The Basic Handgun course is a beginners’ handgun shooting program where you will learn pistol shooting basics or perfect the groundwork for handgun mastery. The course is suitable for all levels of experience including the novice and those comfortable with their handgun. If you have never shot or held a handgun before, or want to strengthen your handgun shooting skill set, you will find this course useful. In this one-day beginners’ shooting class we will cover basic handgun safety, nomenclature, loading, and unloading, the foundational marksmanship skills (grip, stance, sight picture/alignment, trigger manipulation and more), as well as reloading under stress and presentation from the holster. We will also practice manipulations for malfunctions.
If you are looking for a handgun safety class, this is your best starter class for handling a gun safely and effectively.
The basic firearm training course is the best way for new shooters to receive professional firearm training. In this course, you’ll learn important gun safety tips and learn how to use a firearm in a self-defense situation according to local gun rules and regulations. This new shooter training is an excellent starting point for further advanced gun training, defensive pistol training, as well as shooting competitions.
Prerequisites
None.
Students can supply their own handgun. Otherwise, gun rental is available at the Pro Shop on site. Please clean and lubricate your gun in advance of the course or bring your gun cleaning kit with you.
Class Begins at 9am check-in 8:45am
Hours: 9 AM – 1 PM
Bring The Following
- Handgun (semi-auto, revolver) – We have rentals available at the pro shop. Must be 21 years old
- 2 Magazines or speed loader for revolver
- Minimum 100 rounds ammunition
- Proper clothing for the weather
- Snacks, lunch and plenty of water
- Notebook and pen
- Eye and ear protection (available to rent on site)
- Sunscreen, hat, long-sleeve shirt, long pants, training shoes
- Belt, holster, magazine pouch or other means of carrying additional ammunition
Instructor Bio
Ron Clayton is currently employed with a local Sheriff’s Department with 25 years of experience as a law enforcement officer, with a varied list of assignments including SWAT, FTO, Patrol, Detectives and Academy Instructor. He is a FBI certified firearm instructor, California POST Rifle instructor, Defensive Tactics instructor and Stop the Bleed instructor.
Ron recently retired from the California Air National Guard after 22 years of service (Active and Reserve) including 4 deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. During his deployments, he was assigned as a Dedicated Marksman and Combat LifeSaver. While at home station, Ron taught M4 rifle, M9 handgun, and M870 shotgun, Urban Environment Tactics, Concealed Carry, Trauma Care and Combatives. As a member of the California Emergency Response and Force Protection Training Cadre, Ron assisted in developing the training curriculum for National Guard members responding to civil disturbances and natural disasters. He also was the lead instructor to Ukraine in the National Guard’s Partnership for Peace program, sharing western style Law Enforcement and Tactics to the Ukraine military.
His hobbies include reading about history, shooting, martial arts and currently holds a black belt (2nd Dan) in Taiho Jutsu and has trained in Krav Maga and Brazilian Ju Jitsu.
Elena Oks (verified owner) –
After having done 1 course training at Front Sight, which may by some be considered the gold standard of professional qualitt instruction, I can say with certainty on my part, that this training with Ron did not disappoint. Professional in attitude/speech/manner, a good teacher, personable. I feel like I learned a lot. We covered a little bit of everything, and some in more detail. A really good headstart for a beginner to gain confidence to venture starting to regularly show up for range pistol practice on my own. All the questions and concerns that I had at the moment got addressed. I was happy to pick up a couple of dry practice drills to do at home.
I totally feel like I would love to do this every month, to grow and mature the skill, if I could afford it, but hey, I am determined to at least every 3 months. Now thinking of 5hr beginner with Mike L., and full day Home Defense with both Mike and Ron.
Alexander (verified owner) –
Ron’s firearm instruction is top notch. He is particularly good with first timers, which of course, makes him particularly well-suited for this introductory handgun class.
Since taking Ron’s class, I have attended numerous other classes held by both California Tactical Academy, as well other schools that tout themselves as being the best in the business, but I still consider Ron’s training to be amongst the best available.
This introductory class is a must for anybody who has recently bought their first handgun….
Enjoy the journey!