Practical Defensive Pistol 1 - Core Skills

This course is a developmental skills block focused on the practical application of the defensive pistol and serves as the entry point into the Practical Defensive Pistol progression.

Practical Defensive Pistol 1 builds upon foundational handgun skills and emphasizes efficient gun handling, accurate shooting at practical distances, and sound decision-making under realistic constraints. Instruction establishes the carry positions, ready positions, and presentation mechanics that all subsequent pistol courses build upon.

Material is presented using a crawl, walk, run approach and a clear building-block methodology. This course functions equally well as a standalone training day or as Day One of a multi-day pistol training format.

Concealed or open carry equipment may be used. Concealment is optional unless otherwise specified.

Instructional Emphasis

Points of instruction include:

• Efficient firearm manipulation

• Drawing from open or concealed holsters

• Deployment from defined carry and ready positions as part of a structured presentation process

• Rapid reloading of the pistol

• Marksmanship development with enhanced accuracy standards at practical distances

• Critical decision-making in a defensive context

• Individual developmental focus based on student skill level

The following topics may be included as time permits:

• Immediate and remedial action for malfunction clearance

Scope & Expectations

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

Practical Defensive Pistol 1 establishes the technical and procedural baseline required for continued training in:

• Practical Defensive Pistol 2 (movement, use of cover, and positional problem solving)

• Lateral specialization courses such as concealment, low light, and extended range

Movement and use of cover are introduced conceptually in this course and are developed in depth in Practical Defensive Pistol 2.

This course does not attempt to cover the full scope of defensive pistol employment and is intentionally focused on core practical skills that scale upward without compromise.

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

Sidearm (Handgun)

• Modern defensive handgun or revolver

• Outside the Waistband (OWB), Inside the Waistband (IWB), or Appendix Inside the Waistband (AIWB) 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

  • Handguns with magazine capacities under 10 rounds will require additional magazines

• 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

  • Minimum 250 rounds

  • 300 rounds recommended

Additional Equipment

• Handheld flashlight with belt pouch or pocket clip

• Optional cover garment for concealed carry practice

• 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

Completion of Defensive Pistol Foundational Skills is strongly recommended.

Instructor approval may be granted based on equivalent training or experience.

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