Thunder Ranch Training DVDs: A Review

[The Knight Of Light]

http://www.americanhandgunner.com/TRvids.html

I just got Clint Smith and FMG publications new Thunder Ranch Defensive Handgun training DVD. This is profesionally made, well produced series with Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch.

For those that don't know Clint Smith here is the Bio from his website www.thunderranchinc.com

Originally Posted by Thunder Ranch

Clint Smith , President and Director of Thunder Ranch®, is a Marine Corps veteran of two infantry and Combined Action Platoon tours in Vietnam. His experience includes seven years as a police officer during which he served as head of the Firearms Training Division as well as being a S.W.A.T. member and precision rifleman.

He left law enforcement to serve as Operations Officer for the American Pistol Institute where he was Dean of instruction and was instrumental in range and curriculum development for A.P.I. In 1983, Clint founded International Training Consultants, Inc., an active mobile training program which is nationally recognized for innovative programs in Urban Rifle, Shotgun, Precision Rifle, and various handgun formats.

In 1986, he served as Director of Training for Heckler & Koch, Inc., where he developed and taught progressive courses in fully automatic weapons as well as conventional weapons systems.

In 1993, Thunder Ranch®, Inc. opened to show not only innovative training, but numerous range designs and functions of a type not seen before in one facility. Clint is a contributor to American Handgunner, American Cop, GUNS and SWAT magazines and has published articles in many other national and international publications. In 2004 TR was successfully moved to Oregon.

This series gives an overview of the classes taught by Thunder ranch and several different drills that are a basic intro into defensive handgun shooting. I was impressed with the amount of information in these DVDs. The Defensive handgun DVD is about 3hours long on 2 DVDs. Part one was a very informitave lecture where Clint explains much. He tells what to do when you are involved in a shooting, how to identify threats, how to speak to the police when they arive, how to conduct yourself, and some basic defensive tactics. Part two was all range work. Different terms were explained as well as the basics of the draw and loading sequences. Holster loads, Administrative loads, Strong hand and weak hand shooting, Drawing from the holster with the weakhand, and the many different ways to fight from the retention and ground fighting with a handgun. If anyone has seen the TVshow Personal Defense TV you may have seen Clint give some very basic tips at the end of the show. I always wanted more. This DVD series gives you what you want.

I must stress it in no way replaces true training but hopefully will encourage people to get proper training. I will be getting the other 2 DVDs in the series. Defensive Tactics and Urban Rifle.

[AlaskaXD]

Thanks for the review of the Clint Smith DVD's. I too have enjoyed his, all too short, spots on PD TV and have been left wanting more. Yes, this by no means replaces a hands on course, but it sure has a value.

Another reason to go to Oregon! An anniversary gift from wifey to Thunder Ranch and Springer Precision would be nice (how could I match that though?)

[Bycyclist]

Originally Posted by AlaskaXD

Thanks for the review of the Clint Smith DVD's. I too have enjoyed his, all too short, spots on PD TV and have been left wanting more. Yes, this by no means replaces a hands on course, but it sure has a value.

Another reason to go to Oregon! An anniversary gift from wifey to Thunder Ranch and Springer Precision would be nice (how could I match that though?)

I'm signed up to go in mid-July for this Tactical Handgun 2 course! Taking my family with me, they're going to have fun at Aspen Ridge Resort while I'm having fun at TR!

[AlaskaXD]

Originally Posted by Bycyclist

I'm signed up to go in mid-July for this Tactical Handgun 2 course! Taking my family with me, they're going to have fun at Aspen Ridge Resort while I'm having fun at TR!

Great gift for your family (and yourself)! I might have to do the same sometime, that is if you don't have any copyright on the idea

I'd thought about taking a detour while out on a Sunday drive but I think the wife might figure it out.

[jnclement]

Wish they were still in Texas. Although, strangely enough, I probably know 20 people from Lakeview that I met teaching skiing in Northern New Mexico.

[Bycyclist]

Originally Posted by AlaskaXD

Great gift for your family (and yourself)! I might have to do the same sometime, that is if you don't have any copyright on the idea

I'd thought about taking a detour while out on a Sunday drive but I think the wife might figure it out.

www.aspenrr.com - when my kids and wife saw this, they were REALLY excited about going to Oregon. Rather sneaky of me, I might say. I spend the day shooting, they spend the day with horses, we spend evenings together.

I am really lucky, can't wait.

[AlaskaXD]

Originally Posted by Bycyclist

www.aspenrr.com - when my kids and wife saw this, they were REALLY excited about going to Oregon. Rather sneaky of me, I might say. I spend the day shooting, they spend the day with horses, we spend evenings together.

I am really lucky, can't wait.

Thanks for the info. Enjoy your trip when it comes around.