Best Training in WA? - Page 1

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Posted: 10/16/2019 11:22:51 PM EDT

I’m looking to take some handgun and carbine courses in the near future. It seems that Insight is one of the more popular schools. Has anyone taken a course with them? Any feedback on instructors in our area would be greatly appreciate. I’m located near Bellevue so I’d prefer something in western Washington but I’m open to traveling to Eastern Washington or surrounding states if necessary. Thanks for the feedback!

Posted: 10/17/2019 1:28:01 AM EDT

[#1]

Insights/Hamilton has been around a long time. Perhaps others that have trained with them personally can chime in.

Haven't trained with either, but Cerberus Group and Grey Solutions are worth a look depending on what you're looking for.

Thunder Ranch is right next door in Oregon too.

Boss

Posted: 10/17/2019 2:00:30 AM EDT

[#2]

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Thunder Ranch is right next door in Oregon too.

Boss

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A 9 hour, 500 mile one way drive isn’t exactly what I’d call “right next door”......

Posted: 10/17/2019 2:38:20 AM EDT

[#3]

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A 9 hour, 500 mile one way drive isn’t exactly what I’d call “right next door”......

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Heck, get past JBLM, stop at Cabelas in Lacy, lunch South of Portland...two latte drive tops...but yeah...gonna add a day on each end...by next door, meant from a state perspective (they used to be TX). And TR is likely worth the drive.

And not nearly as far Front Sight in NV or Gunsite in AZ.

Boss

Posted: 10/17/2019 2:43:26 AM EDT

[#4]

Insight
Firearms Academy of Seattle
Full Spectrum Consulting

Posted: 10/17/2019 11:25:11 AM EDT

[#5]

FWIW, steering away from any outfit(s) that appeared to be looking to 'cash in' on 1639 training requirements might be worth considering in you selection.

$.02 worth.

Boss

Posted: 10/17/2019 12:22:37 PM EDT

[#6]

http://www.insightstraining.com/ Greg Hamilton is great, the real deal, no Instagram bullshit. They haven't been running as many courses this year. They have a 3 day street and vehicle tactics class next weekend.

Right on Target runs carbine courses at West Coast Armory. https://www.westcoastarmory.com/the-range/range/95

https://www.corevision-training.com has a carbine and pistol course in November (sold out) and another in January.

https://cerberus-training.com/ has an AR armorer and operator course in November, looks interesting.

As other people have suggested, keep an eye on http://www.fullspectrumtc.com as well. His courses tend to be way out of town which is problematic for some of us.

Given the weather, a lot of the outdoor classes go away til the spring.

Posted: 10/17/2019 8:59:05 PM EDT

[#7]

Quote History

Quoted:
FWIW, steering away from any outfit(s) that appeared to be looking to 'cash in' on 1639 training requirements might be worth considering in you selection.

$.02 worth.

Boss

View Quote

Cash in? It's a 5 minute training course that's free.

Posted: 10/18/2019 12:35:18 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
Cash in? It's a 5 minute training course that's free.

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Not from everybody.

Don't want to derail this thread...but go back and look...

Boss

Posted: 10/18/2019 5:17:51 AM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

Not from everybody.

Don't want to derail this thread...but go back and look...

Boss

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Which thread (title)? Link?

Posted: 10/18/2019 10:38:36 AM EDT

[#10]

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Which thread (title)? Link?

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This subforum only goes back two pages. But last year, IIRC, there was a thread on 1639 and its training requirements...but again, don't want to hijack this thread. Perhaps someone with better search/archive skills can pull it up.

Boss

Posted: 10/19/2019 12:44:18 AM EDT

[#11]

I know what your talking about but most of those "classes" are just taking advantage of the rubes

https://sporting-systems.com/free-1639-training/

https://cerberus-training.com/

https://www.rainierarms.com/1639-compliance-training-for-wa-residents/

Posted: 10/19/2019 8:55:46 AM EDT

[#12]

Quote History

Quoted:
Cash in? It's a 5 minute training course that's free.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
FWIW, steering away from any outfit(s) that appeared to be looking to 'cash in' on 1639 training requirements might be worth considering in you selection.

$.02 worth.

Boss

Cash in? It's a 5 minute training course that's free.

Pretty sure west coast armory had a $50 or $50 class up a few days before 1639 even passed

Posted: 10/19/2019 9:37:59 AM EDT

[#13]

Another vote for full spectrum training.

Took a refresher basic carbine class from them a few months ago on whidbey island.

Good peeps.

Posted: 10/19/2019 3:40:05 PM EDT

[#14]

I took insights general defensive handgun many many moons ago. Highly recommend. Wanted to get my wife into one of their courses when I was back in wa for a couple years but the timing never worked out.

Posted: 10/19/2019 5:25:30 PM EDT

[#15]

Anyone here trained with graham combat?

Posted: 10/20/2019 12:48:17 AM EDT

[#16]

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I took insights general defensive handgun many many moons ago. Highly recommend. Wanted to get my wife into one of their courses when I was back in wa for a couple years but the timing never worked out.

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Adventure Protection has women's classes:

https://adventureprotection.org/women-only-basic-protection-class/

While I can't directly vouch for the class (I identify as male) I've known Curtis for years. They've worked with Cerberus for more advanced classes

Posted: 10/20/2019 1:51:51 AM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

Adventure Protection has women's classes:

https://adventureprotection.org/women-only-basic-protection-class/

While I can't directly vouch for the class (I identify as male) I've known Curtis for years. They've worked with Cerberus for more advanced classes

View Quote

I appreciate it. If I end up back in Wa for an extended period of time we may check it out.

Posted: 10/23/2019 2:49:14 PM EDT

[#18]

It feels like things like this should be stickied somewhere, or have something regarding training facilities linked up at the top.

@Phil_in_Seattle

Posted: 10/24/2019 1:09:48 PM EDT

[#19]

Quote History

Quoted:
It feels like things like this should be stickied somewhere, or have something regarding training facilities linked up at the top.

@Phil_in_Seattle

View Quote

That's a great idea!

Posted: 12/16/2019 12:43:34 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
That's a great idea!

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
It feels like things like this should be stickied somewhere, or have something regarding training facilities linked up at the top.

@Phil_in_Seattle

That's a great idea!

Well, bump so it doesnt fall off (Because I intend to take training next year)

Posted: 12/28/2019 11:52:41 PM EDT

[#21]

I have taken many classes from these guys and been quite happy.

http://www.practicaledgeshooting.com

Posted: 12/30/2019 4:23:46 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:
Insights/Hamilton has been around a long time. Perhaps others that have trained with them personally can chime in.

Haven't trained with either, but Cerberus Group and Grey Solutions are worth a look depending on what you're looking for.

Thunder Ranch is right next door in Oregon too.

Boss

View Quote

Is TR still teaching people to carry FMJ because 2 holes bleed faster than 1?

Costa has done a few classes on the east side and it was well worth the time and money imho. A few aero guys came over to the one I took.

Posted: 12/30/2019 7:15:32 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:

Is TR still teaching people to carry FMJ because 2 holes bleed faster than 1?

Costa has done a few classes on the east side and it was well worth the time and money imho. A few aero guys came over to the one I took.

View Quote

I have attended numerous Thunder Ranch courses over the last 10 years, and never heard any such recommendation.

Posted: 12/30/2019 10:47:18 PM EDT

[#24]

I’ve taken General Defensive Handgun and Street/ Vehicle Tactics from Insights. Both were excellent. You won’t be disappointed.

Posted: 12/31/2019 11:01:19 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
I have attended numerous Thunder Ranch courses over the last 10 years, and never heard any such recommendation.

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I'll second that. I was at TR this past summer and it was some of the best training I've ever had. I live 8-9 hours away, and plan on driving for the next class, it's well worth it.

Posted: 1/1/2020 12:58:20 AM EDT

[#26]

Insights. Top notch.

Posted: 1/6/2020 9:31:22 PM EDT

[#27]

Insights Basic and General Defensive Pistol, some knife and combatives classes, many years ago, back when John Holschen was teaching.

Recommend highly, and the 1-day knife class is probably the most value for the money; predicated on the inexpensive Spyderco type knife, with cutting and force on force drills.

They do a good job of validating why they teach what they teach, and the why or evolution of a technique.

Posted: 1/7/2020 12:33:27 AM EDT

[#28]

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I took Insights General Defensive handgun this December. It was outstanding. The instructors were very professional and provided individual coaching when necessary. It was a good mix of range and classroom time. I learned an incredible amount and my shooting abilities improved dramatically. I'm planning on taking more classes with them in the future.

Posted: 1/7/2020 7:57:56 PM EDT

[#29]

I learned a hell of a lot in Insights Street and Vehicle Tactics about defensive gun use. More than half of the scenarios were no shoot, it was a real eye opener.

They do an entire day of force on force with half a dozen people in a simulated retail or vehicle scenario, and nobody knows who the bad or good guy is. It's really interesting.

In one of the force on force scenarios I ended up shooting a bad guy after I feigned submission and his attention was diverted momentarily.

Two things I learned watching the video with Greg after:

- In the heat of the moment, my stupid monkey brain went into fight mode and I left cover, closed range and advanced on him as I shot him, which of course is the exact opposite of what you should do. Quite a few people did this.

- Greg congratulated me on a great weapon clear when my airsoft gun jammed. The craziest part was, I have absolutely no memory of the gun jamming or doing the tap-rack-bang. Even after I watched the video, I saw myself doing it, but don't remember it.

Also, being the bad guy, coming in with guns blazing and yelling at people to hand over their wallets was very stressful. I think I will stick to my day job.

Highly recommended.

Posted: 1/9/2020 4:04:00 PM EDT

[#30]

Scott Satterlee is a 26 year Special Operations Veteran with multiple combat tours, proven leadership capability. Scott retired out of 1st Special Forces Group in 2016 as the lead instructor and chief operations officer for the Special Forces Advanced Urban Combat Course. Scott grew up hunting in the Western states and started competing in NRA Service Rifle in the early 1990s. He continued to compete when possible in High Power, Small Bore and USPSA events throughout his military career. When Precision Rifle started to become popular he found his niche. Scott has been very active in the Precision Rifle Sport for the last 8 years regularly placing in the top ten in matches and as high as 15th in the PRS series. Scott has been developing course curriculum for Long Range shooting for the last 8 years focused on competition and hunting. The courses developed cover the entire spectrum of shooter requirements from beginner to advanced competition prep and high angle back country hunting.

Currently working for Gunwerks LLC as their lead shooting instructor

Owner SSTAC LLC

I have shot at various matches with Scott, and would highly recommend him. There are many excellent shooters, however being able to transmit that knowledge to other people is an entirely different skill set, and Scott is able to do that. And even better, he teaches without an arrogant or condescending attitude toward his students. Just a very skilled and low key instructor.

Scott can also train in other areas than precision rifle.

I have no financial connection with Scott or any of the facilities for which he teaches.

Posted: 2/20/2020 2:33:52 PM EDT

[#31]

And a bump

Posted: 3/9/2020 3:05:47 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:

https://cerberus-training.com/ has an AR armorer and operator course in November, looks interesting.

View Quote

A friend and I did some training with Steve at Cerberus over the weekend. A day on pistols and another on rifles. Steve is a good trainer and has a nice range setup in Goldendale. I can give him a hearty recommendation and will be seeing him again.

Posted: 3/11/2020 10:37:22 AM EDT

[#33]

Quoted:
I’m looking to take some handgun and carbine courses in the near future. It seems that Insight is one of the more popular schools. Has anyone taken a course with them? Any feedback on instructors in our area would be greatly appreciate. I’m located near Bellevue so I’d prefer something in western Washington but I’m open to traveling to Eastern Washington or surrounding states if necessary. Thanks for the feedback!

View Quote

Check out Carry Trainer who will be hosting a class in May, also look him up on Instagram. I will be there and my buddies who have taken his class recommend Carry Trainer.

https://www.carrytrainer.com/shelton-wa-2020/

Posted: 3/11/2020 12:44:32 PM EDT

[#34]

Force Options would be worth looking into, they have several courses in WA this year:

http://www.forceoptions.net/schedule.php

Some may recall Jeff Hall as the Alaska State Trooper from the helo shooting incident back in 1984. Hall hit the perpetrator on the ground 8 times with a burst from an M16. In the exchange, fellow trooper Troy Duncan in the helo next to him (Hall) was shot and killed by the perpetrator shooting from the ground.

Article:

https://www.tactical-life.com/lifestyle/military-and-police/firefight-at-manley/

Boss

Posted: 3/11/2020 1:15:00 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:
Force Options would be worth looking into, they have several courses in WA this year:

http://www.forceoptions.net/schedule.php

Some may recall Jeff Hall as the Alaska State Trooper from the helo shooting incident back in 1984. Hall hit the perpetrator on the ground 8 times with a burst from an M16. In the exchange, fellow trooper Troy Duncan in the helo next to him (Hall) was shot and killed by the perpetrator shooting from the ground.

Article:

https://www.tactical-life.com/lifestyle/military-and-police/firefight-at-manley/

Boss

View Quote

If you want to hear the story from the man firsthand, check out this podcast. I've listened to it several times over. Riveting stuff.
http://proarmspodcast.com/054-jeff-hall-and-the-firefight-at-manley-hot-springs/

Posted: 3/30/2020 2:33:05 PM EDT

[#36]

Another one, tho considerably more narrowly focused - Olympic Tactical.

Any you don't need to necessarily drive out into the sticks of E or S WA to take a courss:.

http://www.olytac.com/

Boss

Posted: 4/9/2020 1:22:40 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:

A friend and I did some training with Steve at Cerberus over the weekend. A day on pistols and another on rifles. Steve is a good trainer and has a nice range setup in Goldendale. I can give him a hearty recommendation and will be seeing him again.

View Quote

How do these guys swing their instruction being so much more affordable than pretty much all the other outfits? The buy in of $150/day seems almost unreal

Posted: 4/10/2020 11:36:52 AM EDT

[#38]

He has his own range and is retired from what I understand. He hosted Bill Blowers a few weeks back.

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