Practical Defensive Carbine 2

This course is a developmental skills block focused on advancing the practical use of the defensive carbine, building directly on the core skills established in Practical Defensive Carbine 1.

Practical Defensive Carbine 2 shifts emphasis from static application to movement, use of cover, and positional problem solving, while continuing to refine manipulation, marksmanship, and decision-making. The course is intended to further develop a student’s ability to deploy the defensive carbine in more dynamic and realistic environments.

Instruction is presented using a crawl, walk, run progression and a structured building-block approach. Students will be challenged to apply existing skills under increasingly complex conditions while continuing to strengthen fundamentals.

Instructional Emphasis

Points of instruction include:

• Advanced firearm manipulation under movement

• Continued refinement of two-point sling use

• Deployment from ready and carry positions while moving

• Speed and tactical reloads in dynamic contexts

• Marksmanship development with enhanced accuracy standards

• Critical decision-making in practical defensive scenarios

• 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

• Practical movement techniques

• Use of cover

• Shooting from non-standard and positional shooting platforms

Scope & Expectations

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

Practical Defensive Carbine 2 builds upon the baseline established in Carbine 1 and prepares students for lateral progression into:

• 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 movement-centric 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

Successful completion of Practical Defensive Carbine 1 is required.

Instructor approval may be granted for students with equivalent training or experience.

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