Defensive Handgun Training - Looking for something soon

**ungawa** · July 3rd, 2009, 12:04 PM

This will be my first handgun class (unless you count Utah CC with firing requirement). I am looking for something soon. I found these:

NRA Outside the Home - 2 days, $240 - http://forum.pafoa.org/training-cour...th-2009-a.html

Insights GDH - 2 days, $350 - http://www.insightstraining.com/view...p?courseID=146

The insights class will require a hotel stay so it's substantially more money all around. Thoughts? Other options in the near future?

Thanks

**TonyF** · July 3rd, 2009, 12:43 PM

No contest. Choose InSights.

**mjfletcher** · July 3rd, 2009, 01:00 PM

My recommendation is get as much training as you can. I plan to take multiple courses as time and money allow.

Here's what the NRA says about their course:
http://www.nrahq.org/education/Train...ning.asp#ppoth
(Bold and Italic is theirs)

The NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home Course is both comprehensive and intensive in its approach to equip the defensive shooting candidate with the skills needed to survive serious adversity. The course teaches students the knowledge, skills and attitude essential for avoiding dangerous confrontations and for the safe, effective and responsible use of a concealed pistol for self-defense outside the home. Students have the opportunity to attend this course using a quality strong side hip holster that covers the trigger, or a holster purse. From a review of safe firearms handling and proper mindset to presentation from concealment and multiple shooting positions, this course contains the essential skills and techniques needed to prevail in a life-threatening situation.

The NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home is divided into two levels (basic and advanced). Level one is a nine-hour course and offers the essential knowledge and skills that must be mastered in order to carry, store, and use a firearm safely and effectively for personal protection outside the home. Upon completion of level one, students may choose to attend level two, which is an additional five hours of range training and teaches advanced shooting skills. After the classroom portion, students should expect to spend several hours on the range and shoot approximately 100 rounds of ammunition during level one. Level two involves five additional hours on the range and approximately 115 rounds of ammunition. The ammunition requirements are minimum and may be exceeded. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure and the appropriate course completion certificates(s), NRA Basic Personal Protection Outside The Home (identifies strong-side hip holster or purse use) certificate, and NRA Advanced Personal Protection Outside The Home certificate.
(Lesson Plan 2006, revised 5/09)

The NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home participants in this course must be at least 21 years of age and possess defensive pistol skills presented in the NRA Basics of Personal Protection In The Home Course. Participants must also understand the basic legal concepts relating to the use of firearms in self-defense, and must know and observe not only general gun safety rules, but also those safety principles that are specific to defensive situations. Prospective participants can demonstrate that they have the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes by producing an NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home Course Certificate, or by passing the pre-course evaluation.

Note: The Lesson III of the Personal Protection In and Outside The Home courses Firearms and the Law, and Legal Aspects of Self-Defense is conducted by an attorney licensed to practice law within the state in which this course is given and who is familiar with this area of the law, a Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) who possesses an intermediate or higher Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certificate granted within the state, or an individual currently certified to instruct in this area of the law by the state in which this course is presented.

NRA Certified Instructors may conduct this lesson only if they meet the requirements stated above and then only in their capacity as an attorney, or other state certified individual not in their capacity as an NRA Certified Instructor.

**zoom** · July 3rd, 2009, 01:51 PM

I would go with the Insights class, hands down.

**Palerider** · July 3rd, 2009, 02:19 PM

I took the Insights GDH course in Harrisburg. Wasn't sure what my expectations were, but I can tell after day 1, I already felt that I got my money's worth. Very pleased with how they mix instruction and range time. Also liked how the course 'builds' from one skill to the next. I shot ~700 rounds in the 2 days.

I practice regularly the skills taught and am far more comfortable with my capabilities after taking the course.

I highly recommend it and plan on taking more advanced classes as funds and time permit.

**ungawa** · July 3rd, 2009, 03:11 PM

Thanks guys!

I also found this option, which would save me some money and time:

CENTER AXIS RE-LOCK/IPD Handgun - 2 days $300 - http://forum.pafoa.org/training-cour...l-handgun.html

Is InSight still strongly recommended above this one?

Thanks.