Firearms Proficiency

[matthewb]

Have a question about firearms proficiency.

Just to give you all some background on my experience with firearms, I have no formal training on them but I have been to the range several times over the past couple years and have used semi-auto pistols mostly. I have fired a shotgun, MP5, and AR-15 a couple times but I definitely don't claim any skill with them. My question is this. Seeing as how I might have some time before I go into training with the Secret Service, is it worth going out and getting some formal training? I know I am going to get my formal training at FLETC but would it still be worth it? If not formal training, how you would recommend I prepare if I should prepare at all for firearms training? Thanks!!! :cool:

[Cascade]

Hello, I think the general and overwhelming opinion is that you should not do any extra training prior to the Academy. They'll teach you what they want you to know. Good luck.

[UncleSugar]

Here is my two cents.

You may learn things at another school that could be counterproductive to a new shooter.

What if you go to a formal school that insists you shoot using a certain technique (Weaver stance for example), and then you go to FLETC and they want you to use a different technique (Isoceles stance). Well now you may be a slightly better shot than you were before you spent lots of money, and a little time, on that school, but now you have to UNLEARN a habit, while learning the FLETC way of shooting. That is a real example as there is a formal school out there that has a great reputation, but insists students shoot Weaver, and at FLETC they will want you shooting Isoceles.

Don't waste time and money with shooting FOR NOW, especially on your own, but also formal training. The chance it will help you is far outweighed by the chance you will build bad habits (or habits not in line with the FLETC training.) Wait until after you make it through FLETC before doing any fancy, "high speed" training.

You're better off spending that time working out, so you're ready for the stress of training, both physical and mental. Physically fit people will deal with the stress of physical activities, PT, DT, firearms, etc better, and those same activities will not leave them drained for the academic portions of training.

Again, just my opion. YMMV.

[matthewb]

Thanks for the insight guys! I definitely know where everyone is coming from. Basically I should be with little experience so FLETC instructors can build me from the ground up, at least that’s the impression I am getting from the previous posts. I'll just stick to focusing on the PT portion of my conditioning before training. Thanks again!

[SDCharger]

FLETC has an excellent firearms training program. They train people who have never fired a gun to highly experienced people. Whatever you do, they will teach you the right way to shoot, or add to your knowledge/experience.

If you want to shoot a little before going, just have someone with you that has been through a professional academy/post basic training military experience and you should be fine. Don't waste your money though.

[Renegade]

I would not recommend you start training, just like I would not recommend you start taking dignitary protection courses. They will teach you what they want you to know, and you will not have to unlearn anything.

[FedRich]

As the Uncle stated, going to FLETC with a clean slate will save you a lot of heartache because they do teach a very specific style of shooting. I had to be "retrained" each time I attended FLETC. From my experience as both a Coast Guard small arms instructor and now as a FLETC trained FI, it is easier to both learn and apply the fundamentals of shooting if you don't have conflicting styles or prior instruction. SD is on the money, the FLETC Firearms staff is top notch and will mentor you to become a proficient shooter.

[kennethm3]

Like the others said; don't waste your time and energy, let the pros at FLETC teach you their way, that way they and you won't have to unlearn any bad habits.

Good luck.