Pistol / Handgun Basics
As a USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals Instructor, POST Pistol/Shotgun Instructor, and former Law Enforcement Range Master, I bring extensive expertise to pistol training to ensure students master safe handling, advanced techniques, and low-light scenarios.
8 hours – $200
This curriculum is based on the USCCA – Concealed carry and home defense fundamentals class
Maximum of (6) students
8-10 Hours w/ two breaks (15min) and a one hour lunch.
This class is also offered in the mini class format. (3) two hour classroom blocks and (1) two hour range session. Classes may be extended to cover material and additional questions.
This basic pistol class is square one of owning, handling, manipulating and firing of handguns.
This curriculum is designed for the new or potential gun owner looking to gain basic knowledge of self defense handguns.
Topics discussed in this USCCA curriculum are –
-Universal Firearms safety rules
-Semi-auto (SA/DA/DAO)
-Revolvers (SA/DA/DAO)
-Ammunition Components and Caliber types
-Ammunition Care and Storage
-Common Ammunition Malfunctions
-Ballistics (basic)
-Loading & unloading / Clearing and making safe
-Marksmanship (basic)
-Storage
-Transportation
-WA Law (basic)
Students should come with an open mind and willingness to learn. This is a live fire class. All legally owned pistols are allowed and most ammunition is accepted, please no tracer, incendiary, spread or armor piercing rounds. Please no handguns chambered in rifle calibers (.223,308 etc). Understand if you bring a gun that you are not familiar with or one far too powerful for you to control, your learning experience may be diminished.
Prerequisites –
A good attitude, open mind and willingness to learn.
The ability to stand, sit and kneel unassisted (wheelchairs may be acceptable depending on range terrain).
The ability to understand, pay attention to and follow basic instructions in English. Currently, no multilingual instructors are available.
Required equipment –
****Important Safety Notice: Sig P320 Prohibited in Training****
At Essential Survival LLC, safety is our top priority. After extensive research and consideration of multiple reports regarding uncommanded discharges involving the Sig Sauer P320 pistol, we have made the decision to prohibit the use of all Sig Model P320 variants in any of our training courses.
This decision aligns with recent safety concerns raised by law enforcement agencies and training institutions, including the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission. To maintain the highest safety standards for all students, we will not allow these firearms in any class, regardless of modifications or factory updates.
For students who own only a Sig P320 and wish to attend a class, we are offering a free rental option, which includes a suitable handgun and holster. If you need this option, please contact us in advance to ensure availability.
We appreciate your understanding and commitment to firearm safety. If you have any questions or need guidance on alternative handgun options for training, please feel free to reach out.
Factory built non highly modified semi-auto pistol or revolver with (2-3) Magazines for the weapon platform that fit correctly and function. Revolver shooters are not required to have speed loaders but they are suggested. **Note rental handguns are available for a small cleaning and maintenance fee. Please contact us prior to class.
75-150 Rounds of factory loaded ammunition for the platform. Min 50 rounds of each if using two pistol platforms or calibers.
Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear based on the terrain and current climate (Classes are conducted rain or shine)
Body supplements such as lunch, H2O, and snacks.
Baseball style hat.
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Safety or prescription glasses and ear protection. Ear protection and safety glasses will be provided for those who do not own them
Students under the age of 18 will be required to be escorted by a parent, which must be registered as a paid student.
**Holsters are not required as this is a basic class. Please do not bring loaded firearms into the classroom or to the range. Please transport your firearms in accordance with RCW 9.41.050.**
