Follow Up to my Defensive Firearms Coach Training, previous post

Ok, five days later…I’ve gotten some comments and messages.  I want to be very clear that I am not, in any way, disparaging the training, the instructors or the course.  Was it tough, absolutely!  Do I want to repeat that experience?  Well, I did want to get certified to teach Combat Focus Shooting, so I’m hoping this is like child birth where you forget how much it hurts so you can do it again.

The teaching methodology is a valid and accepted method.  It generally appeals to men between 20 and 40.  That is probably the major demographic for this training.  I am not in the demographic, so it was stubbornness and ego that kept me going. 

Five days out and I was telling someone about the course and realized I could still recite many of the principles and concepts, verbatim.  I have yet to type up my notes, probably this weekend.  That tells me I retained more information that I thought possible from a 3 day class. 

So, what is the objective of the training, to teach me something important that I can use and share or let me have fun for three days?  Mission accomplished, I learned a lot!  I will have even more when I go back through my notes again and put them into an order that makes sense.

I want to assure everyone that I have the utmost respect for Rob Pincus, Combat Focus Shooting and I.C.E. Training.  I have even more respect for the my instructors, Jamie and Paul.  When I was at my lowest point, they quietly gave me encouragement.

I can’t wait to teach this class, Introduction to Defensive Handguns.  It has amazing information and even if you only have a gun to defend your home, I believe the information in the class could save lives.

Thank you for your comments and support.

Safe Shooting!

Should I Buy a Gun for my Significant Other for Christmas?

Thinking of a new toy for your significant other?  Do they want one or do you want them to have one?  So often people come to a beginner class with a gun their SO (usually Husband) bought for them.  I’ve seen women come in with a Desert Eagle, a Judge, and a Ruger LCP (or similar .380 “pocket pistols”).  These are women who have never shot before!  I’m sure there are a few men in this category, but I haven’t had one admit it (although I did buy my husband a shotgun for home defense without talking to him first but he loves it).

Common theme?  Buying what you want, or want them to have, not what is best for their partner.  I don’t know very many women who really want a Desert Eagle.  Me, I like my 9mm.  For a new shooter, or to introduce someone to shooting, you don’t want to start them without something that is overpowering or so tiny it is difficult to control.  A .44 Magnum is probably not a great start, either.  A Double Action Revolver, with a 12 pound trigger pull is also not a great way to start.  Those are for after you master the basics, if you really feel the need. 

A gun must fit securely in the hand.  Can you really judge for someone else what is a comfortable and secure fit?  No!  Your SO needs to first, have an interest and be willing to at least consider it, otherwise is a bit like giving your SO golf clubs in your size.  Second, let them participate in the shopping experience, trying a gun in the hand, getting comfortable...  This goes for holsters, too!  Unless they have told you what they want…don’t go there.  There is a reason most of us have “the holster bag”.

I know, it takes the fun out of it, doesn’t it?  Consider, instead, a gift certificate to a training class.  A NRA First Steps class (you don’t need to own a gun to take the class) is a great way to start and they are offered all across the country.  If you are feeling a little bolder, a Combat Focus Shooting class (probably should have the gun, or arrange in advance with the instructor to borrow gear) teaches great defensive techniques and accommodates all skill levels.  Both of these courses, and more, are offered in the Northern Virginia area by Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC., but you can also find them at the embedded links above.

Follow up with a promise to take them shopping for their first gun. You always remember your first, you should have some say in what it is.

Wishing you Safe and Happy Holidays!!

Review of Fundamentals of Combat Focus Shooting Course

Fundamentals of CFS is a one day course, offered in Northern Virginia by Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC.  If you don’t know me I’m female, over 50, and an experienced shooter / instructor.  I was excited to get to take this class.  There were 10 students ranging from a young woman who had never drawn from a holster to very experienced shooters.  I had never taken a defensive firearms class before.  My first reaction was WOW!  My second reaction, at the end of the day, was OW!

This was a great class. The instructors were patient, helpful and extremely knowledgeable (and no, I didn’t know all of them, LOL).  The class started with fundamental skills and quickly built on those, mastering one new aspect at a time and building up to the final drills.  I learned so much that it wasn’t until the very end that I realized how much I had learned. 

The instructors focused on something that was a new concept to me.  We didn’t all have the same “performance goals”, they recognized that we are all starting in different places.  Some were amazing shooters, some were more tentative, not quite as accurate.  We were building skills to help us defend ourselves, not trying to hit a 10 ring.  This was a great approach because if allowed all of us to be successful without being measured against each other.  The instructors were constantly walking up and down the line, sharing advice, offering tips, making minor corrections and offering the occasional encouragement, as well as pointing out errors.  Safety was a constant, every new skill included an explanation of how to perform it incorporate it safely. 

When I first starting looking into the class I was put off by the word “Combat”.  Then I realized, combat is a fight for your life, and if I’ve drawn my gun, I’m fighting for my life.  Also, I thought, this would be a great class for an experienced shooter to take their skills to the next level.  I was half wrong.  This is a great class for ANY shooter to enhance their defensive skills.  I watched a relatively new shooter blossom and grow more confident as the day went on, getting accurate hits on target and moving and drawing smoothly.  I, personally, saw my accuracy improving, my drawing getting faster, my reloads getting smoother….and my threat recognition, which I had never worked on, went from zero to sixty!

This class covers so much it is difficult to describe it all.  But at the end of the day I was tired, sore, and thinking to myself…I WANT TO DO IT AGAIN!!!  I think of all I learned in one class, wow, if I take it again, how much more will I get out of it?  There was so much, and it is structured to your individual level, that now that I (I think) have moved up a notch, taking it again will offer new challenges and a chance to get even better.

I also know that I will incorporate some of the skills into my teaching, tips on lateral movement, threat recognition, drawing and firing, scanning and assessing slowly enough to actually see what is behind me but fast enough not to lose track of what is in front of me. 

Ladies, this is an especially great class for women because it will build confidence in a way I didn’t think was possible in one day.  I’ve been shooting, and carrying a long time.  This class taught me things I had never thought about.  I was pushed past my comfort zone, by caring instructors who wanted me, and everyone else to excel to the best of my ability.  I was encouraged by these same instructors.  I felt I held my own with the guys, even the young ones.  I might not have moved quite as fast, but I was drawing, and getting hits on target right next to them. 

Bottom line, if you use a gun for personal defense, either in your home or carry out in the real world, I strongly encourage you to find and take a CFS class.  You will be amazed.  The inexpereinced shooters came away with a new appreciation of their skills.  The experienced shooters, one of whom was Law Enforcement, admitted that the drills were new to him and he learned a lot.  EVERYONE can benefit from this. 

Coming Up!

Next Saturday I will be attending, as a student, a Fundamentals of Combat Focus Shooting Course offered by Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC.  I’ve read about, seen videos, even observed one class.  Now…I get to take the course.  I can’t wait!  Based on watching it I have a slight advantage in that I know what to expect, but there is a difference in knowing, and knowing what it can do for my defensive skills, and actually completing the training.  I will definitely be posting a review and maybe a photo or two after the class.

Ladies, do not be put off by the term “Combat”, if you are in a defensive situation where you are drawing your gun, you are fighting for your life.  One on-line dictionary defines Combat this way; “to fight, contend, or struggle to fight or struggle against; oppose, resist, or seek to get rid of armed fighting; battle any struggle or conflict”.  That can happen on the streets, in your home, at the grocery store…not just on a battle field.  This is about confidence in your own ability to defend yourself, and knowing you have the skills to survive the encounter.

Check back early next week for a full review!

Review of Mossberg 500 Tactical 12 Guage Shotgun

I have a Mossberg 500 12 guage tactical shotgun, and I got the chance to shoot it for the first time. 

I was a little nervous, have been well warned about the recoil of a pistol grip shotgun.  But, using Federal Premium 2 3/4 inch, 1 oz, low recoil slugs, it was a lot easier on the hand than .357 through my short barrel revolver! 

Being a wise women, I let my shooting instructor (Evan Carson of Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC) fire it first.  I really like him, but he is a big guy, and watching him gave me an idea what to expect.  Holding it up, almost to the shoulder, didn't work well. 

Holding at waist level, with the strong hand arm tucked down tight, the bicep tight, one foot back to brace, and strong support hand on the pump...the only trick was leveling the barrel, it was harder to judge than I thought it would be.  I may add a rail and a laser.

But, it was surprisingly easy to handle, accurate, fun to shoot and will be an awesome home defense firearm.  At about 30 inches it is shorter than a standard shotgun (although I have the option to swap out the pistol grip for a standard stock) so there is less length to deal with.  It gives me the option to fire home defense shot, which is safer to my neighbors tham my 9mm rounds.  And, it has a crown muzzle that, if needed, will give me a great striking capability against an intruder.

Bottom line, great firearm, I'm very happy with it!!

The Fundamentals of Combat Focus Shooting (CFS), My Introduction

CFS was designed by Rob Pincus of Integrity – Consistency –Efficiency (ICE) training. 

I had the chance to spend a day observing an 8 hour class this past weekend.  I had planned to take the class but because of a flare of tendonitis I can’t shoot for a few more weeks.  However, I was able to go, observe and take a lot of photos for Evan Carson, the instructor.

The course was held outdoors in Northern Va, near Harper’s Ferry.  If you’ve never been up there, it was beautiful, mountains, wineries, farms…that was the up side.  The downside was bugs and a couple spells of heavy rain.  Ok, I’m spoiled, I like the indoor range I go to. 

The CFS Course was incredible.  It was progressive, building the skills.  All the students were already proficient shooters.  I can’t imagine doing the class without the fundamentals in place.  The philosophy includes incorporating the natural startle response into your actions, recognizing if a threat exists and shooting if there is, scanning and evaluating for additional threats..  The students were pushed physically and mentally and went away very pumped, excited and yes, tired.

I am still a strong believer in getting your fundamentals down but I can’t imagine a better program to take your shooting to the next level.  These guys went through several hundred rounds, my arms wouldn’t have held up.  I am really looking forward to actually taking the training. 

I can not recommend CFS strongly enough.  If you are in the Virginia Area, check out Evan Carson and Innovative Defensive Solutions.

Ladies, do not be put off by the name!  This is great training for anyone who wants to move their defensive shooting to the next level.  It isn't easy, but it is more mental than physical.  If I wasn't recovering from an injury I would have taken the class instead of photographing it.  I can't wait!
 

Stay Safe!

FAQs – Who do I teach with and why?

I’m often asked, who do I teach with and why?  I teach with Innovative Defensive Solutions, LLC, in Northern Virginia, which is owned and operated by Evan Carson (who, though under 30, have a very impressive resume and credentials including NRA Training Counselor, experienced competitive shooter and he made it to Top Shot’s audition finals). 

Why?  When I first considered getting Instructor credentials, I looked on the NRA portal and found Evan and another company locally that offered instructor classes.  Evan was the one who called me back, LOL.  After we talked, I thought maybe I wasn’t ready (seems to be a common reaction from women but not men, mmm, wonder why?).  He convinced me to meet him at the range and shoot to assess my skills and he promised honest feedback on if he thought I was ready.  Evan is more concerned about getting good instructors out there than about the money, which I appreciated.  He showed me a couple things I could improve on, and made a significant difference in my grouping.  We talked, I agreed to take the class and when I passed he approached me about becoming an adjunct instructor.  He let me sit in on classes for over a month before I started teaching, getting comfortable with the material and practicing my left handed gun handling.  He was adamant that all the instructors learn to do everything with either hand because we get right and left handed students.  I still can’t load the magazine with my left hand, or one handed, but everything else I learned. 

Why do I teach?  Certainly not to get rich!  J  Simple answer is I love it.  I’m passionate about shooting and helping others learn, I really enjoy that moment on the range with a new student, someone who has never shot before, when they begin to realize they can do this!  They are doing it!  They are doing it well!!  The smile it worth so much, the high fives, the occasional hugs…all amazing.

There are not enough caring and enthusiastic women instructors out there yet.  Think about sharing the joy of shooting!  The rewards come in ways you might never have imagined.

Safe Shooting!