Practical Defensive Pistol 2 - Movement & Cover

This course is a developmental skills block focused on advancing the practical application of the defensive pistol beyond static shooting.

Practical Defensive Pistol 2 builds on the foundation established in Practical Defensive Pistol 1 and emphasizes movement, positional shooting, and use of cover while maintaining strict safety and muzzle discipline. Students will learn how to manage the handgun efficiently while changing direction, moving through space, and solving problems created by the environment.

Instruction integrates carry positions, ready positions, and full presentation as part of a unified decision-making process. Movement is taught deliberately and safely, with emphasis on maintaining awareness, control, and accountability at all times.

Material is presented using a crawl, walk, run approach and a structured building-block methodology. This course functions as a standalone training day and also serves as Day Two in common multi-day pistol training formats.

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

Instructional Emphasis

Points of instruction include:

• Efficient draw and presentation under movement

• Safe and effective carry and ready positions during movement

• Turns and pivots to support directional changes

• Forward, rearward, lateral, and diagonal movement techniques

• Use of cover as a constant consideration during problem solving

• Vertical and horizontal cover concepts and their practical implications

• Positional shooting from standing and kneeling positions

• Marksmanship development while moving and working from cover

• Critical decision-making in practical defensive scenarios

The following topics may be included as time permits:

• Additional positional problem solving based on environment

• Immediate and remedial action for malfunction clearance in positional contexts

Scope & Expectations

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

Practical Defensive Pistol 2 expands the student’s ability to safely and effectively operate a handgun when movement, obstacles, and positional constraints are introduced.

The course emphasizes techniques that scale upward into close-range, low-light, and concealment-focused training.

This course does not attempt to cover all defensive pistol applications and is intentionally focused on practical movement, cover usage, and positional problem solving.

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 Practical Defensive Pistol 1 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