Actually, I only took a stapler round in the thumb while we were hanging targets, but since you’re here, I’ll give a review of this weekends DPS class with Randy Harris. I think I speak for everyone who attended when I say the class was well presented and worth every penny. Randy is a great instructor and did a fantastic job of explaining not only the how to but also the why. Suarez International doesn’t teach dogma or a single style. They look at everything that is out there and put it all to the test. They keep what works; toss what doesn’t, and change what can be made better. This then all gets combined into their training programs. For those who have never taken a class or are just starting out, DPS is the foundation on which to build your pistol training. For those who want a good comprehensive course on basic skills and mindset, DPS can stand alone and give you everything you need.
I couldn’t possibly cover everything I learned but I did want to highlight a few things I took away from the weekend. First, situational awareness is crucial and without it, that pistol you’re carrying is pretty much worthless. Seeing situations as they develop and knowing what to look for can keep a lot of problems from ever coming to fruition in the first place. Second, have a pre-planned response and GET MOVING. If a situation does occur, being aware and knowing what you will do speeds up and streamlines your OODA loop, while slowing down and changing the other persons plan. He is now reacting to you. Third, simply carrying a pistol is not the answer to all of your self defense problems. You might have to actually use it. Walk away if you can, lay hands on someone if you have to, but if you make the decision to draw, then you should be prepared to fire. Pistols are not carried to scare someone or to wound someone. To quote the late Ronnie Van Zant, “Handguns are made for killin’, ain’t no good for nothin’ else.” If you are in a situation that requires you to draw your weapon, SHOOT THEM TO THE GROUND. A pistol is not a death ray; it might take multiple rounds to stop the threat. If that is not your intent, you have no reason to draw.
For the gun handling and shooting aspects of the class, we covered all principles of safety, the drawstroke, reloading, and clearing various malfunctions. The material was well organized with good progression and pacing. It was a full two days but very easy to absorb the amount of infomation. We shot from close range and as far back as 50 yards. Every person in the class could hit a torso sized target from that distance by the end of day two. We worked on shooting drills for accuracy, movement, multiple threats, and combinations of multiple skill sets. As an aside, we had three Glocks, one Kimber, and two XDs in the class. The Kimber had a couple of problems, one of the Glocks had two double feeds, and the XDs ran flawlessly. Not being biased, cough XDs Rule cough, just reporting the facts. For full disclosure, I should note the Kimber was probably ammo related and the Glock limp wrist related.
The mark of a good instructor is someone who can show you a skill and then teach you how to do it and diagnose and correct your problems as you learn. Randy was able to help every person in the class with individual needs as they arose. I know my groups got tighter and migrated toward the center as the class progressed. We all left as more effective and confident shooters. What we do after the class with what we learned is up to each individual. I thoroughly enjoyed training with each of the other students and hope to see them at some future class. Again, I'm sure I've left out a lot, so hopefully others will post their experiences. So if you haven’t decided yet or are hesitant about whether this class is right for you, I encourage you to ask the instructor any questions but just sign up. You will not be disappointed. Thanks to Randy, Gabe and SI for a great class.
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