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4-Day Defensive Handgun

Front Sight Course Review

Harlan S.

Editor's Note: This is a review for the 4 Day Defensive Handgun Course class offered at Front Sight.
  • 4 Day Defensive Handgun

  • Student: Harlan S.
  • Occupation: Public Safety Engineer
  • Weapon: Springfield XD9
  • Rounds Fired: 650-700
  • Number Course Taken: 1st time
  • Student Rating: 10/10
  • Course: Front Sight
How many times have you takes this course?

This was my first time taking this course and my first time at Front Sight. I am already planning return trips for additional courses

What were your reasons for taking this specific course?

I wanted to improve my weapons handling and marksmanship with the pistol I intend to use for concealed carry.

General Thoughts on the course?

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Front Sight. It was a great learning experience. I cant wait to go back and take more courses.

The instructors were very knowledgeable and from very diverse backgrounds. This diversity allowed them to connect with the various skill levels that the students had.

The course schedule was set up in a way that allowed instructors to teach, demonstrate, observe dry practice, and then have the students shoot. This method was a perfect way to walk students through sound and reliable technique.

Even as an experienced shooter with Marine Corp training, I feel I came away from this course a better and safer marksman with the knowledge necessary to make the right decisions in life of death situations.

The most important lessons I learned had to do with the criminal and civil liabilities involved when having to apply the training in a real life situations. It is important to understand when you are legally allowed to defend yourself.

Did you go through the shoot house? What were your thoughts on it?

Yes. The shoot house was a lot of fun, but it was very short. I would have liked it to be longer and to have different scenarios to face in different houses.

Do you have any tips for first-time students of this course?

Make sure you check the weather. Several students had preconceived notions about desert weather and were miserable on days 1&2 when it was cold and rainy.

How would you improve this course?

Increase the practical portions of the course (Shoot house, room clearing, door & hallway approach etc.) This way students can get more familiar with realistic scenarios.

Would you suggest this course to others?

Absolutely! In fact, I already have.

On a scale of 1-10, what would you rate this course and why?

I would rate this course as a 10. It had everything that should be in a beginner course. It had excellent and thorough instruction, great facilities and experienced, patient staff.

Did you go with family or friends? If so, what did they think about the course?

Yes I went with a friend and he enjoyed the course as well.

How did you get to Front Sight?

I drove from the San Diego area

Where did you stay?

We stayed as a hotel in Vegas a few blocks from The Strip. It was roughly an hour drive every morning, but worth it to be close to more food options for dinner.

How did you handle the ammo situation?

I started stock piling as often as I could purchase ammo. Knew I could rely on Front Sight's supplier (Stockpile Defense) if necessary., but found the necessary amount several weeks before attending.

What did you do for your lunches?

I ordered from the Beach Café online before going. It was very good food and very convenient. I was glad I preordered, especially days 1&2 when there were long lines in the cold and rain.

Any Dinner suggestions?

Capriotti's Sandwiches was very good. They make very good cheesesteaks and have a sandwich that is made of all the best Thanksgiving has to offer.

What other courses are you planning to take in the future?

Practical Rifle; Practical Shotgun; Ropes & rappel; Skill builders for Rifle, Shotgun, and handgun; Armorers course for the XD, 1911, and AR; tactical Scenarios; and more as I complete the prerequisites.