Intermediate CCW / PISTOL

(concealed Carry Weapon) 

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.

10-12 Hours w/ two breaks (15min) and a one hour lunch. 

$250 per student, group rates are available. 

3-4 hours classroom (Friday or Saturday afternoon or evening)

7-8 hours range time (Saturday or Sunday)

Limited to (4) students 

Classes may be extended to cover additional material and questions. 

Intermediate CCW / PISTOL is geared towards the current and potential Concealed Pistol License holder who has basic experience with handguns. 

Basic experience examples –     

• Knows and understands the (4) universal firearms safety rules. 

• Knows and understands the basic function of their firearm. 

• Can demonstrate loading / unloading and making safe their firearm (clearing). 

• Demonstrates a high level of safe firearms handling. 

This class picks up where Pistol Basics class leaves off. This is the beginning step to surviving a deadly force encounter, and In our opinion the bare minimum level of knowledge for fighting with a handgun. This is a skill building class covering real world scenario based shooting drills. 

This curriculum is designed for the defensive handgun owner who wants to increase skill and knowledge with their pistol. 

Students signing up for this class should be proficient and SAFE with all topics covered in our Pistol Basics curriculum. Students with law enforcement, military, and competitive shooting backgrounds should meet the basic requirements. 

Topics discussed / skills learned in this curriculum are – 

• Universal safety rules  

• Nomenclature

• Pistol terminal ballistics

• Holsters

• Magazines and why you need to carry an extra 

• Reload types – Combat / Tactical / Admin

• Malfunction clearing

• Fundamentals of Marksmanship 

• Drawing from the holster / drawing from concealment (AIWB,IWB or offset)

• Skill building drills

• Positional shooting

• Cover and concealment 

• Movement

• Strong hand / support hand shooting

Shooters should come with an open mind and willingness to learn. This is a live fire class. All legally owned handguns are allowed. Please keep in mind this is a concealed carry class, please don’t bring a hand cannon unless you plan on concealing it and have the ability to do so. 

Most ammunition is accepted, please no tracer, incendiary, spread or armor piercing rounds. A magnet may be used to identify any steel core projectiles as they are not allowed at any EST classes.

Prerequisites / Equipment –

This is a hit the ground running type class 2-3 hours max class room (hopefully less). 8+ hours range time. 

An elevated level of safety is imperative for this type of training. 

A good attitude, open mind and willingness to learn.

The ability to stand, sit and kneel unassisted. 

The ability to understand, pay attention to and follow basic instructions in English. Currently, no multilingual instructors are available. 

Students are required to be beyond the basic level requirements or you may be asked to reschedule for the basic class.

It is your responsibility to know your skill level prior to class. Please don’t be the individual who slows down the class. Requiring basic level attention wouldn’t be fair to other paying students who are looking to advance their skills. 

****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.

Required equipment – 

Factory built not highly modified semi-auto or revolver pistols with (2) Magazines or speed loaders for the weapon platform that fit correctly and function.

200-300 rounds of factory loaded ammunition for the platform.

A concealment style holster made for the pistol (OWB hip worn, IWB, AIWB, fanny pack purse, cross draw). For safety, If you would like to bring several different types of holsters, please make sure they fit the firearms appropriately. 

Appropriate outdoor clothing and footwear based on the terrain and current climate (Classes are conducted rain or shine)

Baseball style hat.

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 are required to be escorted by a parent, who must be registered as a paid student.

Please visit our USCCA page for availability and scheduling, or contact us below for additional information.