Basic Pistol Skills & Drills
The starting point for new firearm owners: safe handling, fundamentals, and confident range time in a structured, judgment-free environment.
Course overview
Basic Pistol Skills & Drills is the foundation of the M.A.D.S. curriculum. The course covers safe handling and storage, the four universal safety rules, how a modern pistol works, grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, loading and unloading, and clearing common stoppages. Instruction moves from classroom explanation to supervised practice so every concept is applied, not just described.
Who this is for
First-time firearm owners, people who own a pistol but have never had formal instruction, and anyone who wants to rebuild fundamentals correctly.
What you will learn
- Safe firearm handling and storage habits
- Confident loading, unloading, and stoppage clearing
- A repeatable grip, stance, and sight picture
- Improved trigger control and accuracy at close range
- Familiarity with your own equipment
- A clear sense of what to train next
Safety requirements
This is a live-fire course. All firearms are treated as loaded at all times. Firearms remain holstered or cased until an instructor directs otherwise, and all handling happens on the firing line under direct supervision. Students who cannot follow safety direction will be removed from the range.
Ammunition requirements are confirmed at registration. Contact us before class if you are unsure what to bring.
Clothing: Closed-toe shoes, a shirt with a high neckline, and a hat with a brim are strongly recommended on the range.
What to bring
- Eye and ear protection
- Your pistol and at least two magazines, if you own one
- A belt and holster, if you own one
- Water
We provide
- [EQUIPMENT PROVIDED TO BE CONFIRMED]
Frequently asked questions
Upcoming dates
No dates are currently scheduled for this course. Join the interest list and we will contact you as soon as the next date is set.
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