PISTOL 1 - FUNDAMENTALS OF DEFENSIVE PISTOL

OVERVIEW

This course requires participants to be legally permitted to possess handguns. The total duration is eight hours, including both classroom instruction and range time. Students will begin with an introduction to drawing from the holster, focusing on the steps to achieving a smooth, consistent draw, building a proper grip, and presenting the firearm effectively. The lesson will also cover reactive versus predictive sight picture confirmation levels. Trigger control will be emphasized, including proper trigger finger placement, finding the “wall,” and executing a smooth press without disrupting the sight picture. Students will learn shot follow-through techniques, such as resetting the trigger and firing from the reset, as well as conducting target assessments and maintaining situational awareness. Drills will be incorporated to build consistent performance, with an emphasis on deliberate, high-quality repetitions for all techniques taught. The course concludes with a practical assessment—a qualification shoot to demonstrate safe handling skills and accuracy.

Experience Requirements

While successful completion of Intro to Pistol is not required to enroll in PISTOL 1, it is strongly recommended for new or infrequent shooters. Students may register for PISTOL 1 without having completed Intro to Pistol but must be able to meet and immediately demonstrate the minimum skills and safety standards required for the class. Students failing to meet and maintain our safety requirements and/or cannot meet and demonstrate the minimum skills required for the specific class may be removed from training. Please ensure you have read through the class description and fully understand our prerequisites before registering.

Background checks are required.

Course Outline

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate the safe use and handling of a handgun.
• Choose a holster for your personal needs.
• Safely and efficiently draw from and recover to a holster.
• Demonstrate foundational shooting techniques.
• Safely and efficiently load, reload, and unload a handgun.
• Safely and efficiently hit a target with the dominant hand only.

Firearm Requirements:

*** For Safety Precautions, the SIG SAUER P320 and ALL variants are banned from the property. ***

• Semi-automatic pistol: Full size and compact pistols only (semi-auto center fire pistols only - revolvers or rimfire pistols are not allowed)
• NO micro pistols or pocket pistols to include: M&P Shield, Bodyguard, SIG P365, Glock 43, SPRINGFIELD HELLCAT, etc.
• Full framed “Micro guns” can be used (M&P SHIELD X, HELLCAT PRO, SIG Fuse, SIG X MACRO, etc.). Must have an appropriate OWB holster (No IWB Holsters).
• Firearm must have 10+ rd magazine capacity, etc.

Magazine Requirements:

• 3 magazines (1 for firearm and 2 additional)
• Magazine pouch that can hold your 2 extra magazines

Holster Requirements:

Holster compliance is at the discretion of the Instructor. If a holster is deemed to not comply with safety requirements, a loaner M&P 2.0 pistol and/or appropriate holster will be provided. Exceptions can be made for Agency or Department issued equipment.

• Dominant side, hip-mounted holster or dominant side, belt-mounted holster
• Must completely support the pistol.
• Must not collapse once drawn.
• Must fit properly to the belt.
• When holstered, the trigger guard must be completely covered.
• Must be oriented in a safe direction for drawing.
• "Trigger Finger" style retention devices are not permitted.
• Must be able to draw and holster one-handed; Support hand cannot be utilized.

Ammo:

Estimated round count: 400 rounds (must purchase separately)

Additional Equipment:

• Long pants with pockets and belt loops
• Sturdy 1.5" belt,
• Closed toe shoes (no flip flops or sandals)
• Crew neck (T-shirt) or button-up shirt (no low-cut neckline)
• Hydration system or re-sealable water bottle
• Wraparound eyewear, polycarbonate lenses or non-shattering prescription glasses
• Recommend electronic hearing protection or earmuffs and earplugs
• Loading devices (optional)