EmpowerSAFE! BASICS Part 2: How to Shoot a Handgun

Description

EmpowerSAFE! BASIC: Your First Step to Confidence and Safety

This two-part course is designed to help you build the skills and confidence to safely handle and shoot a handgun—whether you’re brand new or just looking to refresh your knowledge. It’s perfect for you if you:

• Don’t own a handgun (or even if you do)
• Are new to shooting or haven’t shot in years
• Want to gain confidence before taking the LTC shooting test
• Are unsure if owning or shooting a handgun is right for you

Unique Features:

• No Equipment Needed: Everything you need is provided (except a baseball cap).
• Flexible Scheduling: Two-part structure allows you to learn at your own pace.
• Brain-Based Learning: The separation between parts supports optimal retention and mastery of skills.

By the end of the course, you’ll feel confident handling and shooting handguns safely and accurately—both in the classroom and on the range.

Part 2: Live Fire Range

• Transition to Live Fire: Begin with low-energy .22LR pistols and progress to .380/9mm for real-world shooting.
• Hands-On Instruction: Personal guidance for applying everything you learned to your own handgun (if you brought one).
• Building Confidence: Experience recoil and put shots on target at 3 yards or more with expert guidance.

Topics Covered

In this class, you will learn:

• The Fundamentals of Firearm Safety
• How Firearms and Ammunition Work
• How to Safely and Securely Store Your Firearm
• The Fundamentals of Safe Gun Handling, including:
  • How to Safely Load, Unload, Clear, and Check You Firearm
• The basics of marksmanship, including:
  • How to build a strong grip
  • Proper body position
  • Proper use of sights
  • Proper Trigger and Breath Control
• Basic manipulations of the firearm
• Basic Ready/Retention positions

Expectations and Outcomes

At the end of this class you will be:

• Confidently and safely shooting 4” targets at 3-yard and (time permitting) 7-yard distances.
• Confidently and safely loading, unloading and clearing your handgun
• Confidently manipulating your handgun
• Excited about your next trip to the range

Types

Basic, Women's Only Courses

Documentation Requirements

Valid, government-issued photo ID.

The instructor requires a copy of your Government Issued ID once you register.

Requirements

Prerequisites: You must complete Basics Part 1.

Clothing

• Classes run Rain or Shine. Please be prepared for inclement weather.
• Cap or hat with visor
• Collared shirt - no tank tops, halters or v-necks. Exposed cleavage tends to catch hot brass.
• Closed-toe shoes - no sandals, flip-flops, open footwear or heels. The shooting range is dirt and gravel requiring flat soles.
• Be aware that long, decorative nails (extending more than 1/4Ó beyond the fingertip) can interfere with your ability to safely handle a gun.

Photos