Carbine class: If you could pick only one......

[abnartyguy]

I'd say Vickers, you can learn in two days in what others take a couple more days to do, more bang for the buck! Later!
-Zef M.

[Charles]

...which class and which instructor would you pick? I'm still fairly new to the AR and would like to take a class. There are so many companies and instructors, I thought you guys that have taken many classes could narrow it down for me. I'm looking to become more familiar with my AR, as well as learning the fundamentals of tactics, drills, etc. I can afford one class....hopefully one in the 4-500 dollar range. Opinions, recommendations, and personal experience are all very helpful. Thanks.

I should have asked this to begin with... What do you want out of the course?

[petey1]

Well......I've kind of changed course and decided to take a pistol class from Randy Cain. Carbine will come a little later. I'm going to sign up for his Tactical Handgun 101. I figured I use the handgun more often than the AR and could use some training to correct any bad habits. The course is also only 2-3 hours away, which is a real plus. Thanks again to all that have replied

[Jay Cunningham]

I figured I use the handgun more often than the AR and could use some training to correct any bad habits.

You are a wise man to refocus on handgun, IMO.

[rob_s]

Well......I've kind of changed course and decided to take a pistol class from Randy Cain. Carbine will come a little later. I'm going to sign up for his Tactical Handgun 101. I figured I use the handgun more often than the AR and could use some training to correct any bad habits. The course is also only 2-3 hours away, which is a real plus. Thanks again to all that have replied

Randy's Handgun 101 is a phenomenal class and a fantastic choice as a first training class. There are guys I know that go back and take 101 at least once a year. You will not regret this class.

Also, his carbine class is really just Handgun 101 but with a rifle and some long-range stuff and different positions. Everything that he tells you in 101 applies to the carbine as well.

[R Moran]

I've taken carbine classes from in no particular order,
Thunder Ranch
Paul Howe
Pat Rogers
Jeff Gonzales
Larry Vickers

The only one I would not go back to is TR, its still a good course, for someone new to the carbine though.

These were all targets of oppurtunity, I would look at the individual training schedules of these and the other instructors, compare it to your schedule, and go from there. Take into account travel time, etc.

Talk to the instructors, and be honest about your skill level, and they will help you decide if they offer a class that would be beneficial to you.

All things being equal, I would not pass up one becuase, some one other then me or the instructor felt it wasn't a good first class for me.

In general, I take what I can get, when I can get it.

Bob

[30 cal slut]

+1 for LAV.

I'm surprised nobody mentioned Blackwater (5-day pistol / carbine).

Has anyone here taken it yet? (Or have I opened up a can of worms?)

[NCPatrolAR]

I havent done the 3 day carbine/2 day pistol course at BW, but I did go through the 5 day carbine operator school a few years ago. It was a great course that took you from the ground floor to a decent level. I wouldnt have a problem recommending it to someone.

[Sidewinder6]

I havent done the 3 day carbine/2 day pistol course at BW, but I did go through the 5 day carbine operator school a few years ago. It was a great course that took you from the ground floor to a decent level. I wouldnt have a problem recommending it to someone.

About these people; After heaaring their facility is one of the best in the country, I sent them an e-mail to enroll in a course and am still waiting for an answer. Then never got back to me.

Im less interested these days as there are some other courses Id rather attend.

[yasnevo]

Gads, that is like saying, if you could have just one corn chip out of all of them, what would it be? I mean, I like Doritos, but Tostitos are also good... and crap, I can just have one...not a whole bag, and I can't have anymore, ever...

No one class will teach you everything. Each one that I have attended I have taken bits and pieces from.

To date, I have trained with Jeff Gonzales, Paul Howe, Pat Rogers, Max Joseph, for carbine specific classes. I have attended courses at Blackwater Training Center, TEES, TFTT that were carbine intensive... and again, they all added to the over all picture.

Just my .02 centavos worth...

Y-