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AR15.COM
1/26/2016 1:54:37 PM EDT
I'm interested in handgun/concealed carry classes for me and my wife. I've never had any type of formal firearms training and assume that's a good place to start. Anybody recommend a certain person or class?  I'd also like to look into some kind of first aid or trauma class.
1/26/2016 2:26:17 PM EDT
[#1]
Lighthorse Tactical Holds classes in Florence and they cover everything from Basic Handgun through several tactical courses.
 
1/26/2016 3:08:17 PM EDT
[#2]
Larry's holds classes in Huntsville and Madison. Last Resort Guns holds tactical classes.
1/26/2016 4:42:46 PM EDT
[#3]

Quote History
Quoted:


Lighthorse Tactical Holds classes in Florence and they cover everything from Basic Handgun through several tactical courses.  
View Quote




 
+1 for Lighthorse. I need to take some more classes this year.
1/26/2016 8:40:12 PM EDT
[#4]
Quote History
Quoted:
Larry's holds classes in Huntsville and Madison. Last Resort Guns holds tactical classes.
View Quote


I would stay away from Last Resort Guns, the owner supports Obama's EO on Gun control in that he doesn't want private citizens to be able to sell their own personal property without first going through an FFL for a background check. Which of course only benefits people like him. Coincidentally enough they do BG check transfers for $40 in comparison to others stores who average $20-25.

Source and more: Last Resort Arfcom Thread
1/26/2016 10:41:19 PM EDT
[#5]
thanks guys. I was looking at Lighthorse's basic handgun class. I understand it's not a concealed carry class but could y'all explain to me why they require an owb holster? I don't own one and don't ever plan to open carry. Wouldn't you want to train the same way you carry?

Wow, really struggling with this board. What's yalls preference? Tiny print or gigantic print?
1/26/2016 11:41:00 PM EDT
[#6]
Matt Sims is a great instructor. He's between Gadsden and Fort Payne. Don't remember his business name, something along the lines of Alabama Defensive Pistol?

Stay away from Last Resort.

1/27/2016 1:08:05 PM EDT
[#7]


Quote History
Quoted:



thanks guys. I was looking at Lighthorse's basic handgun class. I understand it's not a concealed carry class but could y'all explain to me why they require an owb holster? I don't own one and don't ever plan to open carry. Wouldn't you want to train the same way you carry?





Wow, really struggling with this board. What's yalls preference? Tiny print or gigantic print?
View Quote
The reason for OWB holsters is to provide a measure of uniformity between students as no two people carry concealed the same way. It is easier to unholster/reholster OWB for training purposes in a large class that focuses on the basic handling, safety and use of the handgun. The CCW class they offer is geared more towards the concealment of your handgun and how to deploy that handgun into a defensive situation.

 





What handgun do you plan to use for the class? Perhaps someone has a holster you could borrow.


 
1/27/2016 1:46:10 PM EDT
[#8]
thanks, that makes sense.   Not sure what I should bring for the basic class. I have a glock 23 and 43. Would the 23 be better for this class being a subcompact? I carry the 43 more often so would that be the better choice? Wife will be shooting her Ruger LCP
1/27/2016 2:42:20 PM EDT
[#9]
I would go with the 23 if it were me. Also the instructors at Lighthorse are very responsive to any questions or concerns you may have. Look up Sabre07 here on the forums and talk with him or if you use Facebook check out their page https://www.facebook.com/Lighthorse-Tactical-143489402349377/ and contact them through there.
 
 
1/27/2016 3:59:58 PM EDT
[#10]
Will do. Thanks again.
1/27/2016 7:23:06 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:

Matt Sims is a great instructor. He's between Gadsden and Fort Payne. Don't remember his business name, something along the lines of Alabama Defensive Pistol?

View Quote


Agreed, Matt is a great instructor and a really good guy.


MikeN
1/28/2016 3:42:27 PM EDT
[#12]
+1 for Matt Simms, he is just north of Gadsden

Alabama Defensive Pistol Academy
1/29/2016 4:32:22 PM EDT
[#13]
I'll add Tiger McKee at Shootrite.

Shootrite
1/30/2016 10:04:52 AM EDT
[#14]

Quote History
Quoted:


I'll add Tiger McKee at Shootrite.



Shootrite
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Word! Tiger is absolutely the best. I've taken many classes at Shootrite.

 
2/10/2016 4:34:07 PM EDT
[#15]
I'm a little late getting in on this, but some advice:

1. There is not a major difference in technique between OWB and IWB provided you are carrying IWB on your hip.  If you're carrying in the appendix position, there are some differences that you'll want to talk to the instructor about, but if you're inexperienced enough to take a basic handgun class I wouldn't advise wearing an appendix holster in a class.  The Glock Sport holsters are a good option for your G23 for about $15 if you don't want to spend a lot.

2. I would not want to shoot a LCP in a class personally.  You're going to shoot a few hundred rounds in one day.  While an LCP is not "violent", I think it will get tiresome by the end of the day.  I think you'd get more out of shooting your G23 and letting her borrow your G43, but I'd even consider taking a Lighthorse class and using their loaner 9mm Glocks.  The manual of arms is still essentially the same, and those guns will be easier to shoot all day if you aren't used to shooting higher volumes.
2/10/2016 8:56:42 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote History
Quoted:
Lighthorse Tactical Holds classes in Florence and they cover everything from Basic Handgun through several tactical courses.  
View Quote

+2 Lighthorse. They are good people
2/11/2016 7:34:11 PM EDT
[#17]

Quote History
Quoted:


I'll add Tiger McKee at Shootrite.



Shootrite
View Quote
This. THE BEST



 
2/12/2016 4:16:29 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote History
Quoted:
thanks guys. I was looking at Lighthorse's basic handgun class. I understand it's not a concealed carry class but could y'all explain to me why they require an owb holster? I don't own one and don't ever plan to open carry. Wouldn't you want to train the same way you carry?

Wow, really struggling with this board. What's yalls preference? Tiny print or gigantic print?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
thanks guys. I was looking at Lighthorse's basic handgun class. I understand it's not a concealed carry class but could y'all explain to me why they require an owb holster? I don't own one and don't ever plan to open carry. Wouldn't you want to train the same way you carry?

Wow, really struggling with this board. What's yalls preference? Tiny print or gigantic print?


I've taken instruction from Tiger McKee at Shootrite outside of Guntersville. I use a Milt Sparks VersaMax II IWB. No problem. He offers private instruction which might be the most efficient method for two individuals of similar skills.

Private courses can be setup for individuals or small groups, and with content geared towards your specific needs. Private tutorials are your best value for your time and money since we focus on your needs, and progress at your speed. You are renting the entire range and Tiger's time for yourself. Call for additional information and scheduling.