Basic Handgun

Learn the fundamentals of owning, safely using, and caring for a handgun. This 4.5-hour course is ideal for first-time shooters, new handgun owners, or as a refresher. A Basic Handgun certificate does not fulfill any Concealed Carry license requirements. The primary goals of this course are to learn firearm safety and basic handgun shooting fundamentals, with a self-defense focus. Topics include safe firearm handling, cleaning, and storage, proper grip, stance, and sight alignment, self-defense firearms basics, common malfunctions, and shopping for your first firearm. This course is ideal for first-time shooters or for those looking to refresh their skills. Up to one hour of live-fire training on the range is included. After this class, you may need to follow up with your own practice or private lessons before you can expect to shoot well enough to qualify for your concealed carry license.

Class starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. at Voodoo Firearms. Please plan to arrive at Voodoo Firearms a few minutes early so that we can start on time. After our 2 hours of classroom, we will head to Diamond Indoor Trap and Pistol Range at 2155 E. Division Street in Diamond. Each person has their own level of proficiency, and this will help verify that you have the basics of stance, grip, safety, and give you the opportunity to feel the recoil from different caliber pistols.

What to bring: -Valid photo ID -Your FOID card -UNLOADED AND CASED pistol if you already own one. You can even use the box your pistol came in if needed. (Semi-automatic or revolver. No antiques.) If you do not yet own a handgun, it’s okay. You will have the ability to try out several different calibers in this class if you’d like. -Minimum 50 rounds of ammo if you’re bringing your own firearm. (Brass casing pistol ammo only. No steel cased, armor piercing, or tracer ammo permitted). -Eye and ear protection. (inside-the-ear earplugs are NOT allowed at this range. You must have the full over-the-ear type. They can be purchased at our store or rented at the range) -Notebook and pen if you want to take notes -Snacks and drinks are permitted in class but not on the firing range.

Dress Code: AT THE RANGE: Flat soled shoes only. NO open-toe shoes. NO low-cut shirts. I recommend long pants that go over your shoes, especially if you’re wearing boots. This dress code is to prevent hot shell casings from falling into your boots or down your shirt during the shooting portion. You may wear whatever you want during classroom time.

What Will the Class Will Cover:

• Universal safety rules.
• Clearing a semi-automatic.
• Clearing a revolver.
• Understanding a gun’s “action”.
• Understanding magazines.
• Selecting a handgun.
• Ammunition components.
• Care and Storage of firearms and ammunition.
• Common malfunctions and how to clear them.
• Other use-of-force options.
• Defensive shooting fundamentals.
• proper grip, stance, sight alignment.
• Trigger control.
• Gear and gadgets such as holsters, belts, flashlights, laser sights.
• Gun safes and storage.
• Basic and advanced skills, training programs.

Safety Policy: There are no compromises on safety. Safety is a critical aspect of all classes and unsafe or disruptive behavior in class or on the range will result in dismissal. In the event you are dismissed due to a safety issue, you will not be refunded. The instructor has sole discretion in determining if you have engaged in unsafe or disruptive behavior. -Treat all firearms as if they were loaded AT ALL TIMES. -Never point your firearm at anything you are not willing to destroy. -Keep your finger off the trigger and outside of the trigger guard until your sights are on the target and you are ready to fire. -Be sure of your target and what is BEYOND your target. -All additional private range rules apply. These will be provided to you in class.

Class Etiquette: No question is a dumb question. I encourage questions and discussions, so please be respectful of all students. Not everyone has the same level of knowledge and experience. My goal is to provide a welcoming environment for all people, regardless of their political affiliation. Afterall, we want ALL people to support our Second Amendment and there is no better way for that to happen than to provide education and a welcoming environment. Consequently, please keep discussions regarding politics to a minimum, and geared toward facts of law to the greatest extent possible.

Cancellation Policy: Students must notify us if they need to cancel or reschedule AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE the class date if they will not be in attendance, otherwise the student will forfeit their refund. When you notify us of your need to cancel or reschedule, students should let us know if they would like to be refunded immediately or if they prefer to use the reschedule option. Refunds will not be issued at a later date. If you cancel less than 48 hours from the class start time, a refund is not an option. Only a reschedule is an option. Students will be permitted a ONE-TIME class reschedule to be used within 6 months of the original class date. Additional scheduling will not be permitted and will result in the forfeiture of the cost of the class. In the event the instructor needs to cancel the class, we will work with you to find an agreed upon future class date and the policy above will apply to any future cancelling or rescheduling.

Receive 5% off firearms and 10% off ammunition or accessories in store at Voodoo Firearms for 30 days after registration. Use of this discount will void any refund of class fees if you cancel your class registration.