Learn to fight with a handgun—on the move, under pressure, and with the mindset to prevail.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This isn’t a shooting class. It’s a fight class.
Defensive Handgun teaches students how to use their pistol in real-world defensive encounters. Building on fundamental marksmanship, this course focuses on applying skills under stress, during movement, and in tactical environments. You’ll push beyond flat-range drills into dynamic problem-solving, learning how to shoot fast, think faster, and make decisions under extreme pressure.
Through a combination of live-fire range work, high-stress drills, force-on-target simulator scenarios (with shock penalty), and analysis of real-world gunfights, students will develop the skills and mindset required to prevail in armed conflict. From recoil control to legal aftermath, this course bridges the gap between trained and truly prepared.
TOPICS COVERED
- Advanced Safety Brief: Reinforcement of firearm safety in dynamic and high-stress environments
- Review of Fundamentals: Brief refresh on grip, stance, trigger control, and presentation
- High-Speed Marksmanship: Techniques for fast, accurate fire under time pressure
- Recoil Management: Controlling recoil for rapid, consistent follow-up shots
- Rapid Target Acquisition: Engaging multiple threats quickly and decisively
- Shooting on the Move: Techniques for mobility without sacrificing accuracy
- Cover & Concealment Use: How to fight smarter using your environment tactically
- Stress Fire Drills: Simulating adrenaline and chaos to inoculate performance under pressure
- Tactical Reloads: Fast, efficient reloads to maintain fight readiness
- Malfunction Clearing: Immediate action for common handgun stoppages
- One-Handed Shooting: Strong- and support-hand shooting for wounded or restricted scenarios
- Decision-Making Under Duress: Scenario-based reps to build fast, legal, moral, and tactical choices
- Use of Force Law: Understanding self-defense law and legal consequences of deadly force
- After-Action Drills: Post-engagement scan, communication, and self-aid/buddy-aid protocols
- Live-Fire Scenarios: Structured engagements that test application of all learned skills
COURSE PREREQUISITES
Handgun Fundamentals
COURSE LOCATION
Celina, TX
MINIMUM GEAR REQUIRED
Firearm
- Quality, safe, semi-automatic pistol
- (Examples: Glock 19 MOS, Glock 45 MOS, or similar platform)
Magazines & Ammunition
- Minimum 3 magazines
- 9mm FMJ or frangible ammo – 500 rounds minimum
- (Example: Fiocchi 9mm Range Dynamics or equivalent)
HOLSTER & MAG CARRIER
- OWB hard polymer holster (Kydex-type only)
- (No Serpa, leather, or soft/fabric holsters allowed)
- (Examples: Safariland 6935RDSO ALS, Tier1 Concealed OWB)
- OWB double mag carrier
- (Example: Bladetech Signature Double Mag Pouch)
SAFETY GEAR
- Ballistic-rated safety glasses
- Electronic hearing protection (muffs preferred)
APPAREL
- Durable pants and closed-toe shoes or tactical boots
- Clothing appropriate for all-weather outdoor training
HEALTH & COMFORT
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Water and snacks
- Notebook and pen
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT (PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING)
UPGRADED FIREARM
- Glock 19 MOS, Glock 45 MOS, or similar pistol
- Optic: Aimpoint Acro P-2, Trijicon RMR, or Holosun EPS
- Weapon Light: Surefire X300U-A or equivalent
UPGRADED HOLSTER SETUP
- Safariland 7365 RDS ALS (light-bearing, optic-compatible)
- Tier1 Concealed OWB (light or non-light bearing)
- True North Concepts Modular Holster Adapter
- Safariland QLS Fork, or BladeTech Tek-Lok
BELT & LOAD-OUT
- Battle belt with stiff core (Ex Umbris)
- Estac double magazine carrier
- Optional: dump pouch, med pouch, boo boo pouch
- gloves
- knee pads
IMPORTANT NOTES
- All firearms must arrive bagged and unloaded unless student is active duty law enforcement.
- No appendix carry or shoulder holsters allowed in this course.
- If you are unsure about your gear setup, contact us in advance to verify compliance.