If you're taking this class in Houston, here's exactly what to expect. If you're not in Houston, this guide can help you structure your own introductory class — or teach new students in your community.
Before you arrive at the range, here’s everything you need to know to get the most out of your experience — whether you're a first-time shooter or preparing to teach the basics to others.
📌 What to Bring
All of these items are provided if you are taking the class in Houston but if you are teaching your own class, each student must come prepared with the following:
- 50 rounds of 9mm ammunition (or the correct ammo for your specific firearm)
- A handgun that matches your ammo type
- Ear protection and eye protection
- Close-toed shoes for safety (Not Provided)
- A positive attitude and readiness to learn
🎯 Learning Objectives
By the end of this class, all students should be able to:
- Maintain safe behavior on and off the firing line at all times
- Understand and apply the four rules of firearm safety
- Demonstrate basic pistol shooting fundamentals (stance, grip, trigger control, etc.)
- Take their first live-fire shots safely and confidently
- Begin to form groupings on paper at defensive distances
- Leave class with enough knowledge and confidence to practice solo at the range
- Feel empowered to teach these basics to others within their own circles
🔒 The Four Rules of Firearm Safety
Every safe shooter follows these rules. Every time. No exceptions.
- Treat all guns as if they are loaded.
- Never point the muzzle at anything you are not willing to destroy.
- Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on target and you’re ready to shoot.
- Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it.
🧱 Foundational Skills We’ll Cover
These are the building blocks for safe and accurate pistol shooting:
- Stance – A balanced, athletic position to control recoil
- Grip – Proper two-handed hold for control and consistency
- Sight Alignment – Lining up the front and rear sights
- Sight Picture – Placing those aligned sights on your target
- Trigger Control – Smooth press without jerking
- Follow Through – Holding your aim steady after the shot to assess performance
- Adequate support hand pressure - In many cases, if fundamentals are followed but grouping is not achieved, more support hand pressure is required.
🗺️ What We’re Doing in Class
We’ll be shooting at 3 to 7 yards — the distances where most real-world self-defense encounters occur. The goals are:
- Land shots safely on paper
- Refine those shots until they form groupings
- Build the confidence to continue training beyond this class
- Groupings: A grouping is a tight cluster of bullet holes on the target. It's a sign that your fundamentals are working — even if you're not yet hitting the bullseye.
This class is about more than just pulling the trigger. It’s about building habits, reducing fear, and owning your role in protecting yourself and others.
If you're an aspiring instructor, it's also about learning how to pass that knowledge forward — clearly, safely, and confidently.
We’ll see you on the range.
Course of Fire – 50 Rounds Total
Paced in 5-round strings. Target is checked between each string.
Phase 1: 3 Yards (15 Rounds)
Purpose: Build confidence and establish repeatable fundamentals at close range.
- String 1 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Examine shot placement and mark hits. Check stance, grip, and trigger press. - String 2 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Look for consistency or signs of anticipation. Adjust as needed. - String 3 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. If a group is forming, student may proceed to 5 yards.
If grouping is not achieved, repeat at 3 yards before advancing.
Phase 2: 5 Yards (20 Rounds)
Purpose: Confirm that fundamentals hold at increased distance.
- String 4 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Mark hits and identify any shift in group location. - String 5 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Reinforce proper sight picture and grip pressure. - String 6 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Address any drift or shot deviation. - String 7 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. If grouping remains consistent, student may proceed to 7 yards.
If grouping is lost, correct before advancing.
Phase 3: 7 Yards (15 Rounds)
Purpose: Develop control and confidence at defensive distance.
- String 8 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Confirm control under pressure. - String 9 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Look for consistent placement. Adjust trigger prep and follow through if needed. - String 10 – 5 rounds
Bring target back. Final check for performance and growth.
Notes
Total: 10 strings of 5 rounds = 50 rounds
- Distance increases only if the shooter shows consistent grouping
- Grouping means shots are placed in a repeatable cluster within a hand-sized area
- Marking hits helps diagnose shot placement, reinforce progress, and guide instruction