Practical Defensive Pistol 5 – Extended Range & Precision

This course is a developmental and assessment-focused skills block centered on the practical use of the defensive pistol at extended distances, with an emphasis on precision, accountability, and judgment.

Practical Defensive Pistol 5 deliberately shifts focus away from speed-dominant shooting and toward the ability to place accurate, accountable rounds on demand. Students will engage targets from distances no closer than 10 yards and extending out to 50 yards, with significant emphasis at the 25-yard line.

Much of the shooting will be conducted using the NRA B-8 target under time and for score. These drills are used to provide students with objective performance data, allowing them to understand what they can realistically accomplish with their pistol today. This data becomes a baseline students can use to guide future training. Students will be evaluated against their own performance, with scoring context provided to help interpret results. The intent is not competition, but clarity.

A core objective of this course is answering a critical self-defense question:

“Could I make that shot at that distance, or do I need to disengage, move, or change position before firing?”

In environments with bystanders such as public spaces, churches, or other occupied areas, accuracy is not optional. Throwing rounds downrange and hoping for the best is unacceptable. Hope is not a tactic.

Instructional Emphasis

Points of instruction include:

• Practical accuracy development at extended pistol distances

• Timed and scored shooting using standardized targets

• Performance measurement and baseline establishment

• Shifting mindset from speed-first execution to accuracy-first accountability

• Visual focus, sight management, and trigger control at distance

• Cadence and decision-making under realistic time constraints

Shooting may include:

• One-handed strong-side shooting

• One-handed support-side shooting (time permitting)

If student performance indicates a need, the course will prioritize two-handed fundamentals to improve accuracy before progressing.

Students will also engage steel targets at extended distance (up to 50 yards) to demonstrate the ability to hit a realistic target at that distance.

Equipment Considerations (Expectation Setting)

Students should understand that equipment matters at extended distances.

While this course can be completed with iron sights or using a pistol-mounted optic, smaller “pocket” pistols place the shooter at a significant disadvantage. Mid-size and full-size pistols will generally perform better than compact or sub-compact pistols.

As a general reference:

• Subcompact pistols represent the lower practical limit

• Mid-size pistols perform noticeably better

• Full-size duty pistols offer the greatest margin for precision

Red dot optics are recommended but not required. All pistol courses may be completed using iron sights or a pistol-mounted optic. If you do not have a red dot optic equipped pistol you will be provided an opportunity to try on upon request.

Students are encouraged to train with the pistol they actually carry and to accept the performance realities that come with that choice.

Scope & Expectations

This is an applied precision pistol course with moderate physical demand and a high cognitive load.

Practical Defensive Pistol 5 is not a tactics course. Instead, it focuses on the real-world responsibility of making difficult shots only when they are justified, necessary, and achievable.

Students should expect honest feedback, measurable results, and a clear understanding of their current capabilities. Disappointment is possible. That clarity is the point.

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 duty handgun

• 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

• Minimum three handgun magazines

• Ability to carry at least one spare magazine

  • Two spare magazines preferred

  • Pocket carry of spare magazines is acceptable

  • 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

• Eye protection

• Ear protection (electronic hearing protection recommended)

• Baseball-style cap or visor

• Seasonally appropriate clothing suitable for outdoor activity

• Closed-toe shoes or boots

• 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.

This course assumes students already possess:

• Safe gun handling skills

• A consistent draw and presentation

• Fundamental marksmanship ability

Practical Defensive Pistol 5 may be taken as a standalone course by experienced shooters who are willing to accept performance feedback and identify gaps without remedial instruction.

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