Opinions on local training

[raytheone]

I was hoping to see if anyone would care to give some feedback on a few local training options. I'm looking at TDI in Ohio, ThreatSolutions in Harrodsburg, and Defensive Handgun Training in Northern KY.

I don't personally know anyone who has attended any of these, and I'm looking to do something fairly close to home.

Wanting to start with handguns, and then maybe rifle and shotgun later. As much as I've had a lifelong interest in firearms, and have been shooting for many years, I know feel motivated to acquire some professional training.

Any and all responses are appreciated!!

[sonrider657]

Magpul Dynamics is coming to Louisville in October:
http://www.magpuldynamics.com/training/schedule.shtml

[Hero]

Ray,

I attended TDI's 3-day Handgun Level 1-3 training back in April and will be attending their 2-day Advanced Concealed Carry coming up in September. I've no experience with the other options you listed.

If you're interested in TDI, you should visit their website, http://www.tdiohio.com/, and watch the 3-part video segment under the media tab. This will give you a good idea of their teaching style and the tactics they use.

I loved the experience and am looking forward to going back next month. I've taken a carbine class as well, pics from it in this forum, but it is my opinion that I am much more likely to encounter a defensive situation while carrying a handgun than it is likely that I'll wind up in an encounter while carrying my AR. Don't get my wrong, the carbine training was fun and certainly helpfull. For me, I just feel there's more real world benefit to handgun training as I am a non-operator.

[cgv69]

I have taken two courses with Defensive Handgun Training. The KY CCDW and the Advanced Concealed Carry Course. I feel that Joe Kalil, the owner\trainer, is a very knowledgeable on the subjects of firearms, techniques and legal issues. He teaching style is serious but not over the top if you know what I mean. I can fully recommend taking one or more of his courses, especially if a one day class fits your schedule better.

I've heard nothing but great things about TDI. Joe Kalil has taken a number of their courses and highly recomends them himself. One thing you will hear from a most people is to take as many training classes, from as many different sources as possible. As soon as I can come up with the money and time, I will be going to TDI for their Handgun I-III class and others as time and money permit.

[raytheone]

Great info guys!! Thanks for taking time to share your experiences.

I think my wife and I have decided on going to TDI in September. The hardest part was ordering ammo

I found some PMC Bronze at Natchess, too much money, but couldn't find anything else. I didn't have enough primers or bullets to come up with 2K round apiece. Oh well, I was planning on working 'till I die anyway.

I may try to check out one of Joe's classes in the meantime, to see how my wife does.

Thanks again, and I'm looking forward to participating on the board.

[Hero]

Good to have you here!

Which TDI classes/dates are you planning on attending? The reason I ask--If you're planning on doing Handgun Level 1 and 2, don't pass up the opportunity to do Level 3. That day is really the culmination of all the skills you will learn in 1 and 2. The scenario in the live fire house at the end of day 3 is awesome!

It is tough to come up with the ammo, especially on short notice. I've found myself being much more conservative with my ammo consumption lately--and really I'm only willing to burn through significant amounts for training classes/purposes. No more fun blasting with anything other than .22lr.

[raytheone]

I think we're leaning toward the Sept 25-27 class. The other September date interferes with Labor Day weekend.

Ammo is all lined up, just need to decide and make hotel arrangements. I'm really looking forward to doing something "fun"
I've been working a lot of hours lately, and would like to get away to do something for fun. My wife has gotten more serious lately about guns, and has picked up a couple of pistols. A Ruger Mark III .22 and a SP101 .357.

We've decided on taking our XD's to class, so as to get some quality semi-auto time.

Hope it's all we hope for

[Hero]

It's cool your wife is getting into it! Wish I could get mine interested, but I'll settle right now for her tolerating my "hobby."

I think your XDs will fit the bill nicely in the class. There were a few people running those in my classes. If your class is anything like mine you'll find that just about no one is running a DA/SA pistol there--instructors or students. Lots of 1911s, Glocks, XDs and M&Ps--all same-trigger-pull-everytime guns.

Bring a mag loader and lots of mags if you've got them. You really only need 3 per gun but more won't hurt a thing. Load your mags the night before each day and it'll save you some loading time during the beginning the classes. Of course, you'll get to loading them during the class soon enough, but every little bit helps.

Good holsters, good mag pouches, a good belt, lunch and fluids for the day, RAIN GEAR--all things you'll need.

[jamesericdean]

I being a guy that has gotten Threat Solutions (www.threatsolutions.biz) rolling, I think that we have a lot to offer. I am in no way downing TDI or Joe Kalil. I have spoken to Mr. Kalil on the phone and seems like a super guy. Most of our (Threat Solutions) resources come from some good school houses and in my humble opinion Mr. Jim Higginbotham. I have had the pleasure to train under Mr. Higginbotham for about 5 years now through the Kentucky Army National Guard and on a civilian basis as well and I feel that he is a wealth of knowledge along with some experience from an academy in Arizona and Memphis. I would love for anyone here to come down and give us a look see. We are new and we are about getting the information out there and not all about making money. I hope that everyone will give us a look and if nothing else, come on down to one of our courses and just, talk, watch and have a cup of coffee.

Eric