Hoosier Firearms Review

Training Resource: DVD set, The Art of the Dynamic Handgun, Magpul Dynamics

The Art of the Dynamic Handgun is a 4-disc DVD set featuring over seven hours of actual live fire class instruction and additional instructional material.

Using a diverse group of beginner, intermediate, and advanced students, instructors Travis Haley and Chris Costa guide the class from the fundamentals of handgun operation, to problem solving, and through complex real-life scenarios. This progression from basic to advanced weapon manipulation pushes students of all skill levels to their failure points, illustrating how even the best shooters can advance and excel.

Fifty dollars well spent, my friends. I am a relative newby to the world of handguns. I have a learned a lot, but I have a lot to learn. The short time I’ve spent with this resource has already helped me, both with physical techniques and with mental approach. These DVDs will go into a regular rotation of stuff I love to watch.

You may be familiar already with Magpul Dynamics’ resources called “The Art of the Tactical Carbine”, I and II. Those are helpful and enjoyable. But I’m not a guy who is likely to be using my AR-15 in a self-defense or tactical situation. I mean, I want to be ready for what may happen, but I hope it doesn’t happen. So, while I enjoy the Carbine DVDs, there isn’t an abundance of relevant material I can put into my regimen. Your mileage may vary.

On the other hand, these handgun DVDs are chock-full of stuff that matters to me practically. The trainers — Chris Costa and Travis Haley — are giving down-to-earth advice to people just like me. They always demonstrate best practices and help the students, who vary in skill level, achieve a requisite measure of success and confidence. I kind of feel like I’m there, participating in the training, but without getting dirty and without my knees aching. Costa even includes his father as one of the students, so I have someone with which to identify. (Except I don’t use a revolver, like Dad does.)

Emphasis throughout the training is on the dynamic part of Dynamic Handgun. What could happen in the real world? How will you feel and react? How should you train for the eventuality? What are some tried and true ways to handle issues? What else should I be thinking about if I get in a fire fight?

Like live actors on a stage, Costa and Haley almost over-exaggerate their movements when they demonstrate each technique. This is a consistent feature throughout the Magpul Dynamics series, and one I certainly appreciate. Well done, gentlemen.

Beginning at the beginning with safety and grip, there is plenty in this set of DVDs for everyone. I heartily recommend “The Art of the Dynamic Handgun.”

So, folks, there’s your People Magazine review of this resource. Now we need to get Nick to do a real professional review.

Here’s the official trailer: