Recomendations for a first carbine class

[Sticks]

Given that I am an experienced pistol shooter, I know and understand the safety/responsibility aspects of shooting...What would be a good entry level carbine class to take?

My rifle long gun skills are probably above a basic NRA rifle course.

I know how the weapon functions, I know how to use the BUIS and optics, my AR is zeroed 50/200, and having shot IDPA for the last 4 years, I can probably deal with pressure, and follow instructions.

[Failure2Stop]

I would recommend an outfit that stresses accuracy and fundamental technical precision.
It's the model I follow in my classes (I'm not self pimping here, I have 0 classes in your area through the end of the year).
You can easily find classes that don't exceed 50 meters, and getting "most" of your shots toward the center of the target is acceptable. These classes are generally fun, don't get me wrong, but they don't really teach a whole hell of a lot.
Read AARs, talk to people that attended the class, shoot with them if they aren't a common/well known name brand. See how they shoot, ask if they got their money's worth.
There are a few very good names in the industry that meet my criteria.

[Sticks]

I would recommend an outfit that stresses accuracy and fundamental technical precision.
It's the model I follow in my classes (I'm not self pimping here, I have 0 classes in your area through the end of the year).
That right there hit the nail on the head. Finding any decent instructors that have classes in CO is a feat in itself, and they are usually local, never heard of them, instructors. Traveling to one of the known national classes is the rub. Tack on typical travel expenses + ammo to a $300 - $700 class (depending on length) and it becomes cost prohibitive. Especially when you work for a company that considers your winter seasonal layoff as your paid vacation (no paid time off during the work year...period).


You can easily find classes that don't exceed 50 meters, and getting "most" of your shots toward the center of the target is acceptable. These classes are generally fun, don't get me wrong, but they don't really teach a whole hell of a lot.
Read AARs, talk to people that attended the class, shoot with them if they aren't a common/well known name brand. See how they shoot, ask if they got their money's worth.
There are a few very good names in the industry that meet my criteria.

Define AAR's please.

Does not help that I don't know many AR shooters. Most of the people I know that shoot locally are through IDPA.

I was piqued by Magpul Dynamics, and would have thought that being a Colorado based company, there would be more classes in CO. Not so much.

I pondered taking a Suarez class in AZ (visit my parents in the process) but this last year their AZ classes were too far from there.

Ideally a 2 or 3 day course anywhere on the east slope of CO would be perfect. Even southern WY or northern NM would be doable. That is about all the drive time I could handle. 6 hours in a vehicle and I will be lucky to walk for the next day.

[Failure2Stop]

AAR= After Action Review
It's a bit of a misnomer, but it's the frequently used term.

Here are some examples:
http://www.m4carbine.net/forumdisplay.php?f=141
A lot of those are class announcements, just look for "AAR" or "Class Review" in the title.

We also have dedicated sub-forums for some outfits:
http://www.m4carbine.net/forumdisplay.php?f=140
at the bottom of the page there are also regional groups.

If you want someone to come out and have a few buddies/internet dudes/whatever that can form the core of the class the instructors/coordinators will be more likely to put you on their schedule. GreyGroup has a lot of instructors under their umbrella as well, might want to take a look at their website or contact them about the possibility of having someone come somewhere close to you.

[Sticks]

Thank you!

I checked the regional, nothing in the CO area, or even close (no surprise).

I will do a search on the AAR's on the classes and see what I can come up with.

I'll have to check my local AR forum and see if there would be any interest in setting up a collective for a class. The usual problem is trying to find a range that will allow it, paying off the range, and the instructor (went through that trying to set up a combat handgun class).

[U.S.Cavalryman]

KellyTTE is in central CO. He has pretty good idea of classes and such going on in your area. He is a local instructor who has done most of the Magpul Dynamics and CSAT classes. Send him a note and he will probably be able to sort thru alot of stuff with you. Although, he might try to put your pistol skills to work....

[Sticks]

KellyTTE is in central CO. He has pretty good idea of classes and such going on in your area. He is a local instructor who has done most of the Magpul Dynamics and CSAT classes. Send him a note and he will probably be able to sort thru alot of stuff with you. Although, he might try to put your pistol skills to work....

Thank you. I will drop him a line.

[nobody knows]

There is a thread around here somewhere that gives tips on setting up a class in your area. I will see if I can find it, it has some good info.

[Sticks]

Thank you. I would appreciate the link.

I did trip over an advanced 2 day carbine class being held in Pueblo CO in March (Mike Pannone - Grey Group). I have signed up for it, and will likely do the North American Rescue first responder class in July (can write that off on work expense).