Defensive Pistol is designed for responsible gun owners who already understand basic handgun safety and operation and are ready to develop the skills necessary to carry and use a handgun defensively.
This course moves beyond basic marksmanship and introduces students to drawing from a holster, efficiently operating their handgun, solving common problems, and applying shooting fundamentals under increased pressure. Students will learn through professional instruction, structured repetitions, and progressively challenging drills built around the MTAC training cycle.
Who should attend
This course is appropriate for handgun owners who can safely and independently:
Load and unload their handgun
Lock the slide to the rear
Safely insert and remove a magazine
Maintain proper muzzle and trigger-finger discipline
Demonstrate basic accuracy on a stationary target
Students who are unfamiliar with these skills, have never fired their handgun, or are not yet comfortable handling it independently should complete Basic Pistol before attending Defensive Pistol.
What you’ll learn
Defensive firearm safety and responsible handgun carry
Efficient presentation of the handgun from a holster
Grip, stance, sight management, and trigger control
Balancing speed and accuracy
Recoil management and follow-up shots
Emergency and proactive reloads
Recognition and correction of common handgun malfunctions
Shooting from practical defensive distances
Applying fundamentals under time and performance pressure
Using the MTAC training cycle to diagnose and improve performance
Required equipment
Clear eye protection rated ANSI Z87.1
Hearing protection
A reliable handgun, excluding Sig Sauer P320 models
A secure, properly fitted retention holster
A sturdy pistol belt
Two or more magazines for semi-automatic pistols
Magazine pouch or pants with pockets for carrying magazines
250 rounds of commercially loaded ball ammunition
Closed-toe shoes
Notebook and pen
A positive attitude and willingness to learn
Recommended items
Weather-appropriate clothing
Sunscreen
Water and snacks
Portable chair
Range bag or backpack for your equipment
Get the holster you need from We The People Holsters
