Basic Handgun 100 Class (Ages 18 & Up)

This course of instruction is for the person who has "little or no experience with a handgun", or the shooter who has never been taught the "Fundamentals of Marksmanship". If you have just purchased a handgun, or would like to purchase one but have no idea what to purchase (nor what you need for your purposes, be they self-defense, hunting, or recreational target shooting), then this is the course for you. In addition, if you've shot handguns for most of your life and want to improve your ability to hit the target, this is the right course for you.

We begin with a thorough safety lecture, then familiarize you with two basic types of firearms--pistols and revolvers--and teach you how to operate them safely and properly. The basics of how to stand, how to hold the handgun, how to use the sights, and how to manipulate the trigger will be covered in both lectures and on-the-range exercises. What causes recoil, and methods of mitigating recoil, are also covered in both lecture and on-the-range exercises.

Four handguns will be made available for the class to try:

• Browning HP, chambered in 9mm Parabellum (a.k.a. 9mm Luger or 9x19)
• Smith & Wesson Model 10 revolver, chambered in .38 Special
• Smith & Wesson Model 60 revolver, chambered in .38 Special
• Glock Model 43, chambered in 9mm Parabellum

A limited amount of ammunition will be provided for students to shoot during this course to determine what level of recoil they can handle. If you want to shoot additional rounds, you will need to provide the additional ammo yourself. This course is normally limited to no more than 8 students, primarily for safety reasons, but also to give each beginning student the necessary one-on-one instructor/student attention. You may bring your own handgun and ammunition and are required to bring your own eye and ear protection, as well as any other personal gear that you deem necessary (such as bug repellent, sunscreen, water, lunch, etc.).

Students are required to bring: eye and ear protection, as well as paper and pen to take notes.