Can't afford MilCopp...fml

[AK47Heaven]

So there is no way in hell I could possibly make a MilCopp class even though I would love to and its what all the ZS cool kids do but it just isnt possible.So I have been looking into training in Oregon and nearby states,mostly Thunder Ranch and Oregon Firearms Academy out of Lebanon.

Does anybody have any experience with these two or have any recommendations on classes in this area of the country? (Northwest)

Thanks.

[Kutter_0311]

I'm tempted to say OFA, just so you can say you learned to fight with an AK in Lebanon...

[Regular Guy]

My brother took a bunch of courses from Thunder Ranch and he loved it. They seem kind of expensive but I really like Clint Smith.

[Vicarious_Lee]

Last I checked Thunder Ranch was more than double the price of MilCopp.

[Regular Guy]

Last I checked Thunder Ranch was more than double the price of MilCopp.

They are, at least double. However, not bashing, Milcopp*, TR does offer a range, there is steel there and they have moving targets.

*I'm totally down with Milcopp but if I were thousands of miles away I'd take look at something closer.

[Kutter_0311]

Last I checked Thunder Ranch was more than double the price of MilCopp.

They are, at least double. However, not bashing, Milcopp*, TR does offer a range, there is steel there and they have moving targets.

*I'm totally down with Milcopp but if I were thousands of miles away I'd take look at something closer.

Yeah, the big cost in training is not usually the classes themselves, but travel, lodging, and ammo for the classes. And that assumes you already have the weapons and other gear required. If I could find high-grade training in WI, I'd take it. The best we have locally is NWTC, who are pretty good, but lean toward teaching pistol to LEO students. They think of M4's secondarily by nature(which makes sense), and don't even habla Kalash. I'm running my family through them for pistol training, but that's about it.

[AK47Heaven]

Thunder Ranch wants like 1200 dollars!!I think it goes with out saying fuck that noise.OFA it is.I will indeed learn to fight with an AK in Lebanon.

Probably take Defensive Handgun 1, Glock Defensive Handgun,and Tactical Rifle 1&2.Cost before ammunition will be about 1300...might use next years taxes for it we will see.

[Kutter_0311]

Thunder Ranch wants like 1200 dollars!!I think it goes with out saying fuck that noise.OFA it is.I will indeed learn to fight with an AK in Lebanon.

Probably take Defensive Handgun 1, Glock Defensive Handgun,and Tactical Rifle 1&2.Cost before ammunition will be about 1300...might use next years taxes for it we will see.

Dude, 4 classes for $1300? If all are 2-day classes, that sounds pretty good. Getting to train in your own area is even better! IIRC, MilCopp cost less when I went, but travel and lodging killed me. I honestly hope I can coordinate Dave and Don teaching a class here sometime in the future.

[AK47Heaven]

Handgun 1-$225,1 day
Glock Defensive-$350,2 day
Tactical Rifle 1-350,2 day
Tactical Rifle 2-350,2 day

Each day being 8 hours....not too bad.Here is their website.Looks like they have their shit pretty well together to me.Lots of experienced instructors.

http://www.oregonfirearmsacademy.com/index.htm

[Kutter_0311]

Sounds pretty good. Soak up all you can!

[doc66]

Clint Smith is a great guy. He is, however, an old school trainer. Like John Farnum, this colors his POV at times. However, like John, he does make attempts to remain current. If I were doing it, I'd take the Thunder Ranch, just to put down as one of my "been there" courses. Of course, the chances of actually having Clint teach the class...

Besides, you gotta like a school that promotes the Smith and Wesson M24!

Go with the best you can afford.

[Big B]

Check out Grey Group's site. They are hosting some very good trainers in the Portland, OR area this year. I've already signed up for the Southnarc ECQC class

I would also check out Magpul's site. They sometimes offer some courses in OR and/or WA. I took one up here in WA last year.

LMS Defense has a number of courses scheduled in Ravensdale, WA this year too. They are a well respected training organization.

[doc66]

I don't think that MagPul has any trainers any more. Last I heard, they all quit.

[Haji]

Chris Costa and Travis Haley have left MD, but they've been replaced.

LMS are squared away. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend them.

[Big B]

I don't think that MagPul has any trainers any more. Last I heard, they all quit.

Steve Fisher is now teaching for them. I took a course from him and he's a good guy.

[Czechnology]

I'd love to bring Milcopp out here, but I can't think of a range in the area that might actually let them use it, that isn't a shale pit in the mountains on BLM land.

[doc66]

I'd love to bring Milcopp out here, but I can't think of a range in the area that might actually let them use it, that isn't a shale pit in the mountains on BLM land.

Hey, we've been to Cow Pie City. How bad could it really be?

[Czechnology]

I'd love to bring Milcopp out here, but I can't think of a range in the area that might actually let them use it, that isn't a shale pit in the mountains on BLM land.

Hey, we've been to Cow Pie City. How bad could it really be?

The only real issue is no distance at all unless you can somehow convince the local Gun Club that won't let you in the door without chamber flags, rifle cases, and a membership to let Milcopp do a class there when nobody I know is a member.

Also I have no idea what Cow Pie City is, but it sounds terrible.

[SimonZayne]

Also I have no idea what Cow Pie City is, but it sounds terrible.

Shut your mouth!
Cow Pie City is heaven on Earth.

[doc66]

Also I have no idea what Cow Pie City is, but it sounds terrible.

Shut your mouth!
Cow Pie City is heaven on Earth.

It is something. But we had a hell of a good time running that course! I loved the team exercise we ran there; I don't think we can top that one.

[Trebor]

Also I have no idea what Cow Pie City is, but it sounds terrible.

Shut your mouth!
Cow Pie City is heaven on Earth.

It is something. But we had a hell of a good time running that course! I loved the team exercise we ran there; I don't think we can top that one.

You going to do another class there?

[Trebor]

I don't think that MagPul has any trainers any more. Last I heard, they all quit.

Steve Fisher is now teaching for them. I took a course from him and he's a good guy.

Steve's a good guy. He's a friend and he's helped me out a few times. I've also taken both handgun and rifle classes with him and he knows his stuff.

[doc66]

Also I have no idea what Cow Pie City is, but it sounds terrible.

Shut your mouth!
Cow Pie City is heaven on Earth.

It is something. But we had a hell of a good time running that course! I loved the team exercise we ran there; I don't think we can top that one.

You going to do another class there?

Probably not. The owner got really weird on us for some reason. It was a great place for moving and shooting and being able to use multiple backstops at different angles though.

[Kutter_0311]

The owner got really weird on us for some reason. It was a great place for moving and shooting and being able to use multiple backstops at different angles though.

That sucks, but people do tend to get weird when they see civs training all hardcore, much like seeing someone on a conditioning hike on a Saturday. They just can't grasp doing unpleasant things unless you need to. Pain and filth are to be avoided in most people's minds, not something to be acclimatized to.

Perhaps, like many things, his discomfort can be assauged with green paper...