We believe the 2nd Amendment is best defended through grass-roots organization, education, and advocacy centered around individual gun owners. It is our mission to encourage, organize, and support these efforts throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.
CREATE FREE ACCOUNT Already a member? Log InClint Smith runs Thunder Ranch in SE Oregon and I believe he qualifies as a "big guy" in most training circles. It kind of depends on what you consider "local in the NW".
You can check them out at Untitled Document if you would consider traveling that far.
Edit note: not sure why the link says "untitled document" but it it seems to work.
Looking at where you're located I would suggest www.firearmsacademy.com. You do get Massad Ayoob and Rob Pincas coming to guest teach at FAS. Not sure who you mean by big guys, but I find both of them leaders in the training field.
Check out Oregon Firearms Academy! Great folks and great training!
James
When your training will mean your life and perhaps your family's, its just a no-brainer to get the best available.
T-Ranch is my recommendation. Although I have yet to attend Clint's facility, I have yet to hear a student of Thunder Ranch say anything bad about the instruction there.
I cannot say the same at all about Firearms Academy of Seattle (!) or Oregon Firearms Academy. I have personally had bad experiences with both as well.
Check out Oregon Firearms Academy! Great folks and great training!
James
LMS Defense has courses every month out of Cascade Pistol and Rifle club in Ravensdale. Very good instructors.
LMS Defense
T-Ranch is where I will go next.