Front Sight Institute...legit or Marketing BS

[jaypkay]

Guys...I've been approached by a buddy of mine to split a diamond membership at Front Sight Institute for $250. I don't know crap about them but what I've read on this forum, which is minimal and a mixed bag. They seem to be a marketing machine and something doesn't smell right...kind of cultish. Also, even with a diamond membership which gets me free courses/instruction I would have to pay for airfare and lodging.

If anyone has actual experience on how good the courses and is it worth traveling to NV. Also, I don't want BS marketing, affiliated sales or knucklehead Scientology being pushed on me.

Thanks for any 'insight on front sight' as I need to make a decision soon.

[Wulf202]

Had the opportunity. Passed. decent entry level stuff but not much more than that.

[HBARleatherneck]

Also, I don't want BS marketing, affiliated sales or knucklehead Scientology being pushed on me.

Thanks for any 'insight on front sight' as I need to make a decision soon.
If you dont like BS marketing then you wont like Piazza, he is the stereotypical miracle cure, snake oil salesman. just look him and read some of the reviews and lawsuits. As for the training I cant help you there. I have heard good and bad. I guess it depends on your skill set.

[newracer]

My brother in law took a class there and really enjoyed it.

[jaypkay]

If you dont like BS marketing then you wont like Piazza, he is the stereotypical miracle cure, snake oil salesman. just look him and read some of the reviews and lawsuits. As for the training I cant help you there. I have heard good and bad. I guess it depends on your skill set.


I may take you up on training. I need it as as I've only shoot minimal rounds at a range. I want move/clear and secure type of training. I just feel like going to NV to a camp that seems to be a marketing machine that has a questionable rep may not be worth it. For $250 and $300 flight and $400 lodging...I.e. $950 total, I might be able to get good tactical training here in Colorado. I guess I'll pay but I want good practical/tactical training with my AR and pistol.

[MAP]

I may take you up on training. I need it as as I've only shoot minimal rounds at a range. I want move/clear and secure type of training. I just feel like going to NV to a camp that seems to be a marketing machine that has a questionable rep may not be worth it. For $250 and $300 flight and $400 lodging...I.e. $950 total, I might be able to get good tactical training here in Colorado. I guess I'll pay but I want good practical/tactical training with my AR and pistol.

Walk before you run. Start with basic handgun and carbine and work your way up. It all starts with the basics.

Mike

[thebriarman]

Felt I had to chime in here.

I've been going to FS for a couple of years and thoroughly enjoy it. I am not a novice having been through a significant amount of training over the last 35 years. I usually go 3-4 times a year. They have the basic classes which are excellent and build a great level of confidence. You'll shoot a lot and improve significantly. They also have much advanced classes but you have to demonstrate the ability to advance, which is a smart idea, right? Out of the hundreds of people I've met and trained with there, I can't remember any that had a negative experience. Classes are well-taught, they move at your speed, and you finish up better than you began.

Regarding the email issues, yes, you get a ton of emails if they have your email address. So, ignore them, no big deal. Never, not once, ever, have I heard anything, from anyone, about anything but firearms training and firearms related seminars and equipment. Oh, and no Scientology whatsoever.

As others have mentioned, you can also go to a more local center and spend about the same and get excellent training, also.

One thing, though. You mentioned you and a buddy were going to split a Diamond membership. I suggest you get something in writing from FS authorizing two members on one membership. I pretty sure they don't allow it. When you show up at FS, you have to present your ID at Step 1 before you go any further.

Anyway, hope this helps a bit.

[Dave]

I had the same opportunity from the guy who did the CCW class for my wife and I. We thought about doing it, but once we tallied up flights, hotel and food for each trip we decided against it. Read mixed reviews online though.

[cysoto]

There are better training opportunities right here in Colorado (and it will most probably save you some money on travel/lodging expenses).
http://www.practicalshootingacademy.com/instructors/ron-avery-presidentdirector-of-training-2/

[MarkCO]

Very basic, very expensive, very much a RUN AWAY FAST!

[SA Friday]

For the money, you can take a class with RW Swainson (or two or three or twelve...) and get better instruction, sleep in your own bed, and support the local shooting community. You want a vacation, cool. You want to actually learn, you can't get much better than what's already right here in CO; RW, Casanova, Avery...

[Squeeze]

While I do agree there are great instructors here locally, I can't dismiss Front Sight at all. They do a lot of volume of students for a reason. I've been there twice now and love it. Sure, there were a couple things I didn't like about the 4-day defensive handgun class, but it wasn't a deal breaker. I still happily do local training, but it's nice to change it up once in a while. You meet new people, get out of Commirado for a few days and have some fun.