You probably have not heard of me before. I'm not a competitive shooter. I have not written any gun articles or published any books. I have not served in the military and I do not have any law enforcement experience. In fact, prior to 1988, I was just your average gun enthusiast. Then one evening, a group of anti-socials drove through my quiet neighborhood and blasted away at everything that represented the fruits of a decent work ethic.
During this random, drive-by shooting spree, I was struck by a sudden and frightening realization. Although I owned firearms and shot them regularly at the range, I was never taught the skills required to use a gun when it is needed most -- to defend one's life.
This revelation began my quest for training and ultimately placed me under the tutelage of Col. Jeff Cooper, the Father of Modern Pistolcraft and Founder of The American Pistol Institute -- previously known as Gunsite. The Colonel's weaponcraft doctrine rang loud and true for me. After thirteen week-long courses and thousands of hours of practice over a three year period, I held Jeff Cooper's signature on EXPERT certificates in Special Pistol, Shotgun, Carbine, and Rifle courses.
As my expertise developed, Col. Cooper's teachings inspired me to reach others and thus Front Sight Firearms Training Institute was born.A thirst for additional training and my search for an individual qualified to direct Front Sight's curriculum led me to submachine gun courses taught by Chuck Taylor, who at the time was the only Four Weapons Combat Master in existence.
During the courses, I learned that Chuck was the Operations Manager in the early days at Gunsite under Jeff Cooper. Further inquiry revealed Chuck's credentials and experience to be extremely impressive. What is even more impressive is Chuck's ability to impart his knowledge to the class and bring the very best performance out of his students. I know this as fact because following the submachine gun courses, I spent over six months training with Chuck Taylor in an effort to prevail over what many have failed and most won't even attempt -- The Four Weapons Combat Master test.
The more I trained with Chuck, the more I realized that his unbending philosophy of training students with only tactically proven techniques bonded perfectly with Front Sight's mission to train the warrior in you, while refusing to compromise integrity for commercial or political interests.
I am extremely proud to inform you that on August 28, 1993, I became the second man in the world to secure a Four Weapons Combat Master certificate and later secured Chuck Taylor as Front Sight's Director of Curriculum and Instruction.
