Two shooting targets, resembling human silhouettes
Self-Defense Pistol
Learn to carry, draw, and fire a pistol safely and effectively in our pistol training. Many people often get an LTC certification but never really develop an adequate set of self-defense skills. We teach shooters to safely and effectively draw from a holster, engage multiple targets, move and shoot safely, and reload effectively. All of these skills are necessary for effective self-defense handling of a gun.

Training Goal

Shooting range target displays two figures with scoring rings
Our goal is to help our students gain confidence shooting a pistol in a safe and efficient manner after drawing it from a holster. The training will also include dynamic reloads and minimal movement, with the participant engaging multiple targets while learning how to avoid shooting “non-threat” targets. If the student has physical limitations that preclude safe participation, the RSO will adjust the course of fire. For example, if the participant can move safely from one shooting position to another, the course of fire will be adjusted to a single shooting position.

Required Equipment

  • Pistol
  • Holster/backpack/purse (whichever the participants will use while carrying the gun)
  • Eye/ear protection
  • 3 magazines (mag carriers are preferred, but a participant could simply use pockets)
  • 200 rounds of ammunition
  • Accessories to accommodate weather conditions in an outdoor range
  • Bottled water

Training Location:

Our Self-Defense Pistol class is held at the Texas Shooting Academy (300 US Hwy 183, Florence, TX), a private outdoor range with restroom facilities. A gate code will be provided to the participants when they register for the class. Participants should be prepared for the weather (hot, cold, raining, etc.).

Typical Course of Fire

  • Shoot from a standing position (pistol at high ready) at a single target (similar to shooting at an indoor gun range).
  • Shoot from a standing position (pistol at high ready) at a single target, reload, and re-engage the target.
  • Pistol holstered, draw and fire a single round at the target.
  • Pistol holstered, draw and fire multiple rounds at a single target.
  • Pistol holstered, draw and fire multiple rounds at a single target, reload and re-engage target.
  • Pistol holstered, draw and engage multiple targets.
  • Pistol holstered, draw and engage multiple targets, reload as required to engage each target.
  • Pistol holstered, draw and engage first target, safely move to a second shooting position and engage additional target (repeated with a reload included).

Basic Safety Rules

A person wearing protective gear fires a handgun at a target
  • Keep the finger off the trigger until on target and ready to fire.
  • Index finger immediately after firing the last round at a specific target.
  • Keep muzzle pointed at the range berm at all times.
  • If moving, muzzle must point downward, and finger must be indexed on the frame.
  • Keep pistol flat and level at all times.
  • Never break the 180-degree safety line.
  • Obey all commands from the Range Safety Officer (RSO).
  • Only manipulate/handle the firearm at the “safe table” or per the direction of the RSO.

Basic Range Commands

  • “Load and make ready” (charge the weapon and safely holster).
  • “Finger” (remove the finger from the trigger).
  • “Muzzle” (point the pistol in a safe direction).
  • “Stop” (FREEZE and wait for directions from the RSO).
  • “Unload and show clear” (remove the magazine and show the RSO that the pistol is clear).
  • “Point the pistol at the berm and press the trigger” (prove the gun is empty and safe).

Important Reminders

The RSO may say “STOP” because something has become unsafe on the range and it may have nothing to do with the current shooter. Do not assume anything (clear pistol/unload); simply wait for instructions from the RSO. If, for some reason, the RSO directs the participant to stop shooting (safety violation, etc.), the latter will not receive a refund but is welcome to attend another session. The safety issue will be clearly explained by the RSO, and the participant is encouraged to act as an observer for the remainder of the class (but will not be allowed to shoot).
Aim and Focus Tactical
Copyright © 2026 Aim and Focus Tactical. All rights reserved.