I'm glad to hear you had a positive experience there. I've wondered about them since we visit Vegas about twice a year.
I've been a bit put off by their website which shows Dr. Ignatz to be a world class self promoter, attaching himself to the reputations of Jeff Cooper, Massad Ayoob, Chuck Taylor, etc. (most of whom are not above a bit of self promotion themselves, but they have the real 'rep'.)
Their 'Free Machinegun Class', which is advertised all over Vegas, strikes me as kind of cheesy and probably does not give a lot of ordinary people 'warm fuzzies' about firearms.
I agree they are not a 'scam', but would advise Ignatz to change his marketing a bit, so it's not all about him. If he's fighting for the cause, more power to him. I just hope he remembers that the cause is more important than he is.
Their 'Free Machinegun Class', which is advertised all over Vegas, strikes me as kind of cheesy and probably does not give a lot of ordinary people 'warm fuzzies' about firearms.
Self promoter: yes, he is. Remember, he's had to raise a WHOLE lot of money to build the resort and planned community he's building. But yes, I've been there, and sometimes you do feel like you're at some weird revival meeting. A little less polish would be more confidence inspiring, but maybe that's the approach that sells with the money and PR guys. It seems to be working for him.
The school: First rate, but it's designed to bring you back again and again for various courses. That's okay if you like that stuff. I do. But just know that's how it's designed going into it.
His creds: He is a four weapon combat master, so I know he can shoot. I didn't agree with all his opinions (heck, I don't agree with all of anyone's opinions, be they Clint Smith, Massad Ayoob, or Jeff Cooper), but it's not a cult, so you aren't required to.
The Free Machine Gun Class: scoff if you will, and it is Vegas hype all the way, but that sucker got Frontsight more free publicity from the media than the guy could ever have bought. And he never lets anyone in the press interview him unless they take the class, the idea being that they can do an article, but it's darn well going to be an informed one based on real experience.