From Handling to Hitting — The Complete Handgun Foundation
The handgun is the most personal of all firearms — and the most misunderstood. More people own pistols than any other firearm, and more people carry them with less training than any other platform. The Basic Pistol course changes that.
This is not a First Steps course. You are expected to arrive knowing how to safely handle a handgun. What you will leave with is the ability to operate it with confidence, shoot it with consistency, and understand it well enough to make informed decisions about what you carry and why.
This course exceeds the standard NRA Basic Pistol curriculum. Our students come here to actually learn — and we teach accordingly.
What You’ll Cover:
- Handgun operating systems — revolvers and semi-automatics in depth, including their mechanical differences, advantages, and limitations
- Ammunition and caliber selection — a straightforward, no-myth guide to what matters and what doesn’t, including why caliber is less important than most people think
- Sights and sighting systems — fixed sights, adjustable sights, red dots, and lasers
- Sight alignment and sight picture — the two most important technical skills in handgun marksmanship
- Grip, stance, and platform — the physical foundation of accurate and consistent shooting
- Trigger control — the single most common cause of missed shots and how to fix it
- Recoil management — understanding it, anticipating it, and not letting it control you
- Loading, unloading, and administrative handling of both revolvers and semi-automatics
- Malfunction recognition and clearance — what to do when it doesn’t go bang
- Dry fire practice — the most underused training tool available to any shooter
- Safe storage of your handgun at home — options, considerations, and the law
- An overview of Florida law as it applies to handgun ownership and use — note that this is an overview only, not legal advice, and does not substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney
- Prohibited places
- Children in the home and general family safety
- This course meets the firearms safety and live fire training requirements for the Florida Concealed Weapon or Firearm License (CWFL). Completion of this course satisfies the range qualification and safety training components required by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services for your concealed carry application
The Standard:
You will be required to demonstrate consistent hits on target at distances up to 50 feet before completing this course. That standard is real and it is achievable. We will work with you until you meet it — because a handgun you cannot shoot accurately is not the defensive tool, sporting firearm, or hunting sidearm you think it is.
First Steps Pistol is recommended but not required. Students with prior military or LEO handgun experience may test directly into this course with instructor approval.
Ammunition is not included in the course fee. Students are welcome to use their own firearm and ammunition. We may have a limited selection of handguns available for use in the course — inquire when you sign up.
Maximum 4 students per class. Cost: $150 for regularly scheduled classes · $200 for semi-private or private classes on your schedule.
Contact us to schedule your class.
Objections?