Overview
Owning a firearm is one of the most significant decisions you'll make as an adult. This course ensures you leave that decision fully equipped — not just with a firearm, but with the knowledge, skills, and mindset that make you a confident, responsible owner from day one.
In this 2-hour, hands-on course taught in the comfort and privacy of your own home (classroom option available), I'll guide you through the three fundamental rules of firearm safety, how your pistol actually works, safe storage practices that protect your family while keeping the firearm accessible when you need it, and the Texas laws you need to understand as a gun owner. You'll also spend time learning basic handling and familiarization — ammunition types, loading, unloading, proper grip and stance, basic sight alignment and aiming, breath control, trigger control, and follow-through — using non-firing replica pistols and inert training ammunition in an encouraging, judgment-free environment with an emphasis on safety.
No prior knowledge or equipment needed — I provide everything (but if you already own a handgun, we can safely incorporate it into the training). A spouse or partner may be added to this session at a discounted rate — select the add-on option when booking.
This is not a marksmanship course — it's a foundation course. If you're brand new to firearms, this is where you start.
Curriculum
Three Rules of Firearms Safety
The non-negotiable rules that govern every interaction with every firearm, every time. We cover not just what they are, but why each one exists.
How Your Pistol Works
Anatomy of a semi-automatic pistol. Understanding the mechanical action, how the trigger mechanism functions, and what happens between trigger pull and bullet exit.
Ammunition Basics
Understanding the different types of ammunition and how to choose the right ammunition for your particular pistol and your particular use case.
Safe Loading & Unloading
Safe loading and unloading procedures using inert training ammunition.
Basic Handling Techniques
Basic handling techniques for safety, control and comfort — grip, stance, sight alignment, breath control, trigger control, and follow-through — in a fully supported environment. Training is conducted using inert training pistols (the Glock 19R, an official Glock-produced non-firing pistol that functions identically to a real Glock 19, and the Mantis TitanX, a non-firing replica pistol that provides real-time data-driven feedback on grip, aim, and trigger control).
Cleaning & Maintenance Basics
How to perform a basic field strip and clean your pistol. What products to use, how often to clean, and the signs that your firearm needs professional attention.
Safe Storage
Gun safes, lock boxes, trigger locks, and quick-access options — the pros, cons, and appropriate use cases for each. How to balance accessibility with security, especially in homes with children.
Texas Firearms Laws
What you can and cannot do as a Texas gun owner. Where you can legally carry (even without a license), prohibited locations, transport laws, and the basics of use-of-force law.
What to Bring
- A notepad — there's a lot worth writing down
Who This Course Is For
- First-time firearm owners who want a safe, supportive, and thorough foundation for safely operating and storing handguns
- Shooters who never received formal training in firearm operation and safety
- Parents who want to understand safe storage before bringing a firearm home
Who Should Consider a Different Course First
