- Joined
- Sep 30, 2009
- Messages
- 2,351
I recently decided to get my concealed carry permit (from another state, still not an option for us here in Illinois) and thought it would be a good idea to get some training in the defensive use of the pistol. I have been a shooter for a long time, but the bulk of my practice has been done from a static position on a range. The only training I've had before this was the qualification course I shot in the military.
As I said, with most of my handgun shooting being done at a range, I had very little experience drawing, shooting at close range, shooting while moving, reloading, etc. which is why I decided I should start with the basics and develop from there. I decided to take the Fundamental Semi-automatic Handgun course offered by Alan Purpura of Civilian Combat LLC.
The class was actually a one on one with Al, which was awesome. We started out with about three hours of classroom work, covering all the basics of safe handling, grip, stance, malfunction clearing, sight picture, drawing, etc. The grip utilized in Al's system was a new one for me as he employs the "Thumbs Forward" grip. It puts your hands high on the frame with both thumbs pointing forward, resting along the slide. It took a bit of time for me to get used to it but it proved to be highly effective on the range.
As we worked through the classroom portion, Al was a great teacher, correcting what I did wrong and complimenting what I did right. After several practice runs, the grip began to feel more and more natural and the draw became smoother and faster. Safe handling practices were reinforced throughout the training and I even learned some new procedures to guard against an accidental discharge. The class materials were well thought out and easy to understand and follow. The dry fire and handling drills served to reinforce the manual.
After a bit of a break where I showed Al a few knives I had brought along (of course the bulk were JKs) we enjoyed a nice lunch and chatted further about combat mindset, alertness and some of Al's other training offerings, it was time to hit the range.
Al provided an S&W M&P 9 mm for me to use along with holster and mag pouches. We started off at about three yards, working on a smooth draw and quick shots to center mass. After my first twenty or so rounds produced a fist sized group on the silhouette, Al saw that while I am not exactly an "operator", my skill level was above a beginner. This is when things got really interesting! Al would explain the drill, walk me through it, demonstrate it once himself And then observe and comment on my performance. We worked on drills at contact distance that began with a quick finger jab to the target's eye area followed with a quick step to the side and rear while drawing, indexing and firing multiple shots. We fired six shot strings starting with the gun at high ready and firing while extending the arms forward. This was very different for me as the starting position has the first shot going off pretty much right under your face.
We ran drills with movement, moving between positions of concealment. We worked on addressing targets from the side and starting with your back to the threat, pivoting "into the known" while drawing and then firing. All the drills were very realistic interpretations of situations that someone using a handgun for defense might face.
It was an enjoyable and valuable experience in every respect. Al was a great teacher and his own skill level is very impressive. He recognized that I was capable of a bit more than what he typically works on in the Fundamentals class and changed the training midstream to push my shooting to a new level.
The class was not only incredibly fun, it also gave my confidenence in my ability to defend myself and my family a huge boost. While I still have a lot to work on, Al's class has given me a very solid foundation to build on. I plan on continuing my training and practicing at home on a regular basis. If you carry or own a firearm I highly recommend both Al's classes and training in general. Spend the time to learn and practice, it may just give you the edge if, god forbid, you ever need to use that weapon in a lethal force situation.
As I said, with most of my handgun shooting being done at a range, I had very little experience drawing, shooting at close range, shooting while moving, reloading, etc. which is why I decided I should start with the basics and develop from there. I decided to take the Fundamental Semi-automatic Handgun course offered by Alan Purpura of Civilian Combat LLC.
The class was actually a one on one with Al, which was awesome. We started out with about three hours of classroom work, covering all the basics of safe handling, grip, stance, malfunction clearing, sight picture, drawing, etc. The grip utilized in Al's system was a new one for me as he employs the "Thumbs Forward" grip. It puts your hands high on the frame with both thumbs pointing forward, resting along the slide. It took a bit of time for me to get used to it but it proved to be highly effective on the range.
As we worked through the classroom portion, Al was a great teacher, correcting what I did wrong and complimenting what I did right. After several practice runs, the grip began to feel more and more natural and the draw became smoother and faster. Safe handling practices were reinforced throughout the training and I even learned some new procedures to guard against an accidental discharge. The class materials were well thought out and easy to understand and follow. The dry fire and handling drills served to reinforce the manual.
After a bit of a break where I showed Al a few knives I had brought along (of course the bulk were JKs) we enjoyed a nice lunch and chatted further about combat mindset, alertness and some of Al's other training offerings, it was time to hit the range.
Al provided an S&W M&P 9 mm for me to use along with holster and mag pouches. We started off at about three yards, working on a smooth draw and quick shots to center mass. After my first twenty or so rounds produced a fist sized group on the silhouette, Al saw that while I am not exactly an "operator", my skill level was above a beginner. This is when things got really interesting! Al would explain the drill, walk me through it, demonstrate it once himself And then observe and comment on my performance. We worked on drills at contact distance that began with a quick finger jab to the target's eye area followed with a quick step to the side and rear while drawing, indexing and firing multiple shots. We fired six shot strings starting with the gun at high ready and firing while extending the arms forward. This was very different for me as the starting position has the first shot going off pretty much right under your face.
We ran drills with movement, moving between positions of concealment. We worked on addressing targets from the side and starting with your back to the threat, pivoting "into the known" while drawing and then firing. All the drills were very realistic interpretations of situations that someone using a handgun for defense might face.
It was an enjoyable and valuable experience in every respect. Al was a great teacher and his own skill level is very impressive. He recognized that I was capable of a bit more than what he typically works on in the Fundamentals class and changed the training midstream to push my shooting to a new level.
The class was not only incredibly fun, it also gave my confidenence in my ability to defend myself and my family a huge boost. While I still have a lot to work on, Al's class has given me a very solid foundation to build on. I plan on continuing my training and practicing at home on a regular basis. If you carry or own a firearm I highly recommend both Al's classes and training in general. Spend the time to learn and practice, it may just give you the edge if, god forbid, you ever need to use that weapon in a lethal force situation.
