Training – Basic Pistol Course

 

One of the purposes of this blog is to provide the folks I teach with a ready resource of what topics that I believe are important for new shooters to know. Actually, over the past 9 months I have pretty well posted my Basic Pistol Course on the blog. Given that I have a new course starting in about three weeks, I thought I’d make it easy for my new shooters to get a head start by putting all the posts that cover the Basic Pistol Course in a single post. If these new folks take the time to read through the course material, they will have a real head start before the course begins.

Of course, anyone’s welcome to share the Basic Pistol Course – if you’re an instructor, a new shooter or just want a quick review of the basics – please, enjoy.

Lesson One – Safety and The Range

Weapons and their safe handling can be intimidating to the new shooter. Add to that confusion on selecting a shooting range and what exactly you should even take to a range – the initial “start-up” can easily feel overwhelming.

I’ve broken down this startup process in a number of different posts that should make the transition from being a “new shooter” to a “shooter” just a bit easier.

• From the beginning

• Da Rules – Rule 4: Be sure of your target, and what’s beyond it!

• Trust NO ONE!!!!!

• Choosing a range . . .

• Range day – what to bring, what to bring . . . . .

Lesson Two – Do I Even Need Training, and Just Who Should I Go Too??

Honestly, it does surprise me when a person decides to get a concealed carry permit, buys a weapon and then simply sees no reason for additional training. I’ve had some thoughts about that.

• So – do I need some kind of training to carry a gun??

• Training – No, no . . . . that’s actually the TITLE of this post . . . .

• Training – I’m the best!! No . . . REALLY . . . . Just Ask Me!

Lesson Three – What Makes It Go BLAMMMM!!!

It’s a rather complex process that makes a weapon go BLAMMMM when you hold it in your hand and press the trigger rearward. Let’s spend a bit of time going over the basics.

• What Makes It Go BLAMMMM!!! Part 1

• What Makes It Go BLAMMMM!!! Part 2

• What Makes It Go BLAMMMM!!! Part 3

• What Makes It Go BLAMMMM!!! Part 4

Lesson Four – What The Heck Kind Of Handgun Is This???

Revolver, Semi-Automatic, Single Action, Double Action, Safe Action . . . . . What????? Let’s see if we can clear this up a bit.

• Just the Basics – the Single Action Revolver

• Just the Basics – the Double Action Revolver

• Just the Basics – the Single Action Semi-Automatic Pistol

• Just the Basics – the Safe-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol

• Just the Basics – the Double-Action Semi-Automatic Pistol

Lesson Five – Grip, Sights, Sight Alignment, Sight Picture

How the heck do I hold my weapon and hit what I want?? Is it that complicated? How can I get a small group when someone is trying to shoot me?? It can all be overwhelming when a new shooter picks up their weapon for the first time and tries to hit a paper target. I have some thoughts on all of that.

• Just the Basics – GET A GRIP

• Just the Basics – Sights . . . . sights . . . . which one is the BEST??

• Just the Basics – I Just Can’t Hit A Darn Thing With This Thing . . . .

• FIGHT! – Combat Effective Shooting

Lesson Six – Holsters, Draws, What Guns Should I Have In My Gun Bag, How Do I Press The Trigger

You need something to carry your weapon in, you need to know how to draw it quickly. I do have recommendations on a basic suite of weapons that will help you with your training. Let chat a bit.

• Just the Basics – All Things Holsters

• Just the Basics – The Draw

• Training – Hands, hands . . . . what the heck do I do with my hands????

• Training – “Pull the damn trigger!!”

• Three Guns Every New Shooter Should Have In Their Range Bag

Lesson Seven – A Productive Range Trip and Some Advanced Techniques

When you pack up to go to the range, why are you going? Do you have a plan to get the most out of your range time? How can you trim some time off what it takes to get the first combat effective hit on your threat?

• Training – Your Range Gun

• Training – Lessons Learned

• Training – A Range Day

• Training – Seconds Count . . . . seconds count . . . .

• Training – Focal Point Shooting Range Trip

And there you have it. A complete Basic Pistol Class. It’s a place to start and grow from. Enjoy!