Practical Defensive Pistol 3 – Concealed Carry & Close Range Applications

This course is a developmental skills block focused on the practical application of the defensive pistol from concealment and in close-range defensive contexts.

Practical Defensive Pistol 3 builds on the skills established in Practical Defensive Pistol 1 and 2 and places specific emphasis on deploying, operating, and managing the handgun at distances where time, space, and margin for error are limited. Students are expected to train with their everyday carry (EDC) pistol, holster, concealment method, and reload equipment to ensure the skills developed are directly transferable to real-world use.

Instruction emphasizes safe, efficient concealed carry deployment, close-range engagement considerations, and one-handed operation fundamentals. The course addresses realistic problems such as limited mobility, compromised positions, and operating the handgun when ideal conditions do not exist.

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 integrates cleanly into common multi-day pistol training formats.

CONCEALED CARRY IS REQUIRED FOR THE COURSE

Instructional Emphasis

Points of instruction include:

• Concealed carry draw and deployment

• Clearing cover garments efficiently and safely

• Close-range engagement considerations and techniques

• One-handed handgun operation fundamentals

  • Strong-hand draw and shooting

  • Strong-hand reloads

  • Introductory support-hand shooting

• Deployment from defined carry and ready positions

• Marksmanship development at close and practical distances

• Critical decision-making in close-quarters defensive contexts

• Individual developmental focus based on student skill level

The following topics may be included as time permits:

• Additional positional problem solving

• Contextual discussion and demonstration of advanced techniques

• Practical movement in close-range defensive scenarios

Scope & Expectations

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

Practical Defensive Pistol 3 deliberately focuses on concealment and proximity, not speed for its own sake. Students should expect to work from realistic distances and positions and to solve problems where traditional range techniques may not apply.

This course does not attempt to teach advanced wounded-shooter manipulation or complex one-handed malfunction clearance beyond foundational concepts. Those topics may be discussed or demonstrated for context but are not formal course outcomes.

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

• Concealment holster required: OWB, IWB, or AIWB

  • 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, or Level 2) are permitted as long as they are concealed

• Minimum three handgun magazines

• Ability to carry at least one and preferably 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

• Cover garment appropriate to your normal concealed carry method

• Handheld flashlight with belt pouch or pocket clip (preferably the one you carry daily)

• Eye protection

• Ear protection (electronic hearing protection recommended)

• Knee pads recommended for positional shooting

• 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. Completion of Practical Defensive Pistol 2 is recommended but not required.

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