Tactical Application of the Pistol for Church Protectors (2 Days) East Helena, MT

Training will begin each day at 8:00 am.

Eligibility requirements

This course is for responsible and conscientious adults who serve as part of an organization’s security ministry or life safety team.

IMPORTANT: This is not a “handgun 101” course. Participants must already have a basic understanding of and ability to safely handle and manipulate their pistol in a controlled manner with a calm demeanor. Tactical Application of the Pistol is a basic, skill-building course but it is not an introductory course for a person who has never fired a handgun or who is not familiar with how to safely handle one.  You do not need to be an accomplished marksman, but your behavior and actions must demonstrate that you have a keen awareness of the powerfully destructive potential of a firearm.  

NOTE: at the beginning of class you will be asked to demonstrate how to perform the functions of your firearm and the physical requirements listed under the “Prerequisites and Physical Requirements for Firearms Training” section in this course description.  If you cannot perform these tasks you will not be allowed to continue with the course.

Overview

This dynamic course begins with classroom instruction covering legal and liability issues and safety with a firearm. Our discussion includes the lawful and proper use of force. 

We focus on the physical training for developing tactically correct motor skills for deploying with your pistol in an emergency. 

These skill competencies include deploying your pistol, firing, and managing your gear while:

Using a stationary position of concealment/cover

Moving forward and backward

Moving laterally and at oblique angles

Utilizing one or both hands from a variety of positions and fighting platforms

We focus on principles, tactics and techniques that will lead to success in an armed encounter. Participants learn not only how to survive, but prevail in protecting their congregation from an armed threat. 

Topics Include

Safety at Home, on the Range, and While Carrying Concealed in Public

The Principles of Marksmanship

Equipment Selection and Proper Gear Placement

Legal and Justifiable Use of Force

Winning Mindset and Stress Management

Loading, Unloading, and Reloading

Developing Natural Index Points

Communication and Working with a Partner

Verbal Challenges and Commands

Proper Draw Stroke and Proper Recovery to the Holster

Single and Multiple Threat Engagement

Shooting on the Move

Horizontal and Vertical Displacements

Immediate Action Drills and Clearing Malfunctions

Making Proper Decisions Under Duress

CQB – Close Quarters Battle

Prevailing in Low Light

Our Training Philosophy and Practices

Our training staff is composed of professional and experienced coaches and we are students ourselves.

We believe in treating everyone respectfully and as adult learners. Our coaches participate in the learning process and we use a building block approach to solidify skills before moving toward more advanced concepts. 

We believe that “capability breeds humility.” In other words, by achieving a higher level of skill you will be able to better maintain composure while under duress. Through managing fear the capable operator will operate more confidently, more quickly, and make better decisions in the stressful environment of a true emergency.

We do not believe in “check the box” training or lowest common denominator training. Individual assistance is always available.

You should not enroll in our course if you are:

Not safe and conscientious with firearms

Not willing to be open-minded

Not willing receive new information and try new concepts

Not capable of keeping your ego in check 

Prerequisites/physical requirements 

You must understand the basics of how your firearm operates. This includes being able to lock open and close the action as well as load and unload the firearm safely. You should be able to field strip your pistol according to your owner’s manual for maintenance and cleaning. Bring your owner’s manual with you.

You must be able to operate in a safe and controlled manner. Speed is not an issue. Muzzle discipline (where the gun is pointed) and awareness is paramount.

You must possess the physical strength and stamina to repetitively function and fire your weapon during training drills. You must be able to move forward, backward, and laterally under control while holding your firearm in front of you and pointed at the targets.

You must have personal self-discipline and be able to maintain mental, physical, and emotional control at all times and not become over-excited or lose your composure. You must be willing and able to accept coaching and instruction and follow commands.

You must have a keen awareness and consideration for other participants while handling firearms and conducting drills in proximity of one another.

Logistics

Make sure you have the necessary equipment listed for training. Having a backup firearm, holster, magazines and ammunition is recommended in case of failure or breakdown. We cannot guarantee that a loaner will be available. Your handgun may be a revolver or a semiautomatic pistol and it should be of excellent quality and function without difficulty.  If you train with a revolver, it must be a double action model.  Ultra small pistols that only allow a three-fingered grip, Derringers, revolvers that require you to remove the cylinder pin to reload them, single action revolvers and any pistol that has a capacity of less than five rounds is prohibited.

Holster

You must use a secure and well-fitting holster that retains your primary firearm near your dominant hip. “Secure” means that your pistol will never come out of the holster accidentally. Other types of holsters such as cross-draw, shoulder, ankle, belly-band, purse or fanny pack models are valid methods of carry, but are not acceptable for this training.

Ammunition

Minimum 600 rounds factory ammunition for the primary handgun.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Ammunition may be hard to obtain from some suppliers. Make arrangements for gaining your ammunition well in advance.

Required Gear and Equipment

Four magazines or speed loaders for each firearm

Pouch or carry method for spare magazines or speed loaders (you must be able to carry a minimum of 24 rounds of ammunition on your person for all exercises)

High intensity flashlight (tail cap switch preferred) and spare batteries

Hearing protection

Wraparound eye protection – prescription glasses are acceptable

Ball cap or cap with brim

Jacket, vest or heavy shirt to conceal your pistol and work from a concealed position

Knee pads

Hydration 

Clothing and footwear suitable for all weather conditions

Range bag or duffel that allows you to bring all gear to the line with you

Cleaning equipment and materials in the correct caliber for your pistol