John Farnam Begin/Intermediate Handgun

[IDPA Shooter]

My training partner Jon Thompson and I are again bringing internationally known trainer and author John Farnam back to the Twin Cities. It has been several years since John has been here with this class and we obviously find John to be an outstanding instructor. Check around and if you have not had the chance for world class instruction, here is our chance. Clint Smith and John are both Vietnam vets and word is that Clint will stop teaching in the next few years. I expect that John and his friend Massad Ayoob will also be reducing their teaching and travel schedules in the future, so strike while the iron is hot!

I have been fortunate to take two classes with Farnam and have been involved in setting up two more. John has been there and done that with over 35 varied years of experience that has taken him to all the states and many of the world's "garden spots". Course is July 17 and 18 at Monticello Sportsman's with a cost of $600. See links to his website and my take on John's classes here http://rejfirearmstraining.com/Jfarnam.htm

[Erik_Pakieser]

I'm 99% in, Bob...I just need to double-check my schedule. What is the deadline to register?

[cobb]

I have been through three different classes with John Farnam. If you haven't, it is worth your effort to attend.

I know some balk at the price and want this level of training for less. Just check the cost for airline tickets, car rantal, etc., if you travel to another state for training, maybe more for the transportation alone than what John's class cost to take locally.

[goalie]

What is the pre-requisite for the class? I have been lacking in formal training since I took an advanced stressfire class a while ago.

I need to get less sucky with a handgun.

[Snowgun]

This looks like a great opportunity to train with a legend!

However I am concerned (for me) that it is a begin/intermediate class. While eally NOT trying to sound like I know more than I do or that I think I've got it all figured out or anything, but for 600 bucks (plus ammo over 2 days? ) I'm worried that a lot of time will be spent on beginning aspects of shooting and basics that I've taken in classes before. (but am still practicing to master! ) Especially if there are beginners in the class, sometimes the instruction material will tend to average down toward their end.

So I guess i'm asking if you could spell out specifically what kind of things will be gone over. I would fully enjoy going over some things i've already learned with a guy like Mr. Farnam (his opinion on things would be priceless), just not everything starting from "this is what we call a gun" 101. (Hopefully what I'm asking here is coming across without me sounding like an ass )

Thanks in advance for setting opportunities like this up!

[IDPA Shooter]

To answer some of the questions no formal deadline to register Eric. We have 6 folks signed up and, with the economy, I doubt we will have 20 like we did the advanced handgun/shotgun class in 2008. Cut off is 8 minimum for the class, so John is definitely coming. His wife Vicky, a fine instructor in her own right and Dr Len B may also join, depending on class size and Len's health. While there are no strict requirements for entry, I talk with everyone and have turned folks away. Ayoob's Stressfire would be a great background. This is not a true basic class, all shooters must have great safety, solid holster skills, the ability to move and shoot, etc.

Think Larson level Two or the skills needed to be a rated shooter in IDPA/USPSA. Cobb is a much better shooter than me and he and the other IDPAers really enjoyed the class and kept coming back. John gets a read on skill levels in the first hour or two. The price and intense nature of the training tend to send newbies elsewhere. You see an experienced like Eric, who easily passed the Advanced Class signing up for Basic/Intermediate. Farnam is an experience and my link and his website call out the class details.

[Erik_Pakieser]

Given that gunfighting is a perishable skill, I can't think of a reason not to train with someone like John. For me, this is an opportunity to get "recharged" for the next year, and keep my own training programs on track.

Even if the program is something I've learned before, there is certainly no harm (and in fact, much benefit), in doing it again so I can stay sharp. No matter how much training I get, or how much experience I have, I will never think that there is not room for improvement, or something else to learn.

[David]

I took Farnam's basic class a few years ago, and that was after taking several five-day classes at several of the bigger schools. The instruction you get from the "national" instructors is different enough that no matter what your skill level, if you haven't taken this specific class from Farnam already, you'll get a lot out of it. I'd say the same about the intro or "basic" classes from most of the big schools. Their philosophy is different from each other enough that it's always been worth it to me. I wouldn't take the same course from the same school over again, but I have no problem taking the basic level course from each.

Plus, you'll get to meet John, and he's a funny and awesome guy to hang around with!

[JoeH]

Plus, you'll get to meet John, and he's a funny and awesome guy to hang around with!

I'm a Farnam grad and I agree with this statement. He will make a positive and lasting impression on you.

[cocked&locked]

Bob this mike from IDPA and the Monti Rod and Gun club. You know I'm in . I can't wait for this class. I picked up a few of his books and think his classes must be "interesting". He's like the orical at gun stop, you just have to take in as much as you can.

[IDPA Shooter]

Last call for John Farnam's Basic/Intermediate Handgun Class at Monticello Sportmen July 17 and 18. We have a smaller class, definitely happening, with just 8 so far, so plenty of one on one attention and coaching from John. His wife Vicky is a may attend, probably 50% chance, that will increase if we add a couple more students. A gifted instructor and author Vicky is a special consultant female training and marksmanship for a small group of warriors, aka the USMC.

A lot of the details are above and yes it is $600 for two days, 20 hours of training with an internationally known trainer in a small group setting. Kick off is the Friday evening dinner, the calm before the storm. A several hours long low light to dark exercise with flashlights will certainly show you what to practice!

Register with me and send me a $600 check payable to John's company DTI before July 1 or you have missed it and I doubt this class will be back for years.

[Erik_Pakieser]

Can't wait! I feel like Xmas is coming.

[Erik_Pakieser]

Thanks to Bob, Jon, Lenny, and everyone else who made this happen. This was a great class!

I really enjoyed meeting everyone.

Tired, sore, and wearing my 3rd DTI "Red Pin"...I'll work on an AAR after I get through tomorrow.