Recommend a trainer for basic pistol?

[Durandal]

I took a basic pistol class years ago when I bought my first handgun while I was living in Maryland. No formal training since then. When I started shooting IDPA, I realized how piss poor my technique really is. Seems I've ingrained some bad habits over the years that I definitely need to un-learn.

So, can anyone here recommend a trainer that can help me start over from the ground up? Shooting stance, sight picture, draw from concealment, etc. I'm not looking for a one day refresher. Ideally, a full week class would probably do the trick, but I'd like to make sure it's a highly qualified instructor. If you had the choice, who would you choose?

[evilash]

I would choose a 22 pistol and 1,000 rounds of ammo...

you will self correct by becoming familiar with the gun, how to hold, where you are hitting...

I trained myself this way with a rifle (Romanian m-69 that I bought at dunhams for 50 dollars in 2001) then took my stance to a 9mm pistol and within 100 rounds I was pretty accurate.

[IV_Warrior]

I would choose a 22 pistol and 1,000 rounds of ammo...

you will self correct by becoming familiar with the gun, how to hold, where you are hitting...

Not necessarily. The old "practice makes perfect" line is BS. PERFECT practice makes perfect, but if you're not focusing on perfection, you're just going to continue your bad habits. Especially if you don't have someone watching you, pointing out those bad habits.

Unfortunately for the OP, I don't know anyone down that direction. If you're shooting IDPA, I'd also ask the people at the matches for recommendations.

[Lycanthrope]

If you can, find some Masters and shoot with them. Ask a lot of questions. There are a lot of trainers out there with good credentials that are not good at gun games.

It seems like you're looking for technical information about the mechanics of shooting and there is only one website for that:

http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?act=idx

There is no deeper pool of talent....anywhere. There are tons of threads regarding grip, stance, sight picture.......Brian Enos also has an EXCELLENT book you can purchase on that site. (Practical Shooting: Beyond Fundamentals").

Honestly, I'd read that book BEFORE I went for any kind of training. You'll acquire a better base and can then learn more advanced techniques from a good instructor. Or maybe not..... That book helped take me to Master class without training.

Lycangoodluckthrope

[Glockman]

One of the most experienced trainers around is in the Easton area.

Check www.gunskills.com

[panzer5a]

The SIG Sauer Academy offers a lot of classes:

http://www.sigsaueracademy.com/Cours...s.aspx?ccid=10

Most of their courses are at their facility in Epping, NH, but they do offer some in other locations. I'm planning on taking a couple when they offer them in Rochester, NY this summer.

[Shawn.L]

I,m not clear if you want training for the games specifically or for SD applications.

if for SD then
http://www.fireinstitute.org/

[synergy]

Vickers Tactical or InSights. Either outfit will give you SUPER solid fundamentals.

[LightningMcQueen784]

+1 for FIRE Institute. They have good resources, and the courses are fantastic. They bring in big name trainers who really know what they're doing from all over the country.