Practical Defensive Carbine 1

This course is a developmental skills block focused on the practical use of the defensive carbine and serves as the entry point into the Practical Defensive Carbine progression.

Practical Defensive Carbine 1 emphasizes core carbine skills and their proper application in a defensive context. The course is designed to bridge the gap between basic familiarity with the carbine and more advanced movement, positional, and environmental applications taught later in the track.

Instruction is delivered using a crawl, walk, run progression and a structured building-block approach. Students will be exposed to new concepts while reinforcing fundamentals necessary for success in subsequent carbine courses.

While prior carbine experience is expected, students with a strong pistol background who demonstrate safe gun handling and a willingness to learn may be accommodated at the instructor’s discretion.

Instructional Emphasis

Points of instruction include:

• Proper firearm manipulation

• Proper use of the two-point sling

• Deployment from ready and carry positions

• Speed and tactical reloads

• Marksmanship development with enhanced accuracy standards

• Critical decision-making in the context of practical defensive application

• Developmental focus adjusted to the student’s current skill level

The following topics may be included as time permits:

• Immediate and remedial action for malfunction clearance

• Introductory movement and positional problem solving

Scope & Expectations

This is an applied defensive carbine course conducted at a working pace with moderate physical demand.

Practical Defensive Carbine 1 establishes the technical and procedural baseline for continued training in the carbine track, including:

• Practical Defensive Carbine 2 – movement, use of cover, and positional shooting

• Practical Defensive Carbine 3 – low-light and no-light application

• Practical Defensive Carbine 4 – extended-range engagements and associated tactics

This course does not attempt to cover the full scope of defensive carbine employment and is intentionally focused on core skills and application.

Training Format & Safety

Live-fire training conducted on an outdoor range.

All safety rules and instructor directions must be followed. Students who are unable to operate safely will be removed from the course.

Equipment Requirements

Carbine

• Modern defensive carbine (AR-15 / MSR platform preferred)

• Two-point sling

• Weapon-mounted light

• Optical sighting system preferred (red dot sight RDS or low power variable optic LPVO)

• Iron sights or backup iron sights strongly recommended

• Minimum five carbine magazines

• Ability to carry at least two carbine magazines on the belt or load-bearing equipment

Sidearm (Handgun)

• Modern defensive handgun

• Outside the Waistband (OWB) holster

  • Holster must fully cover the trigger guard

  • Holster must securely retain the handgun during normal movement

  • Friction-fit holsters (retention level 0) are acceptable

  • Active retention holsters (Safariland-style Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3) are permitted but not required

• Minimum three handgun magazines

• Ability to carry at least two spare magazines on the belt

• Magazine setup must allow for 40–50 rounds of handgun fire before requiring a pause to reload magazines

  • Handguns with magazine capacities under 10 rounds will require additional magazines to meet this expectation

• Sig Sauer P320 pistols and their variants are not permitted for use in PCA LLC live-fire courses

  • A no-charge loaner handgun and necessary accessories will be provided upon request

  • Students are responsible for supplying appropriate ammunition

Ammunition

• Factory-produced training ammunition matching firearm caliber

  • Carbine: approximately 300 rounds

  • Handgun: approximately 50 rounds

Additional Equipment

• Handheld flashlight, minimum 500 lumens

• Eye protection

• Ear protection (electronic hearing protection recommended)

• Seasonally appropriate clothing suitable for outdoor activity

• Closed-toe shoes or boots

• Baseball-style cap or visor

• Water, sports drinks, and snacks

Please note that the range facility does not have running water or improved facilities.

Prerequisites

Participants are expected to possess safe and competent firearm handling skills appropriate for the course environment.

Eligibility

Eligibility includes:

• Completion of a professionally instructed firearms application course

• Or instructor approval based on equivalent training or experience

If you have questions regarding suitability, contact us prior to registration.

Students who are unable to operate safely will be removed from the course.

Administrative

• Fulfillment of prerequisites or instructor approval required

• Must be a U.S. citizen legally eligible to receive instruction

• Government-issued photo identification required

• Signed waiver required for participation