A friend of mine conducts a number of advanced classes througout the country each year. ( website is at www.f-r-i.com ). He comes highly recommended by many that have taken his class (I have not).

I am hoping/planning on "hosting" a class...the Level II, 30 hour class, up here in the lovely lakes area of NW Minnesota (near Fergus Falls/Detroit Lakes),... obviously in the warmer days of Spring/Summer/Fall.

I have contacted him about what he needs to guarantee a class, and he needs 8 students ($390 is the cost**). Before I get too much into this, I am curious about how many of us good folks here might be interested... no committment need be made at this time, but if I get "X" number of people interested, then I can work with Steve to to host the class etc. The tentative dates we are considering are the Fri-Sun, July 21-23, 2006.

It would be helpful if you could post a response here if interested and also E-mail me. (include name and # of people that might be interested.)

** oops...I had to edit the price. The $345 in the earlier pre-edited post is an old price; Steve indicated that the current 2006 price is $390. The reservation charge will be $200 to hold your spot; the deposit would need to be made by May 1st, balance due at the time of the class. NOTE: Any deposit made before 5-1 will be 100% refunded if the class is cancelled. However, if the class is held, and you chose to not attend, you can either (a) use it for a later class; (b) give/sell the deposit to someone else. So, there is no risk in making your confirmation sooner rather than later!

Class is limited to 12, but requires a minimum of 8. I know this is very early, but to get onto his schedule for 2006 I needed to pick a date. Note again this is not "my class", I will be a student also! It is Steve Silverman (read the article at http://www.f-r-i.com/ccmag.pdf )

When you read the article it will look like the class is both a lot of work...and fun! Being an AARP'er myself, big-boned ( ), I thought I would ask if this is a class for just the athleticly inclined. Steve wrote back and said If you are concerned about any physical demands, "I've had people with canes, in wheelchairs, 300 lbs overweight, etc. take the class. As I tell my students: We all have different physical and mental limitations, abilities, etc. Who am I to say that what works for me will work for you."

So, e-mail me if you are interested and once we get the minimum of 8, I can tell Steve it is a "go". ! Again, note that the deadline for advance and guaranteed spots is May 1, 2006, or earlier if the class fills.

paul@shootingsafely.com

Yes, Mr. Phorvick,

I would be very interested in attending this class.

I had read the article previously, and it sounded to be a very informative course.

Interested............have to check my schedule.........that's about the "back to the 50's" time

What does the course entail? Who are the Instructors and what is their background?

As noted in initial post, go to website at www.f-r-i.com and also the magazine article at http://www.f-r-i.com/ccmag.pdf

His website says that the course entails the following:

(The instructor is Steve Silverman):

Note: Here is what is covered in the class and what Steve suggests you bring to the class:

The Level-II course (30 hours) covers the following topics:

Mental Awareness and Conflict Avoidance
Legal Ramifications of Lethal Force
Shooting While Moving
Tactical Movement
Multiple Assailants
Malfunction Drills
Night Shooting & the Proper Use of Flashlights
Drawing from the Holster
Emergency, Tactical, Speed and Administrative Reloads
Basic Disarming and Weapons Retention
Here is what to bring...

Personal Defense Handgun.
750 rounds MINIMUM of ammunition. 1000 rounds is advisable. Reloads/FMJs are fine.
2 speedloaders or spare magazines MINIMUM..
Suitable Holster and spare ammunition carriers.
Suitable flashlight and carrier. FR&I can supply these if you haven’t bought one yet.
Ear and eye protection.
Personal attire that allows movement and physical activity later in the day.
Writing material: Pen, Pencil, Paper, etc. (Course material provided by FR&I)

Note: The class assumes that the participants have basic familiarity with their gun and its safe operation. At a minimum you must either have taken the NRA Basic Pistol Class within 12 months of the date of the class, or have a current valid Minnesota Permit to Carry at the time of the class.