More Happy Customers!

I just wanted to share a couple of email messages that I've received from happy customers about my course. This is one from a husband that had his wife take my class recently.

"Just wanted to give you some feedback on your online course.  My wife took your online a few weeks ago and I was impressed with the course content and structure.

Being new to pistols, I actually believe she got more out of the online course than she would have gotten in attending an actual class.  Sometimes I think a physical class gets sidetracked on stories about this and that and the attendees, especially those new to pistols and CCW, lose focus on the actual content and purpose of the class.  Not to mention that individuals' attention spans vary.  This course allowed her to complete sections at her pace.
She received her permit within one week of submitting it to the sheriff's office.

Anyway, well organized material and I hope it is successful for you.  I have recommended it to several of my friends who were interested in obtaining a CCW permit but for whatever reason have been reluctant to attend a face-to-face class.
-- Steve"

And another one from a woman that took my course a few months back...

"I will definitely tell any friends that I come into contact with about your course.

I did enjoy all the links to the articles about the different ways to carry concealed.  Especially the article from a woman’s perspective.  It gave me a lot of information that I had never even previously considered.  For example, making sure that you are only wearing clothes/bags/ etc. that you would wear regardless of whether or not you were carrying a gun.  That it was important to be comfortable and confident.  If you were wearing something simply because it conceals well, you may look more awkward and out of place, which might draw more attention.

As I began looking into it, I realized that carrying for a woman is definitely a totally different ball of wax and I will need to really get ‘hands-on’ when purchasing my equipment.  It appears there is a wide variety and unless it works and it comfortable, I will not be likely to utilize it.  I was also able to come up with pros/cons of carrying on the person or in a bag.  I think that is an important discussion.  I think carrying in a purse is better than nothing, but it does present problems that need to be thought through before attempting to do that.  I think had I not had the information presented, I would have simply opted for this rather than realizing that I did have good options for carrying on my person.  So, I think that was a good article to include.

--Steph"

I couldn't have said it any better!

Shopping for an Online Iowa Permit to Carry Course? BUYER BEWARE!

It's amazing that over the last 6 months how many other online courses have become available. They offer "discount" pricing and empty promises that their course is being accepted by ALL Iowa Sheriffs. The funny thing about this is that these companies aren't even from Iowa. They don't know Iowans and they CERTAINLY don't know how seriously we take our new law! They don't even know that Iowa does not have a "concealed carry permit", Iowa's permit is a Permit to Carry Weapons. There is a difference! They claim that you can get through their material in 65 minutes, or an hour, but what are they really teaching you? Do you learn about Iowa law? NO!!! Do you learn about concealed carry techniques? NO!!!! Do they give you resources that you can take with you? NO! Do you learn about carry options like...

• What handgun should I be looking for?
• What options for carry for women and men are there?
• What's the best way to conceal a firearm?

NO NO NO!!!

When looking for the BEST online Iowa Permit to Carry course option, make sure you take this into consideration! Take your course from Cedar Valley Firearms Training! I'm FROM Iowa, I know Iowa and I offer you MORE FOR YOUR MONEY! Don't believe me? Check out these testimonials from Iowans that have taken my course. 

The quest for the everyday carry flashlight - Fenix PD31

I've been looking for a nice carry flashlight for a while now, but really hadn't found the perfect one. The light that I want has to be small enough to fit in my pocket, at least 180 lumens, a strobe feature was highly desired as well as the ability to take rechargeable batteries. I looked long and hard at the AA ones that were out on the market and although they were a nice size, to get the lumens I was looking for I had to go with a model that took two AAs, and I felt that was getting a bit too long. I found the Streamlight ProTac 1 and 2AA models and thought the 1AA model was the perfect size, but wasn't nearly bright enough. I then looked at the ProTac 2L version and it had everything I was looking for, except for the rechargeable batteries. I almost pulled the trigger on it anyway, then I was advised to look at another brand from one of my friends that is a police officer...

And that brand was Fenix! So I started doing some research and found some great reviews on several of their lights on YouTube. It seems that lots of people are happy with their lights and my friend said he LOVED his TA21 which had ALL of the features that I wanted, but is certainly isn't small enough to put in your pocket!

So I started to looking for a smaller flashlight that might possibly fill my needs. I started finding information about their "PD" series and found the PD10, PD20 and PD30. All three of these flashlights met my requirements for 180 lumens, which is pretty amazing despite the small size of the PD10 and PD20. The PD10 was out, because it had no strobe. The PD 20 and 30 both had enough lumens, were both small enough to fit in my pocket and both had a strobe feature. I was leaning towards the PD30, just because it is rated at 257 lumens! The only problem was that it only used CR123s not the rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery. I was wanting one that could use both like the TA21. Then I found the PD31!

The PD31 is a limited edition flashlight from Fenix that is about the same length (2mm longer) and about the same diameter (2.5mm larger) as the PD30. The PD31 is rated at 304 lumens, nearly 50 lumens more than the PD30! It also takes the rechargeable 18650 Li-ion battery, which accounts for it's larger diameter, and CR123s. It has a "general mode" which is accessed by turning the bezel counter-clockwise which will allows you to throw a beam of light at 2, 67, 124 lumens and an SOS mode at 124 lumens by taping the tail cap switch. Then if you tighten the the bezel ring, and click the tail cap switch, you get the "turbo" mode which is an amazing 304 lumens! Tap it again, and you get a strobe at 304 lumens. To be honest, it's pretty impressive.

Although this light has a higher lumen output than the TA21, it does not throw the light as far as the TA21. The TA21 is rated to throw over 200m and the PD31 is rated at just 140m. This is because the beam is not quite as focused as the TA21. The PD31 is a more of a flood than a spot. The PD31 also does not have a momentary tail cap switch, it is a click switch, but it's not considered by Fenix a tactical light. That is covered by their TK and TA series lights.

PD31 and TA21 with Ruler

PD31 left, TA21 right

PD31 with 18650 Li-ion and CR123s

Overall I am VERY impressed with the PD31. It has all of the features I was looking for in a pocket light although some may find it too big. I've included some pictures of the PD31 compared to the TA21. Let me know what you think.

Don't be fooled into taking another online training course to get your Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons!

I've been doing some research into some other sites that offer ONLINE training to get your Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons and what I've found is amazing!

Number one... Cedar Valley Firearms Training is the ONLY company that is housed here in the state of Iowa. All of the others are "out of state" companies are from Virginia, Colorado, and Maryland, and NONE that I've found COVER IOWA LAW!

Number two... If you visit many of these sites you'll also notice that they state up front that their training ISN'T accepted by many of the Iowa sheriffs. Some of them state that only about ONE FOURTH of the counties in Iowa accept their training! That is NOT the case with Cedar Valley Firearms Training. I have YET to be denied by ANY sheriff's department in the state of Iowa! As a matter of fact, I have MANY Iowa sheriffs that are recommending my course as the ONLY online option that they are accepting!

Number three... most of these courses take the term "basic" to the extreme! They are ONLY covering about 90 min or less of material on the different parts of a handgun, how to clean it, and how to take a sight picture. Wow! Nothing about what to carry, how to carry, choosing a handgun, IOWA LAW, where you can and CANNOT carry in Iowa, interacting with police and options for further training like you will find in the Cedar Valley Firearms - Basic Pistol Online Course.

Number four.... For most courses out there you cannot contact any instructor if you have questions! That's not what you'll find with the Cedar Valley Firearms Training - Basic Pistol Course. I make myself available to ALL of my students so they can ask questions either by phone or by email EVEN AFTER THE COURSE IS COMPLETE! I have several of my students that have contacted me to further their training or for advice on what to purchase for their concealed carry gear. I'm here to answer your questions!

And the most amazing thing is, MOST OF THEM COST THE SAME AMOUNT OF MONEY! I guess when it comes to other courses out there you AREN'T getting what you pay for.

Don't be fooled by other online firearms training courses. The other companies out there are just wanting to take your money and leave you with nothing more than a certificate and a bunch of questions. Take your course from Cedar Valley Firearms Training and rest assured you've taken your class from an IOWAN that is here to help!

Face to face training this weekend in Cedar Falls!

I have some openings for a face-to-face Basic Pistol class that I'm offering this weekend at Blackhawk Sprinklers. The class starts at noon and will go till 4pm on Saturday, April 2nd. If you'd like a spot, email me at instructor@cedarvalleyfirearmstraining.com and I'll save one for you!

At the Waterloo Gunshow this Weekend

Come on by to see me this weekend at the Waterloo gunshow!

I've been spreading the word about getting an Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons this weekend and have talked to a bunch of great people. I've also been pushing people to get involved with the NRA and the Iowa Firearms Coalition so we can keep this right and work to streangthen it!

I've also seen some great deals on guns, so if you haven't checked it out, you should! Here's a link to get $1 off of admission. 

Linn County OFFICIALLY Accepts CVFT Online Training!

I just received a call from the Linn county sheriff's departmant and they have officially stated that they will accept the CVFT Basic Pistol Online Course as training to get an Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons!

Online training for Iowa Permit to Carry Weapons finally being accepted!

In this recent interview, Linn county sheriff, Brian Gardner, finally admits that he and other sheriffs WILL TAKE ONLINE TRAINING if the offered training is "interactive" between the student and instructor of the class. Well guess what! The Cedar Valley Firearms Training Basic Pistol Online Course is the ONLY online training that is interactive between the instructor, Jason Vetter, and the student taking the class. DON'T BE FOOLED by other "out of state" online training groups that state that the students are interacting with their "certified" instructors, because you may be out not only your money, but also your time!

If you'd like to see/hear what Linn county sheriff, Brian Gardner, has to say on the subject, here's the link! http://www.kcrg.com/news/tothepoint/To-The-Point-State-Gun-Law-Cedar-Rapids-Crime-and-Camera-Revenue-113307529.html  At about -19:50 in he states what Iowa sheriffs will accept for online training.

Updated FAQ for CVFT Basic Pistol ONLINE Class

I've updated the FAQ for the CVFT Basic Pistol Online Course. Check out the statement about sheriffs only accepting the CVFT online class because students can interact with me (Jason Vetter) and ask questions! http://www.cedarvalleyfirearmstraining.com/courses/online-course-faq

Concealed Carry for Women?

ABSOLUTELY! I often get into discussions with women thinking about getting their permit. Most of the time I get comments like:

"I don't feel the need to carry" or "my husband has his permit" or just "I feel safe".

I believe that this way of thinking is dangerous. I mean, of course, I even feel safe most of the time. That's why I live where I do. If I didn't feel safe, then I'd go somewhere I did feel safe. But just because you "feel" safe doesn't mean that you are. The problem is that bad people are real, and bad things can happen anywhere! Would you take out the fire alarms in your house because you don't think it can happen to you? Of course not!

If your husband has his permit, you probably feel safer, but what if your husband isn't there? Who will protect you or your children. I don't know about you, but I'm not with my wife all of the time. I wish I could be, but that's impossible. Be responsible for your own safety!

The last statement of "I feel safe" is the one that gets me. You feel safe now, but what if you get get threatened while at work, or you find someone is stalking you on FaceBook. What will you do then? Yes, you can then get your permit, but it can take days, even weeks to get through training and then to get your permit from your local sheriff's office. Do you really want to wait to get your permit until you need it?

With training, CVFT has you covered! What's nice about taking an online course is that you can take it anytime! I even have an article in my course that discusses concealed carry options for women. And if you need your certificate fast, I can (and will) send you a digital version to you in email if you need it quickly.

My advice, get your training and then apply for your permit even if you may think you don't need it. You may need or want to be able to carry someday and if you don't already have your permit, it's too late.

New FAQ about the CVFT Basic Pistol Course

I've created a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) about my Basic Pistol Course consisting of questions I get about the course. http://www.cedarvalleyfirearmstraining.com/courses/online-course-faq If you have any other questions about the course, you can email those questions to instructor@cedarvalleyfirearmstraining.com.