VX Client Testimonials

“…I am currently employed with a major airline as a Captain and Instructor/Evaluator focusing on operational excellence and risk management..”

VX Marksmanship is a tactical training facility located east of Decatur, Texas.  I have been training at VX for over 2 years.  As a former Marine on active duty in the 90’s, I realized that the tactics and equipment used in the military had changed so much over the past 20 years that my knowledge was severely outdated.  I wanted instruction from a combat veteran that was conversant in the “new” methodology and gear.

I initially inquired about training at VX because of Dan Sanderford’s credentials.  I knew what kind of individual Dan would be professionally because of what it takes to achieve what he did in Force Recon and as an instructor at the O’Gara Group.  What I didn’t realize was just how effectively Dan would be able to take his extensive experience and expertise and convert it to practical application for students of any experience level.

As I progressed through training (on pistol, carbine, and precision long range platforms) I quickly came to realize that what is really being developed at VX is Mindset.  Mindset is key to attaining excellence, no matter the endeavor.  One of the core tenets at VX is that “respect defeats ego.”  It took me awhile to realize what that really means, but I would summarize it this way:  if you are truly, wholly invested in what you’re doing (be it tactical training or anything else), and not worried about how “good” you think you are, how cool you look, or how fast you’re progressing, then attention to every detail will increase.  It allows you to break through the mental and emotional static.  VX instructors develop Mindset through demanding continuous communication and honest evaluation of the performance of self and others, and through explaining the “why” behind the “what.”  Once the benefits of these things are realized, then learning can and does occur.

The tactical instruction at VX is of the highest order: members of military special operations units and other government security agencies train here.  Each member of the VX Staff is vetted by Dan.  They are knowledgeable, approachable, and aligned with the VX Mission.  Safety is paramount, and is achieved through extreme self- and situational awareness.  The facility is incredible, and is only getting better.  There is absolutely no other place in Texas that affords the level of instruction and caliber of instructor that you’ll find at VX.  All of this combined with mindset development make VX Marksmanship unique.  If development in these skills is what you’re after, I cannot recommend VX Marksmanship and its staff highly enough.  For reference: I am a former Marine Major.  I have worldwide experience as a Marine Aviator and specifically as an Air Mission Commander/Weapons and Tactics Instructor.  I am currently employed with a major airline as a Captain and Instructor/Evaluator focusing on operational excellence and risk management.  I include this only to reinforce that I recognize that the skillset taught at VX Marksmanship is applicable across disciplines.  Please take a look at their website, read the affidavits, and decide if the training is for you.  I know you won’t be disappointed!

-Hans Peeders, USMC, Maj-retired

“Knowledge is power. To paraphrase the Bard of Avon, all difficulties are easy when they are known.”

Training transforms the unknown to known. Successful training is a Venn diagram of Mindset, Skillset and Toolset. Mindset is what the individual brings to the table. Toolset is self-explanatory. Skillset is the training we receive. In the world of firearms training, there is no dearth of schools or instructors with a wide spectrum of talent. As a lifelong student of learning and education, I have always sought the counsel of my peers and to further my potential.

As a former Marine, I have been taught by some of the best in the business of lead dealing. The old adage “those who do, those who don’t teach” is hogwash. I worked with many fine special operators who have no inkling of how to teach. A Been There Done That (BTDT) attitude does not automatically equal a good instructor. Thus, my criteria for a good firearms instructor is very high. With that preamble, I have no hesitation in recommending Dan Sanderford at VX Marksmanship in Decatur, TX for anyone who wishes to unlock their potential in regards to firearms proficiency.

I recently spent a few days in the company of Dan in long range rifle marksmanship. His attention to detail, fund of knowledge, constructive critiques, positive reinforcements, and ability to adapt & read the student leads to a remarkable and rewarding course of instruction. His range includes known distances of up to 1000 yards and he truly has a dynamic approach to training that is both enthusiastic and deliberate. While dynamic and motivational, at no time was safety ever compromised. He is able to tailor his course to the needs of the student. He is adaptive to the progress of his student. Dan is a BTDT who has the knack for teaching. I highly recommend Dan and his fellow instructors for both beginners and advanced students of firearms. It is readily apparent that he enjoys the art and science of firearms and that he embodies the warrior ethos without false bravado. He enthusiastically shares that wealth of knowledge. Knowledge is power. VX Marksmanship is the place to go for Skillset and to strengthen the Mindset. He can also give you pointers on Toolset.

Doug Nam, M.D.

“…highly qualified and also work with military special ops, secret service, police officers and civilians like myself.”

My wife and I took our LTC (License To Carry) test at VX after taking a few classes with VX trainers and “WOW!” that test was a breeze.

If you are thinking of getting your LTC/CHL I highly recommend taking a few courses with VX before taking the test. My wife and I took our test at VX which was great because they taught the LTC curriculum with the VX mindset and principles.

After just taking a few courses with the VX instructors, they exceeded my expectations by taking me out of the “lane mentality” and showing me how to deal with multiple threats coming from different angles while I’m on the move.

My wife and I already feel confident and comfortable carrying our firearm.

VX instructors are highly qualified and also work with military special ops, secret service, police officers and civilians like myself. This gives me comfort knowing that I’m getting the best training possible.

I’m truly grateful that VX doesn’t just offer their services to just anyone, but they are selective of their clientele.

I love the focus VX instructors have on Mindset, Marksmanship and learning because those lessons apply to other areas of my life.

The Cameros

“They all put high emphasis on fundamentals, focus, and mindset. ”

I was very particular in what I was seeking in terms of training. I needed flexibility to my responsibilities as a husband to a nurse with atypical work days, two kids that are in school and extremely active in extracurricular activities, and my own job that requires me to be On Call 24/7 (for the most part). I wanted to be able to take classes to where I would be able to take home lessons learned and practice in a “Dry Fire” manner; put in practice time before the next class. I wanted to train in a dynamic atmosphere, I wanted to be pushed to my potential, and I wanted to be held accountable… in other words, I wanted to be the best version of myself.

All instructors demand a level of professionalism, as I would come to expect. Professionalism in the form of both weapon manipulation and student integrity. They all put high emphasis on fundamentals, focus, and mindset.

I have taken courses with no more than 4 to a class and have even been in a few where it was 1:1. They put a very high level of personal attention to the student. Dan understands the science of instruction very well and I leave each class with more than I could have anticipated to have learned. As I advance in my curriculum, so does the level of expectations.

As I enter my new chapter in life, I enter with a renewed sense of confidence, commitment, focus, healthy curiosity, community, and positivity. I can see it in my relationship with my family and friends (my wife and kids can attest), my work, my workouts, even fishing… anything I put my mind to. It is all about mindset.

As I reflect back to when I first started, I have come a ways in understanding a basic level of tactical proficiency of a weapon, body and mind included… but I am humbled to know that there is so much more to learn. I am exited and fortunate to be surrounded by like-minded brothers and sisters who’s attitudes towards perfection ensures each one of our own successes… success that is based on the consistent QUALITY of work we put in.

I’m having a blast doing it too!

Cesar Garza

“…your mindset and shooting abilities will grow like never before.”

Every day that I train at VX, I leave feeling like I’m an all around better shooter. This training is nothing to take lightly, here you will be trained hard and pushed to your limits, but your mindset and shooting abilities will grow like never before.

Clay Ferrington

“The training reaches far beyond improving our firearm skills.”

My son, daughter, and I have been working our way through the rigorous training at VX for the past 16 months. The training reaches far beyond improving our firearm skills. The three of us have experienced dramatic improvements with our communication, cognitive processing, daily attitude, and shooting ability. The instruction is clear, concise, and presented in a professional manner. Mindset is a word used often at VX. I believe it to be the foundation of the VX training.

The three of us strive to implement a strong and concise mindset throughout our daily routine. It’s often a challenge, and success has not outnumbered failure. We utilize our training daily, learn from our mistakes, and improve. Thank you VX for the tremendous value you have added to each of our lives. We can’t wait to impress you and celebrate our success that you will help us achieve.

Chad Neme

“They showed nothing but patience and encouragement for my family…”

Excellence in professionalism. Excellence in knowledge. Excellence in character. I would recommend VX to everyone I know. They showed nothing but patience and encouragement for my family…and we are all better people after just our first course in training. We will be back for more!

Keely Gage

“The instructors are the real deal, and then some.”

“Regarding VX Marksmanship, there is no facility I am aware of where you can gain this dynamic and intense level of training as a civilian.  My level of confidence in protecting my family, my home, and myself has improved dramatically since I have acquired amazingly unique skills from the VX Marksmanship team.  One way to think about it is: I may not be the most proficient shooter in the world, but after my training at VX, I feel comfortable in saying I am now better than 99.9% of the perps that would be attempting to break into my home, car jack me, or other similar day to day possibilities.

Our society is changing and it is incumbent upon us to stay ahead and ready ourselves for the changes.  The instructors are the real deal, and then some. They hold themselves to a higher standard and they expect you to do the same of yourself – I respect and appreciate that. 

The entire mission statement, facility, and staff scream of professionalism, dedication, intense training, and no-nonsense education.  It is not for everyone, but it was the right thing for me at the right time. You will surprise yourself on what you accomplish that you thought you never could.  Thanks VX Marksmanship from my entire family!”

Paul Straten

“The range is incredible and offers unique training opportunities that indoor ranges cannot.”

“This place is amazing. I received a new pistol for graduation back in May and wanted to make sure I knew how to use it effectively and safely… I went from not even knowing what a double action was to having a different range show interest in hiring me as a shooting instructor after seeing videos of my training online – from about 4-6 months of training only. I can’t give enough praise to this place. The range is incredible and offers unique training opportunities that indoor ranges cannot.”

Saundra

“…help develop skills, discipline, and the mindset necessary to become a better marksman.”

“This is a professionally run training facility and gun range.  After an extensive search of facilities and training options in the DFW metroplex, I tried VX approximately 3 years ago and have been a client ever since. The classes trained by the dedicated staff help develop skills, discipline, and the mindset necessary to become a better marksman. If you are a beginner and want to become more familiar with your firearm or would like to become a more skilled long range shooter, this is the place.”

Jarrod R

“This tactical training was everything I expected and much more.”

“Dan’s knowledge and desire to teach surpass all others. His tactics and techniques are proven and the most up to date I have seen.”

“I have trained with VX Marksmanship for the past 4 years. Dan brings his many years of experience with him as he trains others in each respective discipline. I have trained at many other facilities with excellent instructors in the past. Dan’s knowledge and desire to teach surpass all others. His tactics and techniques are proven and the most up to date I have seen. His facility is top notch and offers a wide variety of target engagements that can’t be found at your typical gun range or many other facilities in the area. Dan’s style of instruction is very effective, as it allows anyone with a basic firearms skill set and those who have been around firearms all their life, to learn.”

Clint Weil

“I’ve learned advanced techniques through a variety of experiences at VX.”

“When I found VX, I had no prior rifle experience. Literally never fired a rifle heavier than a .22. Contacted VX about precision rifle and liked what I heard.   I’ve been training for about 10 months as I write this, and I’ve come to realize what a gem I stumbled across by starting with VX when I was a complete newbie seeking a school. In particular, I’ve had the opportunity to observe several other facilities precision rifle courses and therefore to see the much higher quality of training I’m receiving at VX.  I’ve learned fundamentals that make me crave more training and more experience. I’ve learned advanced techniques through a variety of experiences at VX.

I’ve participated in training, practice, and friendly competitions that expand my knowledge and skill. I’ve even been to a few of the gatherings out at VX, where a bonfire and a beer (AFTER the shooting is done for the day) become the program.  These folks are serious. They hold themselves and their students to a higher standard than I’ve seen anywhere else. At the same time, they adapt to my 58 year old office-job fitness level, along with clients (students) older, younger, fitter, and fatter than me! They do an outstanding job of pushing each person to achieve their capabilities, without over-pushing.  In case you can’t tell: Yes, I’d recommend VX for your firearms training needs.”

Danal Estes

“Of all schools out there – this one is the best.”

“First Rate! – Dan and his staff are the consummate professionals with real-world technical and tactical experience to make shooters the best they can be for any condition. Of all schools out there – this one is the best.

Lt. Col. Rich Diddams (USMC retired)