After two days of meetings and the trade show in the rear view mirror it was time to play. The Front Sight Resort is described by some as sort of a Theme Park for shooting enthusiasts. Front Sight offers training in numerous types of firearms, edge weapons, hand to hand combat and rappelling.

I was there with Casey, one of the guys I work with for the Two Day defensive handgun class. Both of us had previously attended a Four Day class so this was pretty much a refresher course.

Grumpy Old Men With Guns (left: Dan, right: Casey)

Once you check in and have your weapon inspected, you wear it holstered the entire time you are there. Safety is a big factor at Front Sight so the gun never comes out of the holster unless directed by the Range Master or an Instructor, and only when it is pointed down range. Eye and hearing protection is mandatory.

This time our Range Master is a retired military man with years of firearms experience. He looks like a Drill Sergeant right out of central casting so you expect him to be dry and gruff. He is in fact a disciplined seasoned instructor, but with a surprising sense of humor.

The area is fantastic. Desert vistas surround the facility. The air is dry and clear, but be aware of when you plan to attend. It was cool and got very windy when we were there (in March), and it can get very hot in the peak of summer.

Expect to shoot about 300 rounds over the two days. Techniques covered in the class include how to safely handle your gun, drawing from a holster, how and where to shoot to stop an aggressor, and how to clear several types of malfunctions.

There are a number of classroom hours explaining why one should not ever shoot someone unless it is absolutely necessary to defend your own life, or that of a loved one. It pretty much boils down to “if it’s not worth dieing for, it’s not worth killing for”. There is no macho BS on this subject, none, period.

Lunch Time In The Front Sight Classroom

Sorry I don’t have any pictures of us actually shooting. They kept us pretty busy. The class days are all day long. These are full days of a lot of material. You will be tired but happy when you are done. You will have a new respectful understanding of firearms safety, and some great new skills. I believe this training is on par with some military and law enforcement training. In fact some military and law enforcement people attend there. Obviously, you wouldn’t achieve a professional’s level of skill in two or four days, but the foundation is definitely there. A background check is required prior to attending.

Front Sight offers all sorts of specials so you rarely have to pay the full prices advertised on their website. If you join, it is even more reasonable. I heartily recommend it to any gun enthusiast. I also recommend it to anyone really. People without pools often learn to swim so they can be safe around water. In the same way I think knowing how to handle a weapon properly even for those who do not like them could be advantageous.