This class is designed for students who have completed Basics of Pistol Shooting + Safety Fundamentals and are ready to build on those fundamentals. You’ll learn to work from ready positions, toggle a weapon-mounted light, and build speed and control at realistic self-defense distances.
This class introduces elements of readiness, decision-making, and more refined movement while keeping the pace accessible for newer shooters.
Who This Class Is For
- Students who have completed the Basics class
- Shooters ready to train with the pistol setup they actually plan to carry or use
- Students who want more structure and coaching before advancing to drawing from the holster
- Shooters with a weapon-mounted light who want to learn how to apply it in live fire
If you’ve taken the Basics class but do not yet own a pistol, consider becoming a member and attending an Indoor Pistol Range Day for more exposure to different platforms.
Required Equipment
- A semi-automatic handgun in your preferred carry or home defense configuration
- 50 rounds of ammo
- Eye and ear protection
- Weapon-mounted light (if applicable)
- Close-toed shoes
- Confidence and a willingness to learn
Note: Firearms may be provided for instruction, but students will get the most value by bringing their own.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this class, students will be able to:
- Present from compressed high ready and low ready with control and intention
- Safely toggle a weapon-mounted light during a shooting string
- Place accurate rounds on target at 3 to 7 yards
- Assess grouping and make corrections in real time
- Maintain consistent safety and fundamentals under pressure
- Leave with specific feedback and clear next steps for continued training
Skills Covered
- Stance
- Grip
- Sight picture and alignment
- Trigger press and follow through
- Target transitions between ready positions
- Light discipline
- Grouping analysis
Total Round Count: 50 Rounds
Distance: 3 to 7 yards
Target: Center A-Zone
Rounds fired in 5-round strings with target checks between strings
Course of Fire – 50 Rounds
Block 1: Warm-Up Fundamentals (15 Rounds)
- String 1 – 5 rounds from Compressed High Ready
- String 2 – 5 rounds from Low Ready
-
String 3 – 5 rounds, shooter’s choice of ready position
- Target brought back between each string to confirm groupings and reinforce sight picture and grip
Block 2: Light Integration (15 Rounds)
- String 4 – 5 rounds from Low Ready, light ON (if equipped)
- String 5 – 5 rounds from Compressed High Ready, light ON
-
String 6 – 5 rounds from alternating positions, light use as appropriate
Target examined between strings. Coaching focuses on timing and light discipline
Block 3: Decision & Control Drills (15 Rounds)
- String 7 – 5 rounds, random instructor-called ready positions
- String 8 – 5 rounds, light ON or OFF based on callout
-
String 9 – 5 rounds, shooter controls position and light use
Target reviewed for consistency, confidence under pressure, and clean presentation
Block 4: Final Diagnostic String (5 Rounds)
- String 10 – 5 rounds, full student execution
- Present from either ready position
- Light use based on judgment
- Emphasis on safety, control, and performance under no coaching
Target brought back. Final debrief and progress evaluation
What to Expect
This is not a fast-paced tactical class. It is a measured, diagnostic-based progression for students looking to build real skills. Each 5-round string is followed by a target check and coaching. Students leave knowing what works, what needs improvement, and what to practice next.