Best Class for Concealed Carry?

[ColdDeadHands]

I'm planing on taking my first class in a couple of months so I'm looking to get some insight here on where to go. I know there is no 'best' but where do you guys recommend I go for a class geared towards concealed carry / defensive handgun? It would be nice if low light would be included as that is where most shootings happen apparently. In Texas would be nice but not a must. I also can't afford a class that costs $1000 or more.

[M4arc]

Well if you can make it up this way (Virginia) Dave Pennington teaches a two-day CCW class that is outstanding!

[ColdDeadHands]

Thanks for the tip but 1200 miles is a bit far. I've read the AAR and his class seems to be just what I'm looking for. Maybe we Texans can get him to come visit this great State!

[Complication]

I can count on one hand the classes I've been to, so take this for what it's worth:

My only pistol training has been at an M4C regional shoot and Grant's Defensive Pistol 101. Besides nominal non-member range fees, they've been free, so they're not your typical $600, 2000-round count classes. But all the same, they've been invaluable to me. I'm willing to bet you'll learn more, faster in a class where you're shooting for 8-10 hours a day for 2 days straight and putting a few thousands rounds downrange than the 8 or so hours I've had and the 200-rounds I've shot during them. But don't pass up free-ish classes taught by decent instructors at a nearby gun club.

There's pro's and con's to shooting for a couple hours, going home and running drills by yourself for a few of weeks, and then coming back next month for the next 3-hour class. But it sure is a hell of a lot cheaper than a big single weekend class.

Also, I know The_Katar, who is up around my area somewhere, gets together with folks in the region for little 1-on-1 sessions. You might want to look for someone in your regional forum who has a lot of expertise and might be able to give you a lot of quality and inexpensive attention and then save your money up for a go-fast CCW class next year once you're 100% on the fundamentals and the small stuff (though I get the sense that it's ALL fundamentals and small stuff).

Those are just the contributions from a newbie to this all, though.

[ColdDeadHands]

Mast Solutions holds classes here in Houston but I've kept track of the regional forum and there doesn't seem to go much on here regarding free-ish...a shame really.

[mikeyd501]

Seek out Jeff Gonzales, he's in Texas.

http://tridentconcepts.com/default.aspx

Mike

[andy t]

I would highly recommend Tom Givens as well. IMO Jeff Gonzalez's class is not the first choice for concealed carry.

[ColdDeadHands]

I would highly recommend Tom Givens as well. IMO Jeff Gonzalez's class is not the first choice for concealed carry.

I agree, reading the course description didn't reveal any concealed carry hints.

[andy t]

You may also look into the United States Shooting Academy in OK.
They apparently have a great facility and offer a 5 day comprehensive program.

[mikeyd501]

I agree, reading the course description didn't reveal any concealed carry hints.

My mistake. I thought you wanted to learn how to fight with a pistol. Now that I know all you wanted was to learn how to conceal it, I can help.

Untuck your shirt.

Good luck in your quest!

Mike