which is great to see. He is actively looking to give the customer an excellent product and I appreciate that. Class is executed in a congenial and relaxed atmosphere in between reps. Class progresses with the students allowing for extra reps or further break down when requested. It was the fasted 10 hours I’ve experienced in a while.