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by nimrod
Wed Feb 11, 2015 10:27 am
Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
Topic: Beginner Training Experiences: CTGW vs KR Training
Replies: 6
Views: 5369

Re: Beginner Training Experiences: CTGW vs KR Training

The Badger531 wrote:Can U provide us With Some Web Links To the GOOD Sites U Mentioned Inquireing Minds Wanna Know More Through Their WebSites

The Badger531
E. Marquez got the KR Training site above. Lone Star Gun Range website is http://www.lonestargunrange.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
by nimrod
Tue Feb 10, 2015 1:22 pm
Forum: General Texas CHL Discussion
Topic: Beginner Training Experiences: CTGW vs KR Training
Replies: 6
Views: 5369

Beginner Training Experiences: CTGW vs KR Training

Retired and new to the sport I started looking for beginner training in the Austin/Bastrop area. Thought my experience might be of interest to other newbies. My only affiliation with these organizations is "customer".

1. "Beginner Pistol Class" mid-January at Central Texas Gun Works, Austin, TX: Class was overbooked (more than 10 students advertised in the class description); class did not cover all of the material in the description (no field-strip demo, did not shoot the described course of fire). The private range facility was very crowded as a function of its design, very little room between the firing line and a berm behind that making it difficult for non-shooting group to get clear and allow instructors to pass among shooters. The range is remote from the classroom requiring a 20-minute drive and re-group which forfeits time from the allocated class duration. Weather was cold but dry, I didn't see that the conditions should have affected the training at all. At all phases the instructors seem more interested in watching the clock than covering the material. Not an auspicious start for me, I won't be back.

2. "Basic Pistol 1" late-January at KR Training 'Range A' near Manheim/Lincoln, TX: Lead Instructor Karl Rehn. This session was everything positive that the CTGW experience was not. Great instructor : student ratio, good classroom facility adjacent to the well-arranged private range, covered all of the advertised material and more with plenty of attention and time given to individual students and their questions. A positive experience for sure, I signed-up for the next level course:

3. "Basic Pistol 2 (Defensive Pistol Essentials)" early-February again at KR Training 'Range A': Lead Instructor Tom Hogel. Another very positive experience. With more intensive range exercises this class had a 1-Instructor : 2-student ratio (not including the lead instructor) for very individualized attention with efficient class management. I'll definitely be looking at more training with these folks.

Lesson learned - if you don't have a good experience with a training outfit, find another. IMHO KR Training is evidence that there are good schools out there that are more interested in your education as a shooter than your wallet as a revenue source.

Though I don't have comparative experience I'd like to mention Lone Star Gun Range near Lockhart, TX. On my first non-shooting recon of the place (a very busy Sunday) owner Sandy Billingsley took lots of time to patiently explain 'how it all works' to this Nimrod. As a retiree who wants to practice a lot on weekdays without a crowd, the 'annual member' package, friendly staff, friendly and safety-conscious weekday customers all very close to home has been great. I don't have a comparison because this range works so good for me I've not been interested in driving a long way to shop, and I don't feel I'm compromising anything.

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