You ask some good questions and both Dave and Oso make some very good, valid, points.
I have been fortunate enough to learn from Clint & Heidi Smith (Thunder Ranch),
Al Clark and Dale McClellan (when they were with Blackwater, they've now formed their own op., named *STS*-Specialty Tactical Services -- I was/am very impressed by Dale McClellan) and
previous Gunsite owner Richard Jee and adjuct instructor Bill Bailey, (also Glock, Sig, Beretta, InSights, tac. schools etc.)
Hate to admit but, to get started, I'd probably hit the first exemplary reputation'ed place closest to my home (which in your case seems to be BW).
Having said that, and having done it, I will tell you that after spending a week at Thunder Ranch, Clint Smith is STILL the instructor I measure everybody else I train under, up against!
(Then again, I've never even had the pleasure of meeting ANY of the "one man, roadshow" guys Dave or Oso refer to -- but doing so is on my horizon, I guarantee you that!)
Clint & Heidi so impressed me that, as soon as I can save it up, my fiance are goin' down to spend a week with them completing either one of their 2 courses applicable to "partners" defensive skills . . .
BTW, saving the tuition $ up is only 1/2 the preparation (she's aware of my plans but has NO idea what's in store for her -- she WILL be already VERY proficient with her gun BEFORE we set foot on TR property! :wink:
In case you haven't seen it, this month's American Rifleman just
had an article in it about advanced skill training, etc. -- and I think they did overlook the very salient points made about the one man travelling guys . . .
BOTTOM LINE #1 (Uh-oh! That's sure to ignite some flames :smile:
If you were my relative, and I was paying, dollar for dollar, I'd probably pay for you to go to Thunder Ranch . . .
#2 We're all VERY fortunate! There's some real stinkers out here hanging shingles as "trainers" but (if you look at some other countries) we're blessed with an abundance of very good, dedicated, and capable training centers!
BTW, Greg Hamilton, et al, of InSights Training Center comes out to Harrisburg, PA several times a year! (Check their website).
I just completed his 3 day Intensive Handgun Skills course and HE ALSO IMPRESSED ME VERY MUCH! Great course, with NEW (to me!) stuff and, yes, we DID fire over 2,000 pills in 3 days!)
Just remember, your're only going to these people/places to learn the drills YOU NEED TO DO ON YOUR OWN, couple of times a month, after you graduate . . . otherwise you've wasted your $ and time! Good Luck! & Have A Blast!