Eric Dean of the American Institute of Marksmanship, and Colleene Barnett of Keeping the Piece were kind enough to sponsor me so that I could attend their (DH3) Ladies’ Defensive Handgun training. Colleene, aided by Eric, taught the class was taught over two days and included both classroom and live fire components. The classroom portion began with an overview of safe firearms handling and expanded to include situational awareness, having a self defense mindset, introduced various methods of concealed carry (and the gear necessary – holsters, straps, belts, etc. – and safe methods of draw for each), and discussed the skills that would later be developed on the range.
On the range, Colleene and Eric were hands-on instructors. This approach ensured that each student not only had a safe shooting experience, but also received the individual attention they needed to absorb the lessons introduced. During the live fire training, Colleene taught skills such as drawing from concealment safely and efficiently, handling firearms malfunctions, engaging a target in a self defense situation, speed/emergency reloads, and shooting while moving.
Colleene and Eric both demonstrated complete proficiency in their subject matter, whether in the classroom or out at the range. They also demonstrated a passion for teaching. They were patient with students and addressed their individual learning needs and experience level. They answered questions, but also fostered discussion. They both encouraged the class members to look at the class as a starting point for their training and encouraged them to practice to develop the skills introduced and to continue training.
The ladies’ defensive handgun training was an excellent experience overall. Even with the limit of two days of class, I feel that my shooting improved noticeably. I hope to attend more training classes in the future with the American Institute of Marksmanship and Keeping the Piece.
Very cool. looks like you had a good time.
Sunny day shooting, doesn’t get much better than that.
MThomas It really was an awesome event!
FateofDestinee MThomas How did the lady with the Ruger 22 do?
was she able to drop the steel target?
MThomas FateofDestinee Both ladies with .22s borrowed 9mm pistols for the “Tactical Ted” (steel) targets – and they did well :]
Looks like a great course with good training and great comradeship. It’s another aspect of training I love, meeting like minded people and sharing stories and experiences.
peter3101 Well put. :]
Hey your SIS looks suspiciously like a Beretta.
She,s called two gun DES, the other is SIS is hidden just behind the Beretta, she also carries three knives and has mad ninja skills, and big boots, she’s ready for war!!!
peter3101 haha you pretty much have me figured out!
CK5150 Lol I was carrying both my SIS and my M9 ;] I trained a bit with both, too.
FateofDestinee-I’m guessing you put a lot of rounds down range at the course. Not a bad idea throwing a little 9mm in there, especially if you carry that M9. Looks like a great course.
CK5150 FateofDestinee Sure did! I had a great time and learned a good deal :]
Great review Destinee. I live up the highway a piece from Cave City and hope to check them out sometime. I saw “Ministry Of Defense” every third Saturday at their facility, looks like it might be a nice ice breaker to get acquainted with AIM.