Applied Fundamentals Practical - Handgun

Description

Applied Fundamentals — Practical Handgun is a two-day immersion that translates solid marksmanship into usable defensive skill. Designed for shooters who want more than static drills, this course emphasizes safe, repeatable handgun performance under realistic conditions—drawing from concealment, movement, threat management, and the effective use of cover.

Training combines deliberate marksmanship work with applied, scenario-based drills using silhouette targets, ensuring students leave with immediately usable skills, measurable standards to train toward, and a mindset grounded in awareness, recognition, and decisive action. Each student also receives a step-by-step training plan to continue developing and refining these skills for months after the class concludes.

Topics Covered

• Fundamentals of marksmanship (grip, sight alignment, trigger control, sight picture, stance)
• Proper draw from concealment (speed, presentation, muzzle management)
• Clearing malfunctions (immediate action and remedial procedures)
• Emergency and tactical reloads (when and how to reload under stress)
• Finding the balance of speed and accuracy (speed/precision tradeoffs and transitions)
• Proper use of cover (shooting from and moving to cover, limiting exposure)
• Shooting on the move (footwork, shooting while advancing/retreating, angles)
• Engaging multiple targets (target prioritization, transitions, and sustained accuracy)

Expectations and Outcomes

By the end of the two days students will:

• Demonstrate safe firearms handling at all times and make sound risk-based decisions in applied drills.
• Consistently apply fundamental marksmanship under increasing time and movement pressures.
• Efficiently draw and present from concealment with appropriate muzzle control and reload discipline.
• Competently clear common handgun malfunctions and execute emergency/tactical reloads with purpose.
• Use cover effectively and move while maintaining usable accuracy.
• Engage and transition between multiple threats with controlled speed and accuracy.
• Be given measurable standards (accuracy and par times) for continued self-study at 5, 7, 10, 15 and 25 yards using B-8 targets and applied cardboard drills so they can practice and track progress after class.

Types

Basic, Intermediate, Concealed Carry Training

Requirements

• Serviceable semi-automatic handgun (9mm recommended)
• Minimum 3 magazines (4 preferred). All magazines must be reliable and match the pistol.
• Ammunition — 750 rounds total (for two days). 
• Quality holster that covers the trigger (strong-side, OWB/AIWB/IWB, kydex or rigid leather
• Duty or rig belt capable of supporting pistol and mag pouches
• Magazine pouch, capable of holding two magazines
• Eye protection (ANSI Z87.1 rated) — prescription inserts allowed.
• Hearing protection — electronic muffs strongly preferred, with earplugs as backup.
• Closed-toe shoes — boots or athletic shoes with good traction; no sandals.
• Hat (visor or ball cap) for sun and muzzle awareness.
• Range-appropriate clothing. Avoid open collars or excessively loose clothing that can snag.
• Sack lunch and at least one liter of water per day (bring extras for hot weather or long drills).
• Bag chair for breaks and lecture portions