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Defensive Pistol I
(Not an NRA-Approved Course)

List of Available Classes

Why Take This Course?

If you currently have your Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit, or have handgun experience and are considering applying for your permit, this class is for you.

Understanding how to load, unload, and fire your handgun is just a small part of the training required to responsibly carry a concealed handgun. This course provides you with the information to help you avoid having to present your firearm, to use your firearm as safe as possible in the event you are left with no other option, and to then manage the scene post-event for the benefit and safety of yourself and those around you.

This class is limited to only four students to ensure personal attention and quality instruction.

Course Description

This course covers the basics relating to concealed carry in Colorado. This is not an NRA-approved course. This means that although it is taught by an NRA-certified instructor, the course content is not reviewed or approved by the NRA.

The course is designed to provide you with the basic  knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely carry a concealed firearm. The content has been condensed into one day of lecture, and approximately two hours of range time. Covered topics include:

  Mind-set, legal, and practical issues

Are you mentally prepared to pull the trigger? Under what conditions are you allowed to present your firearm? How does carrying impact my everyday activities? Will it impact my wardrobe? What about the gun control laws that were signed by Gov. Hickenlooper in 2013? These questions and more are covered in the first 90 minutes of class.

  Situational awareness and conflict management

The best way to prevail in a conflict is to never put yourself in that position in the first place! You will learn how to avoid situations that are likely to produce conflict, how to recognize and manage conflict escalation, and you will learn street-level techniques that can be used to help safely de-escalate confrontational situations.

  Post-event management

So...you had to present your firearm. You had no other choice. Now what? Do you pull the trigger? If you do pull the trigger, your world will change forever. This class will tell you how and why. You will learn how to best deal with arriving law enforcement as well as steps you can take before, during, and after the event to minimize your legal liability and to maximize your personal safety.

  Practical skills

Learning the practical skills relating to concealed carry is an important part of this course. This includes how to: 1) safely present (draw) from concealment, 2) safely re-holster, 3) malfunction clearing, 3) emergency & tactical reloading, and 4) speed vs. accuracy considerations. The second day, range time is used to polish and hone these skills during live-fire exercises. Previous students say this is the most enjoyable part of the class where you actually get to apply what you have learned the previous day in the classroom.

Defensive Pistol Class Prerequisites

This class is fast paced and covers a great deal of information in only 8-10 hours. For this reason, attendees are expected to know how to load, unload, and accurately shoot their own handgun. A student should be able to hit an 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper at a distance of 15 feet (5 yards) reliably with every aimed shot before signing up for this class. The NRA Basic Pistol Class is a great way to learn these skills and is highly recommended for those still seeking the necessary knowledge and skills before taking this class.

You will need the following equipment for this Defensive Pistol class:

  • A 32 caliber or larger handgun. This includes all 380 ACP, 38 Special & Magnum, 9 mm, 40 S&W, and 45 ACP handguns. Both semi-automatic and revolver types are acceptable.
  • A holster, purse, pack or similar device designed to safely retain the handgun on or near the person while being concealed during everyday activities. This is typically an "inside-the-waistband" holster with level 1 retention.
  • At least two magazines (semi-automatic) or one speed-loader (revolver). A magazine carrier is recommended for semi-automatic pistols.
  • At least 100 rounds of ammunition compatible with your handgun. Please no +P or +P+ or "magnum" ammunition.
  • Eye and ear protection.
  • A hard-brimmed hat that covers the top of the eyes (a baseball-style cap is fine).

A complete listing of all required items will be provided after registration and well before the first day of class.

If This Class is for You...

Visit the class schedule page to see when the next class is being offered that works with your schedule.

List of Available Classes