Lethal Weapons Academy Handgun 101

[TimmyB814]

I am wondering if anyone here is going to the LWTA Handgun 101 class at Bob's Gun Shop, McKean PA on 11/20/11. I was also interested to see if anyone here has attended this class and how their experience / feedback was.

[ar15jules]

Welcome to the forum. I have heard some good things about Bob's classes. Let us know how it goes. I am also in Erie. Where do you normally shoot?
Jules

[TimmyB814]

I have only been a handgun owner for a little over a month. Prior to that had a .22 rifle. I have been to sgl 109 and Bob's. With all the recent shootings in Erie I have determined it is time to train and carry. Do you know of any other places that offer training in this area?

[Orive 8]

I'm down the road a bit (Pittsburgh area), but always interested to hear/read about good training.

Please let us know of your experience with Lethal Weapons Academy.

[Rexaroonie]

TimmyB814, I took the class, probably 12-15 years ago. I would highly recommend it. I think it would be perfect for you, being a new handgun owner.

[TimmyB814]

Rex, Thanks for the advice. Have you completed any other training in the area that I could look in to? I would like to schedule something for myself at least every other month until I am comfortable and posses an adequate skill set.

[Truckman]

For basic weapon safety courses, you could attend a hunter safety course. Should be plenty around, since the season's coming up.

[Rexaroonie]

Tim, You'll have to ask Bob about other classes. Back when I took the class, Bob was having "Combat Shoots" on Monday nights. I learned alot at them, very humbling. You can't believe how many mistakes and bad shots you can make under pressure. I wish he still had them, lots of fun, and very helpful. Also, check out Gem City Gun Club in Harborcreek.

[ChuckS]

Originally Posted by TimmyB814

I was also interested to see if anyone here has attended this class and how their experience / feedback was.

I took the HG101 class in 2006 or 2007...good introductory class with plenty of range time. Good for a novice.

For more advanced training, consider the HG201 class. Bob usually schedules one in late June. I ttok that class in 2010....fantastic. Learned much, shot loads of rounds 700+ in two days.

Here is synopsis of HG201:

Day 1 Morning

Class introductions.
Bob McDowell with Mark Shultz, Dave Burlingame
Recommended Dave Grossman’s – On Killing

Classroom discussion
Reviewed various guns brought by students.
Four cocking methods: hammer, trigger, slide, squeeze
OODA loop
OBSERVE
ORIENT
DECIDE
ACT

To RANGE
Stance, grip, draw from holster, reholster (5-10yds)


Day 1 Afternoon
Reload
Reload from slide lock: use mag with 1-2 rounds
Reload tactical: 1-2 shots then reload after 360° scan

Malfunction drills
Tap, rack, roll: used dummy rounds
Extended tap, rack, roll (double feed): empty in chamber rack one on top
[Lock back, remove mag and hold, remove round-multiple racking]

One hand (strong side)

Day 2 Morning
Warm up with slide lock reload: use mag with 1-2 rounds

Movement:
1 step right
1 step left

Position:
Kneel (15-25-35 yd)
Double down
High kneel (my preferred)
Low kneel (stabilizing)

Concealment:
Kneel from concealment
Prone from concealment
On side Army position (my preferred)


Day 2 Afternoon

Movement
Forward: heel to toe, small steps. Started at slow, then faster, then fast
Backward: same as above
Fast movement (trot/walk) to right: modified Weaver, pistol much closer
Fast movement (trot/walk) to left: hand against chest, one handed

Oh shit drills (point and shoot, no sights)
From hip
From arms length – punch
From contact distance with backward movement

Scenario
Exit van from non drivers-side…and that's all I'll reveal about that

[ChuckS]

Originally Posted by Rexaroonie

....Also, check out Gem City Gun Club in Harborcreek.

I believe I read about Gem City Gun Club scheduling an NRA pistol course soon, maybe next weekend? That might be another good option too.