Defensive Pistol I
(Not an NRA-Approved Course)
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.