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Basic Fundamentals of Pistol

America/Denver
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Basic Fundamentals of Pistol

Duration: 4 Hours

Experience Level: Beginner / No prior experience required

The Basic Fundamentals of Pistol course is designed for new shooters who want a clear, structured, and hands-on introduction to handgun use. This class focuses on safety first, then builds the core skills required to operate and shoot a pistol confidently and responsibly.

No prior firearms experience is required. Everything is taught from the ground up.

Course Breakdown

Hour 1 – Classroom Instruction

We begin in the classroom establishing a strong foundation. This portion of the course covers:

  • Firearm safety rules and safe gun handling

  • How a semi-automatic pistol operates

  • Major components and controls of the handgun

  • Ammunition fundamentals

  • Safe loading, unloading, and clearing procedures

  • Range expectations and safety protocols

This block ensures students understand how the gun works and how to handle it safely before moving to live fire.

Hours 2–4 – Live Fire Range Training

The majority of the class is spent on the range applying classroom concepts under close instructor supervision. Instruction is deliberate, controlled, and focused on building correct habits from the start.

Students will learn and practice:

  • Proper stance and balance

  • Effective grip and recoil management

  • Sight alignment and visual focus

  • Trigger control and shot execution

  • Safe shooting procedures and range etiquette

Coaching is hands-on and practical, with an emphasis on safety, consistency, and confidence rather than speed or pressure.

Equipment Needed

Students are responsible for bringing the following items to class:

  • Handgun (semi-automatic pistol recommended)

  • At least 2 magazines

  • Eye and ear protection

  • Closed-toe shoes

  • Comfortable clothing suitable for range activity

  • If you do have a holster, you are encouraged to bring it

Ammunition:

  • Approximately 150 rounds of factory-loaded ammunition

Don’t Have Gear Yet?

Rental firearms, ammunition, eye protection, and ear protection are available at The Armory for an additional fee. Please arrive early if you plan to rent equipment.

Important Notes

  • No steel-core or armor-piercing ammunition

  • All equipment will be inspected prior to live fire

What You’ll Leave With

By the end of the course, students will:

  • Understand how a pistol functions

  • Be able to safely load, unload, and clear a handgun

  • Demonstrate safe gun handling at all times

  • Confidently fire a pistol using solid fundamental techniques

  • Have a clear path forward for continued training

Who This Class Is For

  • Brand-new shooters

  • Individuals considering firearm ownership

  • Those looking for a safe, professional first experience with handguns

  • Anyone who wants proper fundamentals taught the right way from day one

This course sets the foundation for all future pistol training.

If you’re new to handguns and want instruction that is clear, structured, and safety-driven, this is where you start.