Understanding Real-World Scenarios and Outcomes
What is Defensive Pistol Training?
Successful use of a firearm involves not only the ability to shoot accurately under stress but the application of knowledge in threat avoidance, criminal psychology, mental preparation, stress management, innate mechanical skills with the firearm, application of the legal interpretations under stress, understanding the basics of the investigative process, and managing post incident PTSD issues. Students who have not been exposed in a formal manner to these subject areas would benefit greatly in their preparation and training to defend themselves with a pistol.
This course starts off slow then conveys advanced pistol skills in a building block process – one skill builds on the previous one learned. This course requires that you have good habits regarding the safe handling of firearms.
Who Should Take This Course: Basically anyone who has never had a formal introduction in advanced pistol skills or the factors and issues inherent in the use of lethal force for self -defense. Successful use of a pistol for self defense requires the employment of a defined set of tactical skills and advanced marksmanship skills which involves techniques not taught in typical firearms safety / basic skills classes.
Please Note: This is NOT a beginner’s pistol course. This course assumes you have time and experience with your pistol and feel comfortable in its use and your basic marksmanship skills. If you have never owned a pistol – or never had formal instruction, please sign up for the 2 Day Comprehensive Pistol Course.
Our Course
This two-day course is designed to prepare you in all aspects to survive the lethal encounter through the use of a firearm. There are many elements to a successful defense: Avoidance skills, mental toughness, knowing and observing legalities, persevering through the psychological and physiological effects of high stress, regaining situational awareness, preparing for arriving law enforcement, recognizing and dealing with PTSD symptoms, having the right equipment and of course effective marksmanship skills. This two day course covers the aforementioned academics subjects thoroughly and conveys a foundation of tactical pistol skills designed for effective self defense. Students will receive a practice guide at the end of the course. The students will receive a PDF textbook for this course. This is a fun course for students new to practical / dynamic pistol shooting.
Day one is an academic day which covers the following subjects: Building situational awareness to identify and avoid threats, mental preparation for the fight, legal issues in the use of deadly force for self-defense, physiological and psychological effects of high stress on performance, preparing for the arrival of law enforcement, the physiological and psychological effects during the immediate aftermath, PTSD symptoms, appropriate equipment for concealed carry, practical pistol marksmanship concepts.
Day two is a live fire day where the student will fire a series of defensive pistol skills exercises conveyed in a building block sequence that will convey a foundation of practical and effective response to a lethal threat. The day will culminate in several scenario-type shooting exercises that enables the students to put togther the constituent self-defense marksmanship skills learned during the day.
Course Requirements
Prerequisites: This is NOT a basic firearms safety course. Students should either have taken our AFT Basic Pistol Course or demonstrate a history of regular practice and safe gun handling skills. Generally we require good basic safe firearm handling skills, and the following:
- You should have complete familiarity with your firearm including field stripping and cleaning/maintenance procedures
- You should be able to SLOW FIRE six into a paper plate circle at seven yards.
- You must register before attending. We will not allow any student to attend without a registration.
Requirements:
Students MUST have
- A semi-automatic or revolver of .22 caliber or larger should be brought.
- a suitable belt holster
- three spare magazines and a spare magazine holder
- 250-300 rounds of ammunitiion
Shoulder carry, purse carry, and similar carry / holster equipment is NOT allowed due to safety reasons.
If drawing the weapon from your holster causes the muzzle to sweep or point at you, or someone next to you – don’t bring it.
Course Fee is $350.00
Master Firearms Techniques with Expert Guidance
Hear from our students who have grown their skills and confidence through our expert-led training.
This was my first class with AFT, and it was an absolute blast! I had never used a holster before, but the instructors moved through that part of the class slowly to ensure everyone was comfortable drawing from a holster. The instructors incorporated a number of different drills into the class, which went a long way in making the class much more enjoyable. I would highly recommend this class for any regular shooter who wants to take their pistol skills to the next level, or is simply interested in learning how to properly draw from a holster.
Jake M.
Defensive Pistol Class
Taking the firearm class was an incredibly valuable experience that boosted my confidence, improved my safety awareness, and deepened my understanding of responsible gun handling. Thank you Chuck for teaching this class!
Candace S.
Comprehensive Pistol Class