View Full Version : good training in the midwest
benatlexus
10-08-2004, 19:14
I am looking for some basic classes on pistol / urban rifle / shotgun classes in the midwest. Anyone have a specific reccomendation for or against to let me in on?
Thanks,
Ben
The midwest is a pretty big place. Care to be more specific about what areas you are willing to go to?
benatlexus
10-08-2004, 22:31
I live outside of chicago but I am willing to travel within a reasonable area...anywhere I can drive or fly in day so that keeps most of the midwest open...
K. Foster
10-09-2004, 16:15
I recommend you do a Google search for shooting schools. I can personally recommend the Chapman academy, near Columbia, Mo. The shoot-n-iron near Oklahoma city. You also might look for some of the traveling instructors like Andy Stanford, Gabe Suarez or Randy Cain.
BenAtLexus,
Couple good options for you, coming from the Shadow of *****cago (as I am):
Do some googling for "The Site", which is a few hours west of you. Haven't been there myself, but have heard good things.
Look up Midwest Training Group (http://www.midwesttraininggroup.net/), which brings in "big name" trainers to Bloomington, IL - including Ayoob, Cirillo, Farnham, and Hackathorn. I've trained there myself multiple times and highly recommend this one.
You're not real far from Boone County, Indiana (straight down I-65 about three hours) which also brings in big name trainers. Training is co-ordinated by Captain Ken Campbell of the Boone County Sheriff's Department.
Those are all closer than the ones K. Foster recommended - but I know the Chapman Academy would be a good choice (haven't been to the Shoot-N-Iron).
Regards,
kestrou
Originally posted by K. Foster
I recommend you do a Google search for shooting schools. I can personally recommend the Chapman academy, near Columbia, Mo. The shoot-n-iron near Oklahoma city. You also might look for some of the traveling instructors like Andy Stanford, Gabe Suarez or Randy Cain.
http://chapmanacademy.com/
K. Foster
10-10-2004, 17:06
Here is the link to ‘The Site’ Kestrou mentioned. http://www.shoot-at-the-site.com As he said, I haven’t been there but have heard good things.
Another reputable school is Tactical Defense Institute in Ohio http://www.tdiohio.com
A good indication that a school is reputable is the length of time it’s been in business. Word gets around and disreputable schools usually don’t stay open long.
Hope this helps
Donut Gestapo
10-10-2004, 18:50
Badgerland Security Co. here in Wisconsin does LEO training for non-LEs with a background check.
www.badgerlandsecurity.com
The Tactical Defense Institure (http://www.tdiohio.com) is fantastic. It is about 1.5 hours east of Cincinnati. I highly reccomend them.
In the Midwest and not too far to travel from the Chicago area are several choices as mentioned above, The Site and Midwest Training Group. There is also the Association of Professional Trainers www.aptacademy.com out of Missouri who is one of the best training facilities for the money that I have ever been to, plus I do get to teach there once in awhile. We are based out of Minnesota, but do teach courses elsewhere, to include our upcoming 2-day tactical carbine course in southern Wisconsin. So if we can be of assitance please let us know.
Stay Safe,
Greg Sullivan "Sully"
Chief Instructor
www.thedefensiveedge.com
K. Foster
10-11-2004, 16:23
Mooser
I’d be interested in hearing what you liked about APT. I took a level 1 handgun course there a few years ago and came away very unimpressed. The head instructor used a lot of class time just telling war stories. Their range is less than 2 hours from my house, but after my first experience I’m hesitant to go back.
K.Foster,
I am not familar with their Level-1 Handgun course. My first experience at APT was for a SLR course several years ago, a great course by the way. I was exposed to their facility, of which I consider a great place to train with lots of ranges, sniper and rapelling towers, lots of steel targets, jungle walks, a sufficient classroom and lodge to stay on site, these are what a lot of ranges are lacking.
I have also had their staff do a private Executive Protection Advanced Firearms Course for me and some of my staff, of which I can say was great. I have also taught our AR15/M16 Rifle Armorer course there, at their request. I even had some of their staff attend our Shoothouse Instructor course earlier this year, and I can say that their staff are serious real world gun handlers from my experiences with them.
Stay Safe,
Greg Sullivan "Sully"
Chief Instructor
www.thedefensiveedge.com
K. Foster
10-12-2004, 19:58
Mooser, Thanks. Maybe I’ll give them another chance.
Greg and his staff are excellent instructors! He gives your money's worth for sure! I have been through three of his classes and well Fritz made me work! I was sore for a week after the Shotgun I class!
I learned allot. I have to say he and Fritz are worth the trip up to the North Country!
John RN/NREMT-P
Originally posted by K. Foster
Mooser, Thanks. Maybe I’ll give them another chance.
I think we need some Defensive Edge handgun classes sometime soon. I also think it would be fun to do a carbine course with my SAR-1. No gadgets, gizmos or sights that don't accept augmentation from a smoker.
You guys just missed the season finale, the 5-gun day. It was a fun way to end the warm weather, and I fully intend to do it again next year. Yes we plan on giving away another custom Sully Built AR15 to the TopGun next year like we did this year!!! In fact I might even be talked into giving away a Glock as well.
For now we will avoid the range on the weekends in October and November, due to I refuse to be on the range during Deer Rifle site in season as it is just not safe to be around those that think they know how to handle a rifle that really don't. Rest assured that we will be starting with the Cold Weather Sessions in December, and we will be doing some inside Armoring courses and stuff this Winter as well. I am also working up the 2005 calendar, with lots more to offer that we did this year.
Stay Safe,
Greg Sullivan "Sully"
Chief Instructor
www.thedefensiveedge.com
KSLawman
10-14-2004, 21:10
Another recommendation for APT. Very good training, at a very reasonable price. Yes, the senior instructor does tell war stories, but usually with a point to make. He is also very good at diagnosing shooting errors.
Also, every year at their Alumni shoot, they have side matches for charity, usually someone who needs help with medical bills. Sometimes the recipient of the charity is an APT student or an alumni's family member, but not always.
Poohbear
10-15-2004, 23:02
Check out the post about TDSA. If you going to go around OKC, OK. Just best to drop by TULSA, OK and visit Marshall Luton and his great group of isntructors.
http://www.glocktalk.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=297793
http://www.tdsa.net
Good luck...
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