- Cost
- $150
- Class Duration
- 7 hours
The Defensive Pistol 1 course is designed for students who may be completely unfamiliar with the basic safe operation of a handgun or who may be new to firearms training in general. Students with experience may find many of the fundamental skills that are introduced to be valuable additions to their existing knowledge. Unlike the Pistol Basics course, however, this class introduces students to the practical use of a handgun for defensive purposes.
Lessons Covered
- Firearms safety
- Loading, unloading, and reloading
- Handling malfunctions
- Drawing from a holster
- Safe re-holstering
- Basics of pistol marksmanship
- Multiple shots and follow-through
- Scan and assess process
- Threat identification
- Use of cover and concealment
- Movement with a firearm
Required Equipment
Students are expected to bring the following equipment. Anything else will be provided by the instructor. Students are expected to provide their own firearm and ammunition.
- Payment for outstanding class fees (if applicable)
- A semiautomatic pistol*
- 3 or more magazines, 5 or more is recommended**
- A holster that covers the trigger guard of the pistol***
- 250 to 400 rounds of new, factory ammunition
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- Appropriate clothing for an outdoor class
- Plenty of water
- Snacks and/or lunch
*A magazine-fed pistol in good working order
**Try to bring more than 5 magazines for single-stack magazines
***Plastic/molded fitted holsters tend to be the safest, but you can complete the class with a soft holster with a little extra care. You may come prepared for inside the wasteband or outside the wasteband carry as you wish to train. A strong, semi-rigid belt can be very helpful, too.
Optional, Helpful Items
- A hat and sunscreen
- Notebook and pen
- 2 or more "snap caps" (dummy rounds) for practice
- Additional ammunition in case the class has extra time
- Additional magazines