The Basic Pistol Class is designed to provide participants with a foundational understanding of safe handgun ownership and operation. This course emphasizes firearm safety, proper handling, and responsible use while developing basic marksmanship skills.

Instruction includes an overview of handgun types and components, safe storage practices, ammunition fundamentals, and the principles of firearm safety. Participants will receive hands-on instruction in proper grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and safe loading and unloading procedures. The course also introduces basic maintenance and cleaning techniques.

Live-fire range exercises are conducted under close instructor supervision to reinforce safe handling and accuracy fundamentals. Safety is emphasized at all times.

This course is suitable for new shooters or individuals seeking to refresh their basic pistol skills. Successful completion provides a solid foundation for more advanced firearms training.

Learning Objectives

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

1. Demonstrate safe firearm handling in accordance with established safety rules and range procedures.

2. Identify the major components of a pistol and describe their functions.

3. Properly load, unload, and clear a pistol in a safe and controlled manner.

4. Demonstrate correct shooting fundamentals, including stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, and trigger control.

5. Fire a pistol accurately at basic qualification distances under instructor supervision.

6. Explain basic ammunition types and their appropriate use.

7. Perform basic field-stripping, cleaning, and lubrication of a pistol.

8. Demonstrate safe firearm storage practices and articulate legal and ethical responsibilities associated with handgun ownership.

Equipment Requirements

Participants are required to provide the following:

• A limited amount of pistols/magazines/and ammunition are available for use upon request. (ammunition will incur a fee)

• Serviceable handgun in an approved caliber 

• Minimum of 300 rounds of factory target ammunition 

• Minimum of 3 magazines

• Holster that covers the trigger guard and allows safe re-holstering

• Magazine pouch(es) or equivalent load-bearing equipment

• Eye and ear protection (mandatory)

• Brimmed hat (recommended)

• Weather-appropriate clothing suitable for extended range activity

• Note-taking materials