Front Sight

Firearms Training Institute

This Wiki page is to provide general and detailed information of things a person will need to know when attending a class at Front Sight.
Some of this is basic requirements, and other info is based from experience of already attending classes.

Front Sight General Web Resources:

Front Sight Home Page
Front Sight Class Registration Site - MyFrontSight (account login required)
Front Sight Course Schedule
Front Sight Official FAQ

Map of Location (Google Maps)


Front Sight Course Registration:

Manual Form

If you have not been before, are using a certificate, or applying for a course manually, then use: Course Application Form (.pdf)

Online Registration

If you have been before, have a MyFrontSight login, or have a Lifetime Membership, then use electronic course registration: Front Sight Class Registration Site - MyFrontSight (account login required)

Required Gear for Class: (Unless you are renting)

Required:


Basic Gear Requirements

Ammo
You will need around 500-600 rounds for the 4 day defensive handgun class. You can get away with less ammo by “dry fire” during some practice drills but we go to shoot and so I want to shoot! Front Sight has ammo requirements and they will inspect ammo you bring from home. Basically no reloads, no steal etc. You can check ammo requirements on their web site here: Front Sight Ammo Requirements.

You can purchase ammo on Front Sight premises from their partner Stockpile Defense. You can pre-order or pick up daily what you need on site. You can also get ammo from offsite Stockpile Defense in Pahrump.

Ammo Supply Warehouse are also great to do business with. You can pre-order and give them a heads up to pick up time and swing by on way to the hotel to pick up. They are local in town (Pahrump).

If you want to purchase ammo and bring it down (only if you are driving--as you cannot fly with large amounts of ammo), another good supplier is Freedom Munitions . They are mail-order, and have good prices. If you sign up for their email list, they run online deals constantly for 5% off certain calibers and sometimes free shipping. Make sure you purchase "New" ammo from them rather than "Reman" as Front Sight does not allow "Remanufactured" ammo to be used.
NOTE: As of Jan 1, 2018, California does not allow easy online ammo purchases without going through a registered Ammo dealer and California DOJ has dragged it's feet in setting up the requirements for Ammo dealers and purchasers. So at the moment, online ammo purchases is up in the air, and not recommended until California, the CaDOJ and retailers work out the problems/issues. Also due to the new requirements, it's very likely that online purchases will not save as much money after using a certified ammo dealer as a middleman from online, as fees may be applied when purchasing online (similar to online firarm purchases).


Recomendations:

Handgun Selection
Any hand gun will do but I would recommend KISS (keeping it simple). Glocks, M&Ps and XDs are simple in that they don’t have thumb safeties and/or decockers. The less manipulation needed to load, unload, chamber check and mag check as well as moving parts to clear malfunctions the better especially since these will be repetitive tasks. The students with the most band aids and tape on their fingers are those with thumb safeties and decockers-just saying I also suggest a 9mm or 40cal to avoid recoil fatigue and cut down on the ammo cost.

Holsters
Holsters are personal preference, but here is an example of good holsters that work:
BladeTech Revolution - Very nice, and modular, giving you many options that you can add later.
Fobus - Affordable and good bang for the buck.
* note: Many holsters are made specific for a type of gun. Most manufactures will make models for the handful of popular gun models, but when ordering, make sure it is specific for the type of gun you have. The difference is they are polymer, and are molded to exact fit each gun type/model for perfect fitment.

Double Magazine Pouch/holder
Here is an example of a double magazine pouch (will hold 2 magazines): Note that the double magazine pouch will come in either “single stack” or “double stack” which refers to the magazine not the pouch. Springfield’s, Glocks, M&P’s are double stack and 1911’s, Sigs and others are single stack.
MagTech Revolution and Fobus are good and affordable brands.

Eye Protection
Wrap around sunglasses can be used as eye protection (plastic or polycarbonate lenses). Make sure there are no large gaps around the edges for good protection. However, depending on time of year, many classes can go until after sunset and into low light. Sunglasses might be too dark for the last couple hours of class and you may want an actual pair of shooting glasses to switch to. Many of these help clarity and increase contrast in low light. A small flashlight will come in handy for finding and packing your gear in the dark. There are NO OUTSIDE OR STREET LIGHTS except at the bathroom and main classroom at Front Sight.
Good Recommendation: Remington Radians - Come with multiple interchangeable lenses, in different colors, and a carry case.

Electronic Hearing Protection
All of the required gear can be rented from Front Sight if needed/wanted. The Electronic Ears rent for $10 per day but you can get them for around $20 to $40 on Amazon (search electronic hearing protection) and at local sporting goods so they are cheaper to own than to rent. These are cheap and reliable = Caldwell Low Profile E-Max Electronic Ear Muffs

Magazine Loader
Although not required this universal magazine loader will be your best friend and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND ONE period! Attach this loader to a small carabiner and clip to your belt loop. (Make sure it is for 9mm – 45cal.)
Lula Magazine Loader


Other Recomendations:

These recommendations are not as critical, and are optional, but also recommended based on experience.

Belts
You will want a strong durable belt of about 1- 1 ½ inch wide. You belt will take a beating carry fully loaded guns and ammo all day. Although any belt will work as long as it is tough enough for the added weight and a tactical belt is often preferred and will last forever. My favorite is Uncle Mike’s Instructor Belt and again get bigger than you would normally wear. When you add all your gear on your belt it will add at least a couple 2-3 inches to your waistline but you will want a long enough tail (left over wrap) to secure tightly and loop back through a loop or two.

Tactical Pants
You will want loose fitting comfortable pants and you can never have enough pockets. You don’t not need special clothing but since everyone asks me for recommendations I will include it here. Any pant will do (shorts are allowed as well weather dependent) but I prefer tactical pants. You will need a sturdy belt so belt loops that will take up to 1 ½ inch belt works best. I buy all my tactical pants (best prices) at LA Police Gear . The 5.11 Taclite Pro are my favorites but a bit pricy. The LA gear brand are great pants. Flaps on the back/rear pockets can be a pain as you are also sticking mags and gear in them with one hand and under speed. You can also use a knife to scratch down any Velcro closure pads so you are not scratching up your knuckles all day. You may want pants up next size as you want them LOOSE fitting.

Gloves
It is not unusual during constant manipulation of your weapon all day long to wear a blister or two on your hand and depending on the weapon which may have some rougher components than others to get a snag/cut or two. First aid tape and Band-Aids are provided to protect areas that have become tender. I carry an inexpensive pair of flexible fingerless gloves that I can wear if my hands get sore. You want a tight flexible fit so that they don’t get in the way but add a layer of protection. Something like these Tactical Airsoft Gloves are fine. You can use any full glove as well. The inexpensive mechanics gloves sold at Home Depot or Harbor Freight work well and are cheap-no need for expensive. As long as they fit well, and are not too bulky, so they allow fitting into the trigger guard and good finger dexterity.

General Clothing
You should plan to dress each day in layers. The temp can really vary out there dramatically. We could even get a bit of rain. Expect the mornings and late day to be very cold (under 40 degrees). For some of the class, your gun and gear (on your belt) MUST BE VISABLE so plan your layers with that in mind. TIP: A zip up jacket works well because when gear must be visible, you can zip the jacket behind you instead of in front of you to show your gear while keeping warm (might not make since till you try it). Watch for clothing that has zippers, stroggles or adjustable straps/cords, drawstrings and elastic etc. things that your gun can get easily caught or snagged on when drawing from the holster. TIP: I use small zip ties or safety pins to keeps zippers, ties or other hazards out of the area from where I draw my gun. For example, you can safety pin a zipper up higher on your jacket instead of having it dangle at the bottom to get it out of the way. You will also need a garment that will safely allow you draw your gun from concealment for the class. It can be a sweatshirt or jacket that covers your weapon when holstered on your side or just an open or buttoned shirt. It doesn’t matter if it’s opened or closed in front. Just needs to be long enough to cover your exposed weapon when holstered on your belt. Avoid low cut shirts or loose fitting around neck (hot brass will find its way down your shirt!) TIP: A scarf or buff, button up polo shirt, collared shirt or turtleneck will help. Also keep in mind that it might rain so a light rain jacket or windbreaker to repel water might be helpful. You might want a bathing suit for the hot tub/pool. TIP: Wear comfortable shoes as the range environment and long days on your feet will takes its toll!

Traveling & Lodging:


Firearm Transport
Vehicle
ALL GUNS must be secured (locked) for vehicle transportation and storage by law. This means your gun needs to be in a locked case/box or have a trigger lock or have a cable lock on it PERIOD! (Unless you have a CCW for BOTH California and Nevada). It must require a key or combination to load and/or fire the gun and ammo cannot be in the same locked container as your weapon.

Flying
If you go by airline there are special rules and too many to list so just ask me.
Here is the TSA Rules for Tranporting Firearms
A blog with 10 Tips for flying with guns
Another TSA blog with more info for Flying with Guns

And it is also recommended to check with the specific airline that you will be flying on, as many may have specific procedures or other rules that you will need to know specific for that airline.

Here is an example of my Portable Handgun Vault that I use with range bag. Again not required if you use a cable lock or other type of approved trigger lock. If you fly TSA will require a vault of some sort and this meets TSA regulations.

Hotel
To make Hotel reservations at the Saddle West Hotel (Front Sight partner hotel) you MUST call them at 1-800-433-3987 to make reservations to get Front Sight discount. Let them know if you are a Front Sight Student attending a class or if you are a Front Sight Member (lifetime membership) as the discounts are different. You will need to make a deposit at time of reservation for the first night stay which is refundable if you cancel 48 hours prior. (hotel info). I usually recommend the Deluxe room over the standard to get a fridge and hairdryer and a few others common room amenities not available in the Standard.

Location of Saddle West Hotel is: Here (Google Map)

Food:

Breakfast
Your breakfast is included with your Hotel room at the Saddle West – it is a full breakfast/buffet. You will need to provide for your lunch and drinks each day at Front Sight.

Lunches
There is a snack/lunch shack at Front Sight but the line can be long at times. There are a few vending machines with drinks and snacks. You can order a box lunch from the hotel the night before each class day for $10 (pick up in morning before you leave) or you can get a hotel “meal deal” which includes both a box lunch and a dinner buffet for $20. You can order a lunch from Beach Café online/phone (I believe up till 9am the morning of class) and they deliver to Front Sight at no charge each day just before lunch break. You can also make a lunch to take with you if you have a room with a fridge or bring an ice chest to store groceries. TIP: We always order from Beach Café online because of convenience – we can take care of the entire lunch order before we leave home for the whole trip.

Water is available at each range from a big igloo (fine to drink in my opinion but not always cold).

Dinner
Dinner is up to you. The classes go to about 6 or 6:30. It's usually later by the time you get out to the car, and put all your gear away in your car, and make the 20-30 minute drive back to town/hotel. Once in town, you can eat at the hotel, or go to a restaurant or fast food in town.

Super Markets
There are 2 supermarkets and a Walmart within a couple of blocks of the hotel. We always pick up bottled water, sodas, Gatorade etc. when we arrive. We pack a personal cooler each day to Front Sight with refreshments and there is plenty of ice at the hotel. We also get beer, wine and cocktails for the evening when we return. The hotel has a full bar/casino and restaurant (great food). TIP: Bring a nylon tote/plastic shopping bag/trash liner to haul the ice from the main building back to your room and save some leg work. The hotel and town of Pahrump are very low keyed, very casual kind of environment. Front Sight students make up almost all of the tourists there and the locals blend right in. You do not need to worry about dressing up or changing after class. Think “camping”

Class Days:

First Day Check-In
Class starts earlier on the first day of class as check-in and registration and weapons inspection is performed on the first day of the class. This will be the earliest of the days to have to be there. You will need to register at the registration shack, and you will bring your unloaded gun in the holster, and a box or two of the ammo you are shooting to the weapons inspection area. After weapons inspection, everyone goes to the orientation tent (or hall) to fill out and sign waivers and other paperwork and go over general rules prior to heading out your assigned range. On subsequent days, you will just go straight to your designated range first thing in the morning.

General
You will need your gun and gear in a range bag/backpack/gym bag/gear box. Ammo does not need to be in your bag but should be boxed up all together. I strongly suggest that you mark your boxes of ammo. Use a Sharpie (write big) and put your initials or name on each box and outer case of ammo so it is easy to identify

Getting to Front Sight
Front Sight is about a 20-30 minute drive from the hotel in Pahrump. So you'll want to be ready and allow sufficient time to eat breakfast and load up your vehicle and drive to the facility to arrive on time.

Kids and Youth Camp:

If you have kids attending the Youth Achievement Camp they will need clothing for the correct elements as wells as sun glasses and HATS. They should have a backpack with a water bottle, light snacks (fruit, nuts, rollups) perhaps a change of clothes (pants if wearing shorts etc) jacket etc. You will need to provide lunch for them as well. When the adult classes break for lunch, you will pick your kids up at the kids camp tent and take to lunch with you and return them back to kids camp tent when returning to your range following lunch. The staff will see to it that they keep hydrated with water and use lots of sunscreen. If you want to send juice boxes I the back pack you may and maybe a spray bottle type of sunscreen. After the adult classes are over, you will need to make your way over to the Kids Tent area and sign-out your child before leaving.


NonTechGeneralCategory
There are no comments on this page.
Valid XHTML :: Valid CSS: :: Powered by WikkaWiki