Phazer
.450/400 Nitro Ex
I attended the Onsight Firearms Training (OFT) red dot pistol course on 10/18/20.
When I signed up for the course, I'd already used my red dot-equipped pistol at the range and at a defensive pistol course. I dry fire frequently and I have already worked my way out of the where-the-hell-is-the-dot phase of red dot use. I was not sure what to expect from the course. I went in with a goal of learning at least one thing that would further improve my pistol technique.
There were 15 students at the course. Ben started with his standard safety lecture (which is always welcome since it is now rote for those who have attended an OFT course). He then reviewed the pros and cons of the major brands of pistol red dot sights.
Before the range went hot, Ben explained that with red dots, the goal is to acquire the dot as soon as possible in the presentation so that engaging the target is more efficient. His most valuable point was instructing on a technique whereby the pistol meets the support hand very high on the chest and then presses out. This is not a major variation on how he has instructed on presentation with iron sights (since OFT stresses a holster draw to a high pectoral position). Joining the hands very high, very early in the presentation, steadies the pistol on a target-directed path and speeds up target engagement. THIS was the one item for the day that made the entire course worthwhile.
Many of the drills stressed accuracy and familiarity with the red dot sights. We shot at fairly small targets and had to strive for a repeatable sight picture and grip. This was useful since I had not spent a lot of time working with determining the necessary optic hold over for close range shooting.
There is no doubt that this course was an excellent value. Everyone needs to know their own limitations and skill level. If you're already a pro level dead-accurate speed shooter, you can skip this course. But, if you are a private citizen that wants to hone their skills with their defensive tools, you should attend a series of OFT's courses. At each of the last four courses that I've attended, I've picked up one item that has improved my technique. I've seen the results. Each course starts with shooting pistols at a 6-inch target at 25 yards. Last year, I was lucky to get on the paper, let alone hit the circle. I've now gotten 8 out of 10 in the target. I cannot shoot quickly and accomplish that (since my accuracy decreases exponentially when I rush and forget to focus on technique). However, when I now focus on the techniques that I've learned from Ben over the past year, I can see a marked improvement.
I've already signed up for my next course with OFT.
When I signed up for the course, I'd already used my red dot-equipped pistol at the range and at a defensive pistol course. I dry fire frequently and I have already worked my way out of the where-the-hell-is-the-dot phase of red dot use. I was not sure what to expect from the course. I went in with a goal of learning at least one thing that would further improve my pistol technique.
There were 15 students at the course. Ben started with his standard safety lecture (which is always welcome since it is now rote for those who have attended an OFT course). He then reviewed the pros and cons of the major brands of pistol red dot sights.
Before the range went hot, Ben explained that with red dots, the goal is to acquire the dot as soon as possible in the presentation so that engaging the target is more efficient. His most valuable point was instructing on a technique whereby the pistol meets the support hand very high on the chest and then presses out. This is not a major variation on how he has instructed on presentation with iron sights (since OFT stresses a holster draw to a high pectoral position). Joining the hands very high, very early in the presentation, steadies the pistol on a target-directed path and speeds up target engagement. THIS was the one item for the day that made the entire course worthwhile.
Many of the drills stressed accuracy and familiarity with the red dot sights. We shot at fairly small targets and had to strive for a repeatable sight picture and grip. This was useful since I had not spent a lot of time working with determining the necessary optic hold over for close range shooting.
There is no doubt that this course was an excellent value. Everyone needs to know their own limitations and skill level. If you're already a pro level dead-accurate speed shooter, you can skip this course. But, if you are a private citizen that wants to hone their skills with their defensive tools, you should attend a series of OFT's courses. At each of the last four courses that I've attended, I've picked up one item that has improved my technique. I've seen the results. Each course starts with shooting pistols at a 6-inch target at 25 yards. Last year, I was lucky to get on the paper, let alone hit the circle. I've now gotten 8 out of 10 in the target. I cannot shoot quickly and accomplish that (since my accuracy decreases exponentially when I rush and forget to focus on technique). However, when I now focus on the techniques that I've learned from Ben over the past year, I can see a marked improvement.
I've already signed up for my next course with OFT.
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