SELF-DEFENSE SHOOTING AND IDPA
Learn How to Shoot for Self Defense or Competition
(Four Sessions)
This sixteen-hour course consists of four classes that introduce you to the basic concepts and applications involved in handgun defense. The classes will also serve as a basis for those who desire to participate in the scenario-based matches held by the International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA). It is designed to meet the needs of those shooters who have completed a basic safety course or a concealed carry course and now desire to acquire the skills necessary to defend themselves in real life-threatening encounters. It will focus on personal safety, marksmanship, firearm manipulation and tactics. It will be oriented toward home defense and street use application. This is not a “stand still and shoot at the target” course. It will emphasize “shooting-on-the-move” and the use of cover as you engage simulated assailants who are intent on taking your life. It will employ numerous real life scenarios as you develop true self-defense skills. It will teach you to react under adrenaline-charged moments and give you drills that can be practiced at home to develop habits that are necessary for real-life situations. At course completion you will feel more confident in your shooting as well as in your ability to survive an encounter with the bad guys.
NOTE: These classes are offered in four sessions over two weeks to allow the student proper time to practice and dry-fire what is learned in each session before proceeding to the next.
This class will consist of “hands-on” classroom and range time emphasizing the following:
Safety & Range Commands- Six Fundamentals of Pistol Marksmanship
- Introduction to Drawing from Concealment
- Emergency & Tactical Reloading (when to reload and why?)
- Human Target Areas (Where to shoot the bad guys)
- Firing Techniques (Controlled Pairs/Double Taps/Failure Drills)
- Scanning (How not to miss the other bad guys)
- Cover vs. Concealment (There’s a big difference)
- Recommended Methods for Shooting at Different Distances
- Review of Pistol Cycles of Operation and Possible Malfunctions
- Immediate Actions (How to fix malfunctions during a gun fight)
- Multiple Target Engagement (Defending against more than one bad guy)
- Shooting from the Kneeling Position
- Techniques for Shooting from Behind Cover
- Angle of Incidence (How to use the proper shooting angle – while behind cover)
- Side Stepping
- Dynamic Movement (Shooting on the move – harder for them – safer for you)
- How to Score an IDPA Target
- Basic IDPA Rules
- IDPA Match Procedures
Students Learn the Proper Draw and Magazine Change
(Click for Video)
Students Leard Double-Taps and Controlled-Pairs
(Click for Video)
It is recommended, though not required, that you have completed a concealed carry class prior to attending this course.
Prerequisite: One or more of the following: Our Safe Shooting Class, Concealed Carry Handgun Course, NRA Firearm Safety Course, or verification from one of our Range Officers as to your safety and competence.
Required Equipment: Please bring the following with you:
- A handgun with a minimum of 3 magazines (or speed-loaders for revolvers).
- A practical, concealable hip holster (no small-of-back, fanny pack, or shoulder rigs).
The holster must permit re-holstering with the use of ONLY one hand!
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Holsters with NO safety straps, NO buttons and NO retention systems are highly recommended!
-- A straight-drop holster (NO cant) is best.
-- Most students find that kydex holsters work best.
-- If you bring a leather holster that is NOT FULLY BROKEN IN -- YOU WILL BE FRUSTRATED!
-- If your holster does not permit a smooth draw with little effort -- YOU WILL BE FRUSTRATED!
-- DO NOT bring a cheap holster -- YOU WILL BE FRUSTRATED!
-- No soft nylon holsters are permitted.
-- Appendix-carry is permitted.
- Belt-mounted magazine carriers for two magazines or 2 speed-loaders.
- At least five snap-caps or dummy rounds. (We can provide these for an additional $19.)
- Vest, jacket or other open-front garment that will conceal your handgun.
- VERY sturdy shooting belt
( If there is ANY movement in the belt when you draw, IT WILL NOT WORK in this class!)
- Eye and ear protection
- Note taking material
- Rugged, but comfortable attire and footwear
- 400 rounds of ammunition
Important: Please arrange to have your gear ready PRIOR to class day. Class days can be VERY busy and there will not be time for purchases.
Choosing a holster or other rig can be very time consuming and special attention is often required. (A break-in period is sometimes necessary.)
If you need assistance choosing a holster, magazine carriers or other piece of equipment, please
e-mail the class instructor.
Days two and four will conclude with a realistic home defense/street-fight scenario and will incorporate all skills taught that day. Your performance will be critiqued and you will have a second chance to run the same scenario.
Tuition: $399.00
Duration: Sixteen Hours Over Four Days
Ammunition: 400 rounds
Revised: 5/14/24
