Introduction to Safe Pistol Handling

This course is for individuals who simply want to learn more about handguns. Prerequisites are that you currently own a firearm and consider yourself reasonably proficient in its use.

The course includes 3.5 to 4.0 hours of classroom instruction. No live ammunition is permitted in the classroom and there is no firing range practice at the end of the course. A USCCA Graduation Certificate will be awarded to those who finish the course.

This class is offered by special arrangement to groups of at least 4 persons: $75 per person, plus $25 for strongly recommended but optional textbook. Contact George for more information.

Content outline:

Introduction

  • Agenda

Self-Defense Firearm Basics

  • Universal safety rules
  • Clearing a semi-automatic
  • Clearing a revolver
  • Additional safety considerations
  • Defining a gun’s action
  • Understanding revolvers
  • Understanding semi-automatics
  • Modern, striker-fired handguns
  • What happens when the trigger is pressed
  • Understanding magazines
  • Selecting a handgun
  • Pros and cons of handgun choices
  • Ammunition components
  • Ammunition care and storage
  • Common ammunition malfunctions
  • Clearing semi-automatic malfunctions
  • Other use of force options

Defensive Shooting Fundamentals

  • Defensive shooting versus marksmanship
  • Proper grip
  • Shooting platform
  • Aligning the muzzle to the target
  • Unsighted fire, point shooting
  • Flash sight picture
  • Sighted fire
  • Trigger control

Gear and Gadgets

  • Gear and gadgets introduction
  • Holster retention
  • Hip Holsters
  • Paddle holsters
  • Pocket holsters
  • Inside the waistband holsters
  • Non-traditional holsters
  • Belts
  • Tactical flashlights
  • Considering a laser sight
  • Mounted lights
  • Gun safes and storage

Basic and Advanced Skills

  • Creating a training program
  • Dry firing
  • Fundamental drill discussion
  • Discussion of what’s next
  • Closing thoughts

How Florida Law Applies

Home Defense

This course is for individuals who wish to keep a firearm in their home and/or place of work for self-protection. It is not required that you have a permit or license for concealed carry.

The course includes 3.5 to 4.0 hours of classroom instruction. No live ammunition is permitted in the classroom and there is no Firing Range practice at the end of the course. A USCCA Graduation Certificate will be awarded to those who finish the course.

This class is offered by special arrangement to groups of at least 4 persons: $75 per person, plus $25 for strongly recommended but optional textbook. Contact the Chief Instructor for more information.

Content outline:

Introduction

  • Agenda
  • Statistics and trends

Developing a Personal and Home Protection Plan

  • Defining a personal protection plan
  • Why conflict avoidance is so important
  • Home Security
  • Home alarms
  • Home security checklist
  • Home defense
  • Home defense checklist
  • Mental exercises

Self-Defense Firearm Basics

  • Universal safety rules
  • Clearing a semi-automatic
  • Clearing a revolver
  • Defining a gun’s action
  • Understanding revolvers
  • Understanding semi-automatics
  • Modern, striker-fired handguns
  • Understanding magazines
  • Selecting a handgun
  • Home defense shotgun fundamentals
  • Defining gauge
  • Shotgun chokes
  • The AR-15 platform
  • Ammunition components
  • Ammunition care and storage

Defensive Shooting Fundamentals

  • Defensive shooting versus marksmanship
  • Proper grip
  • Shooting platform
  • Aligning the muzzle to the target
  • Unsighted fire, point shooting
  • Flash sight picture
  • Sighted fire
  • Trigger control

The Legal Use of Force

  •  Defending the home
  •  Defending property

Violent Encounters and Their Aftermath

  • When we’re left with no other choice
  • When the right to use deadly force ends
  • The immediate aftermath
  • Phone calls to make
  • When the police arrive
  • Statement to the police
  • During and after your arrest

Gear and Gadgets

  • Tactical flashlights
  • Considering a laser sight
  • Mounted lights
  • Gun safes and storage

Basic and Advanced Skills

  • Creating a training program
  • Dry firing
  • Fundamental drill discussion
  • Discussion of what’s next
  • Closing thoughts

How Florida Law Applies

Concealed Carry - Florida & Georgia

Eligibility to receive a State of Florida or Georgia License for Concealed Weapon or Firearm is determined by the State, not by the Instructor. If you have any questions about your legal status, click here.

By successfully completing this course students will meet and exceed the required training requirements established by the State of Florida for a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License. The course includes 3.5 to 4.0 hours of classroom instruction plus another 1.0 to 1.5 hours at the firing range. While no live ammunition is permitted in the classroom, you will need to bring your unloaded firearm and 50 rounds of ammunition, along with eyes and ears protection to the range. A USCCA Graduation Certificate will be awarded to those who finish the course. This Certificate must be submitted to the State when you apply for your license.

This is a regularly scheduled class, so check calendar for dates. Cost: $85 per person, plus $25 for recommended but optional textbook. If you do not have a firearm, one can be rented from the Chief Instructor for $15.

Content outline:

Introduction

  • Agenda
  • Statistics and trends

Developing a Personal and Home Protection Plan

  • Defining a personal protection plan
  • Why conflict avoidance is so important
  • Situational awareness
  • The color codes of awareness
  • Areas to avoid
  • Cover, concealment, and an exit strategy
  • How a permit to carry fits

Self-Defense Firearm Basics

  • Universal safety rules
  • Clearing a semi-automatic
  • Clearing a revolver
  • Defining a gun’s action
  • Understanding revolvers
  • Understanding semi-automatics
  • Modern, striker-fired handguns
  • What happens when the trigger is pressed
  • Understanding magazines
  • Selecting a handgun
  • Ammunition components
  • Ammunition care and storage

Defensive Shooting Fundamentals

  • Defensive shooting versus marksmanship
  • Proper grip
  • Shooting platform
  • Aligning the muzzle to the target
  • Unsighted fire, point shooting
  • Flash sight picture
  • Sighted fire
  • Trigger control

The Legal Use of Force

  • Defining reasonable force
  • Detailed definitions of deadly force rule including scenarios
  • What prosecutors will want to know
  • Defending the home
  • Defending property

Violent Encounters and Their Aftermath

  • Understanding fight or flight
  • Effects of adrenaline and endorphins
  • Recognizing a threat
  • Issuing commands and evaluationg options
  • When we’re left with no other choice
  • When the right to use deadly force ends
  • The immediate aftermath
  • Phone calls to make
  • When the police arrive
  • Statement to the police
  • During and after your arrest

Gear and Gadgets

  • Hip Holsters
  • Paddle holsters
  • Pocket holsters
  • Inside the waistband holsters
  • Tactical flashlights
  • Gun safes and storage

Basic and Advanced Skills

  • Creating a training program
  • Dry firing
  • Fundamental drill discussion
  • Discussion of what’s next

How Florida Law Applies

  • Test your knowledge of Florida Concealed Carry Laws
  • What the Carry Law provides
  • Training required
  • Applying for a permit
  • Process of approval
  • Denials and how to handle them
  • Requirements for displaying license
  • Where carrying is banned or otherwise restricted
  • Castle Doctrine and related statutes
  • Pending legislation

Demonstration of Proficiency at Firing Range