Current state of economy and training enrollment

[YVK]

We've had somewhat similar discussion in general terms; this one has to do with training specifically.

Last three classes in my area (ID/MT/UT/NV) that I tried to take were cancelled due to poor enrollment. All three classes were to be given by different and reputable training outfits.

Are you guys seeing the same pattern around the country, or this is just a local phenomenon?

Is there a pattern of geographic compartmentalization, where training still happens in established "strongholds", but doesn't penetrate into new places?

I feel that we, as a community, should resist it as much as we can. It is certainly hard on people to pay for training these days, but economy is not going get better any time soon, and ammo situation is going to suck for a long time. From the prospective of an individual student, the notion to "sit it out till things get better' is naive, I think. And for the trainers/instructors I think it is important to keep the train rolling. I understand it is business, not charity, and I am not suggesting for them to get in red ink just for the love of their jobs. But, if you're at least breaking even, you might consider not shutting down the class 'cause doing so will only promote recession in firearms training.

I guess that was a rant, wasn't it?

[NCPatrolAR]

A reduction is happening across the board; not just in one specific area. One of the citizen front; many arent taking part due to: costs, not wanting to use their hoarded ammo, no desire to train (has always existed), etc. On the government front, training has slowed due to agencies cutting out training in order to save money (always happens).


Most instructors that I've seen arent canceling classes unless they absolutely have to. I've seen some places that have had huge mark-ups in their prices and are now forced to teach on the road classes with only 3-4 shooters in the class. Companies like this might soon go the way of the DoDo Bird.

[Magsz]

I think that in another year only the best of the best trainers will still be putting classes on, or at the very least, we will only have a few shining stars out there.

In todays day and age, i cannot take a class to determine whether or not its a good fit for me. I have to be very selected with who my money is spent or else i risk simply paying a shit ton of money for range time and walking away with no more tools to add to the toolbox.

Im only 25, ive got less than a handful of classes under my belt but ive already planned out my training schedule for this year and simply cannot deviate from it.

Now that ammo is cresting the 400 dollar mark for rifle munitions (.223) ive found that i cannot throw in a random class or two to "try on for fit".

I believe after this year is up ill probably end up only taking 1-2 carbine classes next year and the rest of my training will be on the pistol.

Its unfortunate as i am a new shooter and wish i had gotten into the game 2-3 years ago when the going wasnt necessarily good but it was at least better, read, cheaper.

Then again 2-3 years ago alot of the civilian trainers werent really as prominent and i probably wouldnt have been inclined to take classes with guys i didnt even know exist.

To deviate from my own personal options, i will say that the Magpul Dynamics classes down here are selling out in a heartbeat.

[YVK]

To deviate from my own personal options, i will say that the Magpul Dynamics classes down here are selling out in a heartbeat.

One of the three cancelled classes that I've mentioned in my initial post was a Magpul Dynamics class. It is disheartening and worrisome that even some of more reputable and best-marketed instructors can't generate enough turnout.

[YVK]

Double-tap, mods - please delete this entry if you can.

[Iraq Ninja]

One of the three cancelled classes that I've mentioned in my initial post was a Magpul Dynamics class. It is disheartening and worrisome that even some of more reputable and best-marketed instructors can't generate enough turnout.

Was this before or after the DVD came out? That was probably the best advertisement they could have done.

[VA_Dinger]

I have not seen any issues so far. All the Vickers Tactical classes that I handle have been filling up nicely.

Larry also decided in late 2008 to help everyone out in this economy by not raising his prices for 2009.

[VA_Dinger]

I've seen some places that have had huge mark-ups in their prices and are now forced to teach on the road classes with only 3-4 shooters in the class. Companies like this might soon go the way of the DoDo Bird.

I would have to agree.

[LonghunterCO]

Was this before or after the DVD came out? That was probably the best advertisement they could have done.

USMC03- posted earlier this week that the Publeo Colorado Magpul class only had one open slot left (it is not until mid-June). DVD and the fact that it is basic and advanced in one extended weekend course probably have something to do with it.

[RogerinTPA]

It's unfortunate that classes are being canceled for low attendance. One should look at the reputation of a trainer before selecting a course to attend. Last Nov, there was only 6 people in the LAV Basic Pistol and Carbine course in at ATS Camp Ares. Larry didn't cancel on us and we pressed on with some outstanding training. That alone, spoke volumes about Larry's character and what a stand up guy he is in keeping his word. He is one of a few real deal trainers out there that I would look forward to training with again and again.

I was looking forward to taking a Magpul carbine course when they cycled back through FL. Hopefully, the attendance will be higher and they won't cancel out.