Practical Fundamentals (Pistol) – May 15 & 16, 2021 – Reading, Pa.

An excellent course

An excellent course for learning or refreshing trigger control skills. Really helped with time to first shot when drawing from a holster. I was initially skeptical about “process oriented” skills but now I think it’s a very useful way to train for fast and accurate shooting.

A good foundation that I can build upon

The Practical Fundamentals class taught by Jerry Jones is well worth taking regardless of whether you’re a beginning shooter or an old hand.

Before taking the class, I didn’t really know what the fundamentals were. Taking the class gave me a good foundation that I can build upon at home. Highly recommended!

Structured drills to emphasize the fundamentals

Practical Fundamentals just wrapped up here in San Antonio (March, 2019). This class doesn’t promise some fancy new ultra secret pistol technique. It uses structured drills to emphasize the fundamentals and really show you where you are weakest. That is the most important thing I took away from this class.

They show you drills that apply directly (or can be adapted) to help whichever part of your technique needs work – trigger control, draw to first shot, multiple shots, or transitions.

Highly recommended

Highly recommended. This class made definitely me a better shooter and, more importantly, taught me how to practice in order to keep getting better. Prep, Confirm, Roll!

Really took my game up a notch!

Overall, I gained a much better understanding of the nuances associated with shooting proficiently. Really took my game up a notch!

Totally changed the way I approach a target and process the shot

The class allowed me to visualize and better understand the fundamentals through many drills and invaluable feedback from the instructors. It totally changed the way I approach a target and process the shot.

Top two classes that I have ever taken

Probably in the top two classes that I have ever taken. I pretty much liked everything about the class and especially HR, he was excellent. He and Steve were always positive and reassuring vs others that I have had that were degrading and negative. The knowledge imparted was terrific!

I got everything I wanted from the class

I got everything I wanted from the class. Marked improvement, drills that I can take home, and simple, down to earth answers.

Start to finish a great experience

Start to finish a great experience. Take this class and diagnose why you are shooting more slowly and less accurately than you should. OpSpec Training will give you the fixes; it is up to you to continue when you leave class.

In my opinion there is no better instruction to be had. When you leave you will know exactly why you pulled a shot and you will know how to correct on the next.

I absolutely can’t ask for more from a class

I came home with about 20 specific improvements I need to make, and I have practical drills that I know how to use to help me improve in each. I absolutely can’t ask for more from a class than that. I would recommend this class to anyone serious about improving their shooting.

HR and Steve were both fantastic. They were both knowledgeable, willing and able to explain the material, and they were consistent.

Provided the tools and insight to shoot well

Everybody can shoot a gun … it’s just a matter of how well. The Practical Fundamentals course provided the tools and insight to shoot well. With heavy focus put on to some basic fundamentals, it is those that are reconfirmed to be the building blocks of shooting well that come up over and over again through the weekend. It is all a matter of how well you think about those fundamentals and apply them to advanced scenarios.

HR and Steve were great. While many classes can feel like you’re drinking from a fire hose everything here was well presented. Explanations, dry fire, demos, SLOW DEMOs (because boy can HR blaze) demos of doing it wrong, more explanations, and live fire.

Can’t help but make you a better shooter

The Practical Fundamental class is a great way to improve your practical shooting skills, no matter your level of expertise. The OpSpec Training staff provided a training environment and process that can’t help but make you a better shooter.

My accuracy improved tremendously

As a self taught shooter I had several bad habits. The Practical Fundamentals class gave me a good, solid foundation on which to improve my pistol shooting skills. For someone at my level it was like drinking from a fire hose but I took good notes and now have several drills to use to ingrain new, better habits.

My accuracy improved tremendously while actually increasing the speed at which I put rounds on target.

This is the one

If you are searching for a course that will give you the tools to become a better shooter, regardless of your experience level, this is the one. You may not be better by the time you finish the course, but you will have the knowledge and tools to take with you, to apply during your training for months and years afterwards. That’s when you WILL become better.

I’ve learned techniques and drills that I know I will be using for the rest of my life.

They will make you a better shooter

Everyone who carries a gun should learn these techniques. They will make you a better shooter.

Experienced shooters will also benefit from this class

An excellent class that takes you from seeing your target, acquiring it and the trigger control necessary to accurately place a shot on it. Experienced shooters will also benefit from this class.

Picked up several new things from this class

I picked up several new things from this class that helped my shooting tremendously. In particular, the dry fire drill that Harold taught doing reps of the trigger pull and getting back to reset is something I really needed so that I stop slapping the trigger when I’m running below .33 splits.

A wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business

The most important aspect of this class was the quality of the instruction provided. Bruce, Harold, Doug and Steve were always engaged with what the students were doing and provided thorough and thoughtful advice at all times. Safety was paramount and driven hard throughout the entire two-day program. Every question was answered in a polite and comprehensive manner. Bruce especially was always gracious and appreciative of the input students provided and the fact that the class was well attended.

A wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business. My trigger is my new found friend! The smoothness and accuracy of my entire shot process improved dramatically over the two-day program and I now have an effective dry-fire routine to keep my skills at a high level. Thank you Bruce Gray and the entire OpSpec training team!

I never felt uncomfortably pressured

Bruce, Harold and Steve were excellent in their rolls. I never felt uncomfortably pressured to execute your lessons, you all are very courteous and kind.

I am very much looking forward to taking Practical Fundamentals again in the future and likely other classes from OpSpec.

A thoughtful approach to trigger control

Great class. Provides a thoughtful approach to trigger control that teaches you how to improve in the mechanics and the thought process of shooting. Highly recommended.

Really benefitted from the thought process approach and the drills for future practice. Bruce, Harold and Steve were excellent teachers. I particularly felt Harold’s approach helped me the most along with Bruce’s introduction to the mechanics and process.

I would categorize the class as phenomenal

I am a full-time firearms trainer for a major law enforcement agency in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. The class I took was the Practical Fundamentals pistol class taught by Jerry Jones and HR Hawkins. Both instructors were very polished and able to teach to all levels of firearms experience in the class.

I would categorize the class as phenomenal and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to bring their shooting to a new level. I am looking forward to taking more classes from OpSpec Training and hopefully bring them out to my agency’s range as guest instructors.

Enjoyed the drills breaking down to the smallest detail

Jerry and Harold were phenomenal and interesting. I enjoyed the real world stories/experiences intertwined with our training. Made it seem more important WHY we were doing things.

Having an engineering background, I totally enjoyed the drills breaking down to the smallest detail and encouraging us to evaluate ourselves to determine where we thought we needed work. It’s the “teach a man to fish…” philosophy which I will find beneficial to all my future shooting endeavors.

Graduate-level trigger control school

Graduate-level trigger control school. After this class, I am absolutely committed to working that hard prep and get better. This class has renewed me and taken me out of my training rut.

Moved a pace that was appealing and useful

Class great and moved a pace that was appealing and useful to shooters of all levels.

Safety was always a priority

Jerry and his staff were great with instruction and demonstration. Some great application taught from the LE world to the competitive shooter. Safety was always a priority!

Ended up being Most Accurate

I took Practical Fundamentals in June 2017. I knew it was a great course then, and have been putting in some work since. I hadn’t been able to shoot an IDPA event since before your class (wife & kids, etc…). Anyway, I got out there last weekend to shake the rust off and ended up being Most Accurate.

I know this achievement was due in large part to the instruction Jerry and Harold shared with us. Just thought you should share in this little success.

Packed with little tricks that enhanced my shooting

The training cadre and material was fantastic. The varying view points with instructors coming from competition backgrounds and law enforcement backgrounds added to the learning experience. I liked the way principals were explained in easy, logical ways. Jerry, Harold and Annette all came across as extremely knowledgeable but entirely approachable.

Having taken dozens of training courses, I can say that I have never attended a class so packed with little tricks that enhanced my shooting. I left with clear practicing instructions and after I practice them for a while, I intend to take the class again to further refine the techniques.

Instructors were fantastic

Instructors were fantastic, and worked well together. Jerry and Harold played off each other really well, alternating instructions and explanations in a way that really drove home the concepts we were learning. The humor thrown in with the seriousness and safety consciousness really made the weekend enjoyable.

Instructors were interesting, well-versed, and very professional

By taking the class I learned what I really didn’t know. I now will be relearning some basic fundamentals to improve my shooting. The class was extremely well executed from a safety standpoint. After progressing to the multiple shots, it would be valuable to move back to the basics occasionally. I found myself reverting back to my old habits.

I now have the basics to practice and improve myself. The instructors were interesting, well-versed, and very professional. As Arnie said, “I’ll be back.”

I get it now!

What a great class, my views on my own dry firing and range practicing has completely changed for the better. I now have a better understanding on how to correct my bad habits. I get it now! I’m just an average Joe conceal-carry person in a class full of law enforcement personnel. I didn’t feel or was treated any different. 5 out of 5 stars.

I doubled my performance between the start and end of this course

This class exceeded my expectations. The training I received set me on the path to developing a strong foundation for my shooting skills. I doubled my performance between the start and end of this course – outstanding.

I never would have accomplished so much on my own

This class is a definite “must take.” In just two days time, my skills have improved exponentially. I never would have accomplished so much on my own. Thank you OpSpec for this opportunity!

Very professional!

All the instructors were great. Jerry and Harold so an awesome job explaining and breaking down the various skills. Very professional! Great class.

Looking forward to training with you all again

I would highly recommend this class to anyone wanting to build a strong foundation on trigger control. The method of teaching these principles is “where the money is.” I’m developing new, positive habits from what I learned from this class and will continue to grow as a better gunfighter as a result. Looking forward to training with you all again real soon.

My gun handling improved exponentially

Really fantastic. The course exceeded my expectations. My gun handling improved exponentially. The instructors were not only excellent, they were very decent, approachable, and positive people. That makes a big difference.

So much positive information

There was so much positive information provided during this intense two day course but the two key takeaways, for me, were the trigger bump practices and keying in and seeing the front sight bob or lift as you prepare for the subsequent shot.

A pretty common experience is that so often when aiming and just prior to firing, we tense in anticipation of the shot and often dip/drop the shot – the “let it happen” statement really hit home with me and resulted in incredible shots and subsequent follow-up round placements.

Thank you OpSpec – it was a pleasure.

Made a noticeable difference in my shooting skills!

It’s a great, highly educational, well thought out class with just enough instruction and live fire to keep your attention and interest throughout the day. Nothing seemed to drag on, and nothing seemed to move on too quickly.

It really made a noticeable difference in my shooting skills!

It was an awesome class

I really wasn’t sure what to expect. It was an awesome class and I am excited to continue my training and practice. Thanks.

I went into this training with high expectations due to the past testimonials and they were exceeded

I went into this training with high expectations due to the past testimonials and they were exceeded. Being basically self taught with the exception of basic firearm safety and handling exposure, I have a lot to unlearn.

While two days was not quite long enough to erase all my bad habits – I do see a path forward to continue to approve. The instructors were exceptional with the way they interacted with the group and individuals. My “aha moment” was the importance of dry firing and the how you can train realistically utilizing dry firing as the foundation.

Best course I have taken dealing with fundamentals in general and trigger management

This was my 10th training course, not including military and FLETC provided training. By far, this was the best course I have taken dealing with fundamentals in general and trigger management specifically. The level of detail in the demos and lecture explanations as to why certain techniques work better than others went far beyond any other course I have taken. This is an outstanding course to start your training year with to ensure you have the fundamental tools needed to get the most out of your shooting.

The class was filled with professionals and the instructors topped the list

I learned a great deal in a short time… but the pace was exactly what I needed not too fast but fast enough to keep me challenged.

The class was filled with professionals and the instructors topped the list. Thanks guys.

Opened my mind to a path to excellence

Brilliant class that opened my mind to a path to excellence. Gave the student a bridge to understand what the master knows and techniques to increase their own skills.

This was a great class

This was a great class that allowed me to tune up my fundamentals, and learn how to train in the future to continue to improve. Jerry Jones, my instructor broke down some concepts in a way that was more helpful than I was taught in the past.

… Well worth the money and the time and the slogging through the muck and mire of San Antonio. Thanks Jerry and Bruce. Well done.

The coaching aspect of this class is a valuable tool. Good to see the students take lessons and apply them as a coach to help other shooters.

Before this course my shooting was inconsistent at best, and sometimes just flat out terrible. The light came on during the course, and my shooting improved dramatically. I’ve made this my pledge: “I will see the sights, I will feel the trigger, I will call my shot.” Thanks for helping me put it all together.

I learned quite a bit from this course and have picked up many new skills that I feel confident that I can practice and develop on my own. Because of the broad range of skill sets taught in this course, I will likely re-take it again in the next year or two.

I could see my accuracy improving, hour by hour, as the class progressed. I didn’t expect that, to be honest. Bruce’s tips on mental attitude and thoughts on trigger prep were invaluable. Harold gave me a lot of input on the technical aspects of what I was doing. Between the two of them, I somehow improved noticeably, during the first day.

The instructors have real world experience

The instructors have real world experience and are able to appropriately diagnose shooter issues quickly and match the shooters skill needed for that individuals job or mission.

Very knowledgeable and patient

Jerry and HR are both very knowledgeable and patient. They don’t mind repeating the same point over or use a parable to illustrate the point.

I unlearned all the bad habits I’ve gotten from 22 years of being in the NYPD.

Made me a more confident shooter.

Instructors are clear in their directions and then constantly by your side

This course offers a different way to learn the art of shooting. It focuses on the process which will ultimately lead to superior accuracy and speed. The instructors are clear in their directions and then constantly by your side to offer tips and methods to accomplish the next step. Although I have taken numerous others classes this one would be my #1 suggestion to family and friends.

I had a great time!

I really enjoyed the class and got a lot more out of it than I expected. When I first called about the class I was a little hesitant because I thought that I would be in over my head, and that I wasn’t going to be a good enough shooter to keep up. But the guy on the phone was great and convinced me that the class was just what I was looking for to try to increase my speed in drawing from the holster and getting that first shot off quickly and on target.

I feel the skills I learned pertain to all aspects of shooting, and will help me to become a better shooter overall. They made me feel very comfortable from the beginning and I had a great time! I would actually take this class again to reinforce what I just learned, and would love forth to offer some other classes to choose from to broaden my horizons … keep up the good work.

Felt very confident implementing everything I learned

Ok, so I waited to complete this survey until after I did my dryfire drills and then went to the range to test my skills. Major difference. Felt very confident implementing everything I learned and it did make a difference for me in how I shot. Much faster and accurate follow up shots which was the major weakness in my shooting. Looking forward to further honing my shooting skills. Thanks again for a great class Jerry and Harold!

The primary focus and content were spot on

Practical Fundamentals — great class! Both Jerry and HR made for a great contrasting instructional team. The primary focus and content were spot on and I am certain that with more work and time, will allow me to advance further and faster than had I not taken this course. I have had several other courses, some with big names. This one speaks to the core of one’s ability to place your rounds as desired, and is ‘fundamental’ to the advancement as a pistol operator. My friend and I had both hit walls regarding advancement, which competition had made clear. This class is going to enable us to break through.

Those who want to really progress, owe it to themselves to take this course. I wish I had taken it earlier.

This class was excellent

I’m a new shooter with less than a year’s worth of experience, and with my limited training I was concerned that I’d be out of my league when the other shooters in the class. While its true that the class had quit a few very experienced shooters, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the concepts and drills that Jerry and his team were teaching were applicable to all the students in the class no matter the skill level or experience. In no time I felt very comfortable shooting shoulder to shoulder with all my fellow students no matter the skill level as we were all learning. This class was excellent.

Constructive criticism and positive feedback

Jerry and Harold were excellent instructors. You provided constructive criticism and positive feedback to individual shooters throughout the class. The techniques taught in Practical Fundamentals provide a shooter with the building blocks necessary to become a better shooter. Thanks.

World class, hands-on instruction

Practical Fundamentals training in Richmond was by far the best firearms training I have ever experienced. Jerry and Harold took our class to the next level in two days. Operation Specific Training will give you practical shooting skills and will help you implement trigger control.

The personal, world class, hands on instruction sets this training apart for the rest. If you can only go to one training this year make Practical Fundamentals the one!

Clearly there is something for everyone

As a new shooter, this was one of my first classes, and I was looking for a course that was basic enough for me, but advanced enough that I felt like I was getting a significant value. I couldn’t have been happier with my choice in OpsSpec Training. For two days I stood shoulder to shoulder with shooters that had dozens of years of experience and some that had taken the course multiple times, and I never felt out of place, and neither did they.

Clearly there is something for everyone, and rest assured I’ll be looking for the next OpsSpec course to take!

Highly recommended

Thoroughly 100% professional, safe and very informative. After going through the class, I understand why some folks feel inclined to take it more than once. Highly recommended.

Great class for even seasoned shooters

Bruce and Doug did an excellent job at the SIG Academy. As a NRA Basic Pistol, Rifle and Reloading instructor I will use my obtained knowledge to help new to shooting students progress in the shooting sports. Great class for even seasoned shooters. Competition and Tactical technique drills well received by all students.

Practical Fundamentals was a fantastic class

Practical Fundamentals was a fantastic class, and Bruce, Doug and Steve were amazing instructors. Definitely interested in taking both Practical Fundamentals and other OpSpec offerings in the future. Keep up the great work.

Excellent training techniques and very professional

Excellent training techniques and very professional staff at this Practical Fundamentals session! I should have done this years ago, as it provides essential building blocks and has proven techniques which demonstrate positive and satisfying results.

I would recommend this session to anyone who wants to advance their skills and move to the next level of marksmanship and performance.

The [OpSpec Training] organization has spent a great deal of time and energy in preparation for these sessions, and continues to refine the course as new techniques become available.

Practical Fundamentals is your class!

If you no longer consider yourself a beginner, you find that great gear only takes you so far, and you really want to learn to shoot well, Practical Fundamentals is your class! The focus on marksmanship [and] this class fills all the holes left by other classes that focus on defense. The instructors made us amaze ourselves!

Truly an outstanding class

Truly an outstanding class that I would recommend to anyone interested in perfecting their skills and discipline in handgun marksmanship. The instructors use real world examples and teach practical, repeatable skills that will yield dividends for may years to come.

I’m saving tremendous amounts of money by not wasting ammo

I have taken several pistol training classes from Operation Specific, and I learn a tremendous amount each time. Prior to this class, when practicing at the range, I was mostly burning through ammo and getting nowhere. Not only are my skills progressing well, but I am saving tremendous amounts of money by not wasting ammo with little learned.

An excellent class

An excellent class for learning, understanding, and practicing the fundamentals of pistol usage and control in various scenarios.

Practical Fundamentals is a must do class

Great class. Can take the class several times and still gain significant amount of new information.

Practical Fundamentals is a must do class for those wishing to be more accurate, better shooters. Need to practice the bump drill daily to perfect trigger preparation.

He did not disappoint

I took the class to benefit from Bruce’s teaching. He did not disappoint. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to benefit from his insights. I say that as one who has had the opportunity to learn from a number of instructors, including: Gunsite (Ed Stock), Hackathorn (Ron Avery) and briefly, Ayoob. Were I able only to get further instruction from one person, I would choose Bruce.

This class could easily be described as life-changing

Although this was presented as a more advanced class, the fundamentals of trigger control and the reasons for it have benefited me immeasurably. I wish I’d encountered such instruction years ago as I would be a better shooter today. I know that in a year (yes, I’ll keep practicing the Bump Drill) my shooting will be markedly improved over how it was prior to my entering the class.

The view towards shooting, detaching myself from the result, resounds with other recommendations I’ve heard in life. My too brief two days in this class reinforced lessons I will take to other events and activities. Although this next statement could be described as hyperbolic, I’ll stand by my impression as, for a dedicated shooter, this class could easily be described as life-changing.

Excellent experience, start to finish

By far the best

Of the over 100 classes, workshops, training seminars, etc, I have attended in both my personal and professional life, this has been by far the best. The amount of actual useable knowledge I obtained in this class far exceeded my expectation. I am looking forward to my next training class!

The class was very valuable

Overall I thought the class was very valuable and the instructors, facilities, etc. were very good. The instructors took time after class to work with students and answer their questions.

Flawless!

I don’t think anyone can top this level of instruction it was flawless!

Take the time to refocus on the fundamentals

If you take your firearms training serious and want to take your skills to the next level, I highly recommend taking the practical fundamentals course. Far too often we rely on the newest wazoo equipment or trigger job to shoot better when in reality we need to bring it back and focus on the fundamentals. Proficiency with a firearm is a perishable skill and we all need to take the time to refocus on the fundamentals of good marksmanship. Don’t let your ego cloud get the best of you. Be safe, train hard and God bless.

Excellent baseline of fundamental pistol skills

This class provided an excellent baseline of fundamental pistol skills from which to build an effective personal training regime.

Training done right!

Training done right! Read the course information and you won’t be disappointed. Jerry Jones is as good an instructor as I have encountered during weapons training. He will provide you the roadmap and you just need to execute. He was helpful to students and did not belittle them when having troubles. I say it again you will not be disappointed!

The building blocks needed for quick and accurate shooting

The instruction I received in this class is the building blocks needed for quick and accurate shooting. Safety is stressed as the most important thing and no rounds went down-range without a lesson attached to them.

I really appreciated the personal attention and instruction

As a ‘distinguished senior’ who is relatively new to IDPA and USPSA, I came away with specific practice activities/routines which I’m confident will improve my performance. I really appreciated the personal attention and instruction that each of us received.

All of the instructors were professional

Practical Fundamentals was the best class for me at this stage in my development as an IDPA/USPSA shooter. All of the instructors were professional and have a wealth of knowledge and practical experience that they shared with their students. I firmly believe that if I practice their techniques and drills I will move up at least one classification.

I got a lot more out of it the second time around

This was my second Practical Fundamentals Class. I believe that I got a lot more out of it the second time around. I would highly recommend this class to any shooter at any level. Lots of one on one instruction. Thanks for a great experience!

I have gained a lot of great tools

Excellent class. I feel like I have gained a lot of great tools to help me become a better shooter. I am new to the sport and Bruce, Harold and Steve took the time to make me feel at ease and gave me a lot of great tips for improving my skills.

Great mix of instructors

Bruce and staff are excellent! Great mix of instructors that bring real world experience to the course.

The light came on during the course

Before this course my shooting was inconsistent at best, and sometimes just flat out terrible. The light came on during the course, and my shooting improved dramatically. I’ve made this my pledge: “I will see the sights, I will feel the trigger, I will call my shot.” Thanks for helping me put it all together.

Safety was paramount

The instruction was very very good. Safety was paramount. The drills were sound and used the building block approach. The discussions caused me to change my mind about several ideas about accuracy and speed. My shooting improved in the short time spent in class and with the prescribed practice improvement showed up on the range immediately.

Far exceeded my expectations

This was my first OpSpec class and first time at the SIG SAUER Academy. I very much enjoyed the course and definitely went away with a whole new perspective and a new set of skills and knowledge, as well as a renewed level of confidence. The training methodology and level of expertise far exceeded my expectations.

New skills I feel confident I can bring home

I learned quite a bit from this course and have picked up many new skills that I feel confident that I can practice and develop on my own. Because of the broad range of skill sets taught in this course, I will likely re-take it again in the next year or two.

Questions answered quickly and thoroughly

Jerry and Randy were both great, offering feedback whenever it was needed. Each time I asked a question (a lot), it was answered quickly and very thoroughly.

Focus on the trigger was an eye opener

The instruction was great. The pace was good. I was very happy with the course. The focus of the “trigger” was an eye opener.

Coaching aspect of this class is a valuable tool

The coaching aspect of this class is a valuable tool. Good to see the students take lessons and apply them as a coach to help other shooters.

Safety was important

The degree to which safety was stressed was exceptional and was as important – or perhaps more so – than the instruction in shooting. It’s way too easy to get complacent the more familiar you are with something. The constant reminder by all of the instructors was an excellent reminder that safety must always be considered first.

I’ll take this class again

Knowing that the class was never designed to turn out a polished shooter, I think overall the instructor did a good job of delivering the material in an order that continued to emphasize the previous lesson while layering the next lesson on top. I will likely take this class again…

Friendly and approachable

The class was extremely well put together, the instructors were friendly and approachable, and the pace was spot on to cover the material. I learned more than I had hoped and look forward to taking more classes in the future.