Overview
Accuracy is not a talent — it's a skill built on a small number of repeatable fundamentals. This course teaches you those fundamentals and how 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 replaces those habits — replacing guesswork with understanding. You'll leave knowing not just how to shoot better, but why the techniques work.
Participants will first practice the fundamentals using a Mantis TitanX digital training simulator (a non-firing replica of a semiautomatic pistol that emulates the functional features of a real pistol and provides the user with real-time detailed, actionable, data-driven feedback on their grip, aiming, and trigger control), and then progress to a live, step-by-step course of fire using an instructor-provided .22 caliber semiautomatic pistol. Participants may also bring their own pistol and ammunition. This is a range-heavy course — expect to fire 100–150 rounds with focused, coached repetition on each fundamental before moving to the next.
Participants demonstrating proficiency will have the opportunity to earn a NRA Pistol Marksmanship Qualification certificate by performing specific courses of fire to standard.
Curriculum
Safe Loading and Unloading
Learn and practice administrative reloading procedures with confidence using inert training ammunition.
Identifying and Clearing Malfunctions
Learn and practice the identification and clearing of the most common types of malfunctions — stovepipes, double-feeds, misfires, hangfires, and squibs.
Grip
The foundation of everything. We cover two-handed grip mechanics, wrist alignment, grip pressure distribution, and the common grip errors that decrease accuracy without the shooter realizing it.
Stance & Platform
Isosceles, Weaver, and modified stances — when each makes sense and how to build a stable shooting platform from the ground up.
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. Point of Aim (POA) vs. Point of Impact (POI).
Breath Control & Rhythm
How your respiratory cycle affects shot timing and what to do about it.
Trigger Control
The most common cause of missed shots. We work through trigger staging, trigger pull, the "surprise break," and trigger reset.
Follow-Through, Shot Calling & Self-Diagnosis
Learn to maintain your aim, breathing, hold, and trigger control after firing each shot in order to develop consistency and the ability to make faster, more accurate follow-up shots. Know exactly where your shot went before you look at the target by what your sights were doing at the moment of firing — and using it to identify your own errors without an instructor.
Drills & Practical Application
Structured drills that isolate each fundamental, followed by integrated shooting that puts them together. Distance progressions from 3 to 10 yards.
What to Bring
- Current and Valid ID (driver license, Texas LTC card, etc.)
- Eye Protection — impact-resistant safety glasses (clear, tinted, or shooting-specific)
- Electronic and/or passive hearing protection (earmuffs and/or earplugs) — for better protection, wear both
- Appropriate Clothing — moisture-wicking shirt, long pants, closed-toed footwear, and weather-appropriate outerwear. Note: ejected cartridge casings are HOT and can bounce off training bay walls — a long-sleeved shirt with a snug collar (such as a sun shirt) is strongly recommended.
- Water and a snack
- Optional: You may bring your own pistol (full-sized or compact semiautomatic recommended — subcompact NOT recommended) and appropriate ammunition. Bring at least 2 (preferably 3) magazines and a minimum of 200 rounds of training-appropriate ammunition.
Note: For safety reasons, the following firearms may not be used: firearms that are self-built or assembled from a kit, "80% frames", any non-standard/non-production firearm, or any other firearm the instructor deems unsuitable. A .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol and ammunition are provided. If you have questions, contact me.
Who This Course Is For
- Shooters who have completed Introduction to Pistol Ownership & Use
- New shooters who want to build good habits from the start
- Recreational shooters who want to improve accuracy and confidence
- Concealed carriers who want to refresh their fundamental skills
Who Should Consider a Different Course First
