Hello, everyone.

I am newly minted owner of an AR-15/M4 Carbine who would like to become better acquainted with this weapon system.

I bought this rifle primarily for home defense.

I am looking for advice on affordable hands-on training and instruction available within driving distance of metro Atlanta.

I have been watching the Magpul "Art of the Carbine" DVD and YouTube videos from Haley Strategic, Vickers Tactical, Tactical Response and others.

It seems to me that a live and hands-on training class would be helpful in moving me up the learning curve more rapidly.

Unfortunately, for the next 6-8 months, the cost of the training, lodging, and transportation to any of these facilities will destroy what little budget I have left after the purchase of this carbine, BUIS, weapon light, a sling, and 500 rounds of .223 ammo.

Any advice on a training protocol, local instructors, and/or regional training facilities will be greatly appreciated.

You close to Tallahassee at all?  I'm planning to take a class or two once he gets some more classes open
http://signal-0.com/Classes_AR15Advanced.aspx

Classes are very reasonable priced, I think under $100 for 2 days.

If you are in AL then Frank Proctor is who you seek.

Thanks for the plug...

I'll be putting on affordable/quality classes after the New Year. With Clay Martin coming in December, a new assignment/promotion at work, hunting season, and other training events I've gone to personally, I'm too busy to do anything before the New Year.

I'm not a household name, I have no fancy trade-mark tricks or gimmicks, but I feel we offer a solid lesson plan. To learn more us, check feedback, and see what we do click here -----------------> Signal-0  

We like to cook out after class and have social hour... meet like minded people... maybe try out each others range toys... etc. Based on space available, I also offer free lodging in the hunt camp.

I'm just south of the GA line, just south of Thomasville.

https://www.maxvelocitytactical.com/
holding a classes monthly  

I'm in the Atlanta area and can help with the basics (I build my own and used to shoot highpower rifle, in addition to some .mil experience).  cmshoot is not far from me (he's in Dallas, GA) and teaches more in-depth classes, including tactical employment, he's a former Marine scout/sniper, SWAT officer with an Atlanta-area PD (Marietta, IIRC), and currently a Federal agent and DHS instructor.  I don't see a carbine class on Shep's (cmshoot's) web page right now, but I'm sure he'll set one up if there is demand, he has several ranges he uses, one west of Atlanta and one in Tennessee (where he can do long range shooting).

Lighthorse tactical in Calera AL has a basic AR class in January but I think its full. I would contact them and see if anyone drops

http://www.lighthorsetactical.com/

Talon Defense is doing a Carbine manipulation class in March.

https://www.facebook.com/events/104514236715390/

Oooooohh... I have family in TLH.  Would make a good excuse to knock out two things at once...  can't make the class this weekend though.  Mabye another time...

Same. Trained with both.  Highly recommended

This is a great one.  Just got back from there.
http://www.libertyfirearmtraining.com/


It's just outside Savannah.   Not a bad place.

Tell mark Dennis sent you.

Let it do... http://www.wayofthegun.us/training-schedule/

Valor Ridge - I was just there for "Rifleman 1" in early March and it was fantastic!

Tactical Response - Fighting Rifle

The advanced class is worth the extra $

Another +1 for Signal -0. Great instructor!

My former Police LT, who's now a chief, is involved in a pretty good group of instructors also.  Their Defensive Carbine course is pretty dang good, located in the Savannah, Ga area.

Global Tactical Training Group

Shootrite

Here's another one to look at. I've never been, but a couple friends have said good things about it.

IronClad is in Lawrenceville.  www.ironcladft.com