Quote: (05-16-2013 04:07 PM)Takes3totango Wrote:
How necessary are classes for learning basic marksmanship? The firing range in my area offers private instruction for $50/hr, but that's a bit steep. Hades recommends reading a book on the topic - is this (plus putting in the hours at the range) a reasonable replacement for private instruction? Can you teach yourself how to become a decent shooter, or is it technical and nuanced enough that you need a teacher?
Are you learning to shoot as a hobby or sport? Or are you carrying a pistol to defend yourself and others from violent crime? If its just for fun you can learn on your own, in fact national champion Brian Enos taught himself while competing.
http://www.brianenos.com/pages/bio.html
If this is for CCW or protecting your home you should get the most relevant instruction you can, former members our most elite units like Larry Vickers, Mike Pannone or Paul Howe are the ones you should look to first.