Practical Defensive Carbine 3 - Night Fighter

This course is an applied, lateral-branch skills block focused on the practical use of the defensive carbine and handgun during low-light and no-light conditions.

Practical Defensive Carbine 3 builds upon the core skills developed in earlier carbine courses and emphasizes the integration of lighting, equipment, and decision-making into existing fundamentals. The course is designed to expose students to the realities, limitations, and risks of operating in reduced visibility environments.

Instruction includes a low-light classroom block covering lighting concepts, equipment selection, and practical use of weapon-mounted and handheld lights. Students will then apply these concepts during live-fire exercises under controlled low-light conditions.

For many students, this may be their first opportunity to train in low-light or no-light environments. Students are encouraged to contact the instructor prior to class with any equipment questions to ensure a safe and productive training experience. Loaner equipment is available upon request.

Instructional Emphasis

Points of instruction include:

• Firearm manipulation with limited visibility (carbine and handgun)

• Weapon-mounted light (WML) operation for carbine and handgun

• Handheld light operation for defensive handgun applications

• Use of lighting techniques for searching and threat identification

• Deployment from ready and carry positions in low-light and no-light contexts

• Reloading of carbine and handgun with limited visibility

• 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 in low-light and no-light conditions

Scope & Expectations

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

Practical Defensive Carbine 3 is a lateral progression course that builds on the skills developed in Practical Defensive Carbine 1 and 2. It does not require completion of Carbine 4, nor does it serve as a prerequisite for it.

This course focuses on environmental complexity and lighting integration, not extended-range shooting or advanced CQB.

Training Format & Safety

Live-fire training conducted on an outdoor range during low-light and no-light conditions.

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

  • Minimum 500 lumens recommended

• 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

• Weapon-mounted light for handgun

  • 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, with belt pouch or pocket clip

• Eye protection

  • Clear lenses required for low-light shooting

• Ear protection (electronic hearing protection recommended)

• Chem-light or other small light source for personal identification

  • 550 cord or similar material to secure it to belt or equipment

• 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.

Optional Equipment

• Night vision equipment

  • Students with night vision gear may have an opportunity to use it time permitting

Prerequisites

Completion of Practical Defensive Carbine 1 and 2 is strongly recommended.

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