Virginia Gun Owners Forum - VGOF

7/25 - Women's Only Defensive Handgun

SOUTHERN VIRGINIA DEFENSIVE FIREARMS INSTITUTE
Mecklenburg County
Nelson, VA 24580

Defensive Handgun: Ladies Only
This course provides women with the skills to protect themselves and their families. You learn firearm safety, marksmanship, gun handling and the elements of mental conditioning and mindset. You receive specialized instructors and special attention to problems or specific concerns. You will receive the opportunity to practice your skill at arms in a variety of situations. Having completed your Ladies Only course you will feel more confident and a loss of fear of the unknown and firearms. You will be ready to test your skills in the regular Defensive Handgun course and take on advanced defensive problems.

Cost: 1 day $150; 2 day $300, Duration: 1 or 2 day Optional 3rd day $400; Maximum class size: 6 persons; Minimum Caliber Restrictions: .380

http://www.virginiafirearmsinstitute.com/calendar.html

I think I am going to do this! Sounds great. Has anyone else done a class at this place and if so, how did you like it?

Does this course qualify one for a VA CHP?

They don't say anything on their site about it qualifying, but that doesn't mean it doesn't. I was looking at their site to see what other classes they offer... I hope everyone has 400 - 450 rounds laying around for their 1 day class...

CCFan wrote:I hope everyone has 400 - 450 rounds laying around for their 1 day class...

Meh... just another day ath the range...

Holy cow! I didn't notice the ammo requirements. Besides the cost, my arm shakes after firing just 50 rounds from my .45. I think I'll work on building more muscle before I sign up for a whole day/450 rounds.

Don't let me talk you out of it! I was just surprised at their requirements.. I'm stocked up pretty well, but I'm still not sure I'd want to go through that much ammo for a one day training day class when it's not so readily available, depending on the caliber... but I bet it would be fun!

herohog wrote:Does this course qualify one for a VA CHP?

Good question.

I think I'll just need to buy a smaller caliber gun. I really dont think I could handle a whole day shooting the .45. Too bad I can't do the class with my .22. I don't understand why they would restrict that.

allingeneral wrote:

herohog wrote:Does this course qualify one for a VA CHP?

Good question.

Short answer - Yes. Here is the actual response that I received via email:

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All of the handgun courses at SVDFI qualify for a Virginia Concealed Carry permit. All courses have proficiency requirements and certificates of completion are issued for the demonstration of safe gun handling, knowledge, skills and abilities.

The Women's Defensive Handgun course is taught by a Women Firearms Instructor with impeccable credentials.
-----------------

Ok Ladies! If you are interested in taking this class here is an email I received with more info (and good news about caliber/ammo issues):

"Thank you for you inquiry, the ladies only course is basically the same course as the defensive handgun but does not address long range shooting. Only ladies are permitted in the course, this allows them to learn in a relaxed environment. We find that most ladies are very quick to learn the proper techniques and often best their male counterparts in other handgun courses. The course is taught by a female firearms instructor and that is why the class limit is 6. This allows for personal attention to all students in the class.

We have relaxed the caliber restriction thus allowing .22 to be used for proficiency drills and using a more useful defensive caliber for the testing. The test requires 36-50 rounds. With the current problem of availability of most ammunition, we would like for you to bring the required amount but have shortened some of the proficiency drills to about 300 rounds. Most like to shoot more on some of the drills that they like."

Sweetpea wrote:Ok Ladies! If you are interested in taking this class here is an email I received with more info (and good news about caliber/ammo issues):

"Thank you for you inquiry, the ladies only course is basically the same course as the defensive handgun but does not address long range shooting. Only ladies are permitted in the course, this allows them to learn in a relaxed environment. We find that most ladies are very quick to learn the proper techniques and often best their male counterparts in other handgun courses. The course is taught by a female firearms instructor and that is why the class limit is 6. This allows for personal attention to all students in the class.

We have relaxed the caliber restriction thus allowing .22 to be used for proficiency drills and using a more useful defensive caliber for the testing. The test requires 36-50 rounds. With the current problem of availability of most ammunition, we would like for you to bring the required amount but have shortened some of the proficiency drills to about 300 rounds. Most like to shoot more on some of the drills that they like."

You should see all those burly instructors in Drag. It's a hoot.

It's hard to believe that they require this much ammo for their short duration of the instruction. When I ran the range for the Police Academy we required only 1'000 rounds for a 5 day course to include night shooting. This was a state mandate and all the recruits had to qualify with the 50 yard Practicle Pistol course.
Bill

SgtBill wrote:It's hard to believe that they require this much ammo for their short duration of the instruction. When I ran the range for the Police Academy we required only 1'000 rounds for a 5 day course to include night shooting. This was a state mandate and all the recruits had to qualify with the 50 yard Practicle Pistol course.
Bill

That's why the cops in Jerseeey can't shoot. Not enough practice. Okay Bill bring on the comments

No comment other then you know who can outshoot you on your best day. But I must admit that you will beat me every time with a shotgun on wing shooting.
Bill

everyone should get into reloading their own ammo - especially for practice/training shooting

450 rounds for 8 hours?

A good class could burn up 100 rounds an hour. 450 for 8 hours is nothing. Piece of cake.

ProShooter wrote:450 rounds for 8 hours?

A good class could burn up 100 rounds an hour. 450 for 8 hours is nothing. Piece of cake.

Yep, you are right Jim. 100 rds. per hour anyone can shoot that much. But are they hitting what they are shooting at. That work's out to be 1.6 rds. per min. not to include time to reload cylinders or mags.
Bill