Pistol Course 02

Basic Pistol
Marksmanship

Master the four pillars of pistol accuracy. By the end of this course, you'll understand exactly why every shot goes where it does — and how to fix it when it doesn't.

Beginner–IntermediateFull DayRange

Overview

Accuracy is not a talent — it's a skill built on a small number of repeatable fundamentals. This course identifies those fundamentals, teaches you to execute them correctly, and gives you the diagnostic tools to self-correct when your shots don't land where you intend.

Most recreational shooters develop habits early that limit their accuracy for years. This course systematically identifies and rebuilds those habits — replacing guesswork with understanding. You'll leave knowing not just how to shoot better, but why the techniques work.

This is a range-heavy course. Expect to fire 100–150 rounds with focused, coached repetition on each fundamental before moving to the next.

Curriculum

  1. Grip
    The foundation of everything. We cover two-handed grip mechanics, wrist alignment, grip pressure distribution, and the single most common grip error that destroys accuracy without the shooter realizing it.
  2. Stance & Platform
    Isosceles, Weaver, and modified variants — when to use each, and how to build a stable platform that holds up under repeated firing. Natural point of aim and why it matters more than most shooters think.
  3. Sight Alignment & Sight Picture
    The difference between the two, and why confusing them causes persistent accuracy problems. Front sight focus, target focus, and the deliberate choice between them at different distances.
  4. Trigger Control
    The most common cause of missed shots. We work through trigger reset, trigger staging, the "surprise break," and methods for training away the flinch that sabotages even experienced shooters.
  5. Breath Control & Rhythm
    How your respiratory cycle affects shot timing and what to do about it. Building a consistent pre-shot routine that works under pressure.
  6. Shot Calling & Self-Diagnosis
    Knowing exactly where your shot went before you look at the target. Understanding the shot call matrix — what your sights were doing at the moment of firing — and using it to identify your own errors without an instructor.
  7. Drills & Practical Application
    Structured drills that isolate each fundamental, followed by integrated shooting that puts them together. Distance progressions from 3 to 15 yards.

What to Bring

  • Your pistol, cleaned and function-checked
  • 100–150 rounds of ammunition
  • At least 3 magazines or speedloaders
  • Eye and ear protection
  • Water and a snack — it's a full day

Who This Course Is For

  • Shooters who have completed Introduction to Pistol Ownership or equivalent safety training
  • Anyone who's been shooting recreationally but isn't improving
  • New shooters who want to build good habits from the start
  • Concealed carriers who want to verify their fundamental skills

Who Should Consider a Different Course First

  • True first-timers with no safe handling experience — start with Introduction to Pistol Ownership
  • Those seeking defensive or tactical training — this is a pure fundamentals course
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