Handguns 101
In the midst of the ongoing craziness, we are doing SMALL, PRIVATE CLASSES ONLY at times of mutual convenience. This Handguns 101 class was especially popular in 2020 and continues to be in 2024. It takes around 4 hours for 1 person. Cost, including the instructor and classroom/range time, is $80 per hour ($320, assuming student has their own gun and ammunition). Add 1 hour per person and $80 per person if friends or family would like to join.
A common "package" for a "newbie" couple includes (1) instructor time, (2) classroom and range time, (3) use of up to 6 of the "workhorse" training handguns mentioned below, (4) 100 rounds each of 9mm target ammunition, (5) miscelanneous targets, (6) eye and ear protection and (7) sales tax. With 2 students, it requires approximately 5 hours at a total cost of $500.00. If completed within the next few months, the first hour of this class can be applied to the LTC course classroom time (if subsequently desired).
The primary objective of this course is for novice or inexperienced students to obtain the initial knowledge, skills and attitude to safely and responsibly own and operate a handgun. This class is an excellent resource for those who want to be in a position to make much more informed buying decisions before purchasing a new handgun - or learn to run a gun they already own. It is also serves as an excellent "preparatory class" for inexperienced individuals before taking the "shooting test" for the Texas License to Carry (LTC).
If a "newbie" student does plan to get the LTC within the next few months, one option is to take the classroom portion (mostly legal issues) of the LTC class with friends or family, then complete this 101 class and shooting portion of the LTC class later at mutually convenient times.
This beginner course is 2.5 hours of classroom training AND a subsequent 1.5 hour session that includes shooting approx. 100 rounds in the indoor range.
Handguns 101 covers:
Students may bring their own handgun (and factory ammo) or rent from us. If you choose to rent from us, you can try a few different handguns and we will provide the 100 rounds of ammunition.
Our "workhorse" training guns for many beginners (especially those seeking to buy a handgun) are all 9mm semi-automatics: Glock 19, Springfield XD9M, Smith & Wesson M&P Subcompact, Rock Island Armory 1911, Springfield XDE and Kahr K-9. This lineup facilitates students experiencing the options with the most common types of actions and trigger pulls: striker fired, single action only (SA), double action/single action (DA/SA) and double action only (DAO).
If requested in advance, "work horse" .38/.357 revolvers (especially for newbies) can be provided: 5-shot Ruger SP-101 (with 3 inch barrel), a 6-shot Taurus with 4 inch barrel, and/or 8-shot Smith and Wesson Model 627-5 (5 inch barrel).
With advance notice, .22 rimfire handguns (minimal recoil and muzzle blast) are available for rental at pricing of $20 per 50 rounds (CCI Minimags - when available - for the best reliability.) They include a 6" barrel H&R revolver, a Sig Mosquito and a Beretta Neos.
We have 2 centerfire semiautomatic handguns purchased specifically for use by older or recoil-sensitive shooters and/or those with weak hands/wrists. One is a Smith & Wesson Shield .380 EZ (9mm X17 mm). The slide on it is much easier to manipulate than most semi autos and its size helps dissipate recoil. The ammunition for it is somewhat more expensive, so anyone with potential need to try it should bring more cash than the 9mm (9mm X 19mm) rental pricing stated here. The second "EZ" pistol is also a Smith and Wesson, the M&P Shield in 9mm.
Also available (but generally not until later a later session for beginners) are a Kahr CW9, a Kahr PM9, a Ruger LCP (10 ounce .380) and a Ruger LC9-S (popular "carry guns", but, like the lightweight 38s, are NOT necessarily recommended for first-timers). Lightweight .38s available for subsequent sessions include a S&W 637 and Ruger LCR, both in .38 Special. August 2018 additions in smaller 9mm "carry guns" are a Sig Sauer P938 and Sig Sauer P365. Also, available in 2021 is a Springfield Hellcat (with Swampfox Red Dot Sight).
Eye and ear protection are available at no extra charge if students do not have their own. If planning to shoot a semi-automatic pistol, no sandals, halter tops or other clothing that can readily catch hot brass. A baseball cap and long sleeve shirt (using the very top button) are recommended.
Assuming students have their own guns and ammo, the total cost for this 4-hour 101 class is $320 for 1 student, $400 for 2 students, $480 for 3 students or $560 for 4 students. Classes are generally completed in one session (with short breaks every hour), but can sometimes be split over 2 mutually convenient days.
We do stock a small amount of ammo for use if needed in classes, but DO NOT do any retail sales of firearms or ammo.
.22LR rental pricing, including 50 rounds of .22 ammo: $15.00 (until further notice here)
9mm Semi-auto rental pricing, including 50 rounds of 9mm brass case ammo: $25 per 50 rounds.
.38 Special Revolver rental pricing, including 50 rounds of ammo: $35 per 50 rounds
Due to the ongoing ammunition supply chain issues, inflation and other factors, students may or may not always shoot the full 100 rounds mentioned above - or may want to shoot .22s as a part of that.
For handgun calibers other than .22LR, students should also be prepared to pay $.75 per round for .380, .40, and .45ACP. Feel free to inquire as to actual availibility and current cost for your caliber when you send e-mail describing your circumstances.
If not known about already, check out www.ammoseek.com. Beware though, if a newbie, you should likely take the 101 class before buying much ammo - part of what we discuss early in the class.
(1) your contact information,
(2) your "objective(s),
(3) your circumstances in regard to current access to a handgun and ammunition,
(4) the same info. for any friend(s) or family member(s) who might join you and
(5) your preferred date and time to do the training.
Upon agreement of a mutually convenient time, payment for the class & range reservation can be then made via cash, check, plastic or a combination thereof.
In the midst of the ongoing craziness, we are doing SMALL, PRIVATE CLASSES ONLY at times of mutual convenience. This Handguns 101 class was especially popular in 2020 and continues to be in 2024. It takes around 4 hours for 1 person. Cost, including the instructor and classroom/range time, is $80 per hour ($320, assuming student has their own gun and ammunition). Add 1 hour per person and $80 per person if friends or family would like to join.
A common "package" for a "newbie" couple includes (1) instructor time, (2) classroom and range time, (3) use of up to 6 of the "workhorse" training handguns mentioned below, (4) 100 rounds each of 9mm target ammunition, (5) miscelanneous targets, (6) eye and ear protection and (7) sales tax. With 2 students, it requires approximately 5 hours at a total cost of $500.00. If completed within the next few months, the first hour of this class can be applied to the LTC course classroom time (if subsequently desired).
The primary objective of this course is for novice or inexperienced students to obtain the initial knowledge, skills and attitude to safely and responsibly own and operate a handgun. This class is an excellent resource for those who want to be in a position to make much more informed buying decisions before purchasing a new handgun - or learn to run a gun they already own. It is also serves as an excellent "preparatory class" for inexperienced individuals before taking the "shooting test" for the Texas License to Carry (LTC).
If a "newbie" student does plan to get the LTC within the next few months, one option is to take the classroom portion (mostly legal issues) of the LTC class with friends or family, then complete this 101 class and shooting portion of the LTC class later at mutually convenient times.
This beginner course is 2.5 hours of classroom training AND a subsequent 1.5 hour session that includes shooting approx. 100 rounds in the indoor range.
Handguns 101 covers:
- DCSA 1-hour safety orientation
- Types of handgun ammunition
- Types of handguns, their parts, operation and terminology.
- The fundamentals of marksmanship.
- The last segment of the "classroom session" and/or the first portion of a subsequent "individualized" 90-minute segment includes "hands on" work with special inert training ammunition before going to the range with live ammunition.
Students may bring their own handgun (and factory ammo) or rent from us. If you choose to rent from us, you can try a few different handguns and we will provide the 100 rounds of ammunition.
Our "workhorse" training guns for many beginners (especially those seeking to buy a handgun) are all 9mm semi-automatics: Glock 19, Springfield XD9M, Smith & Wesson M&P Subcompact, Rock Island Armory 1911, Springfield XDE and Kahr K-9. This lineup facilitates students experiencing the options with the most common types of actions and trigger pulls: striker fired, single action only (SA), double action/single action (DA/SA) and double action only (DAO).
If requested in advance, "work horse" .38/.357 revolvers (especially for newbies) can be provided: 5-shot Ruger SP-101 (with 3 inch barrel), a 6-shot Taurus with 4 inch barrel, and/or 8-shot Smith and Wesson Model 627-5 (5 inch barrel).
With advance notice, .22 rimfire handguns (minimal recoil and muzzle blast) are available for rental at pricing of $20 per 50 rounds (CCI Minimags - when available - for the best reliability.) They include a 6" barrel H&R revolver, a Sig Mosquito and a Beretta Neos.
We have 2 centerfire semiautomatic handguns purchased specifically for use by older or recoil-sensitive shooters and/or those with weak hands/wrists. One is a Smith & Wesson Shield .380 EZ (9mm X17 mm). The slide on it is much easier to manipulate than most semi autos and its size helps dissipate recoil. The ammunition for it is somewhat more expensive, so anyone with potential need to try it should bring more cash than the 9mm (9mm X 19mm) rental pricing stated here. The second "EZ" pistol is also a Smith and Wesson, the M&P Shield in 9mm.
Also available (but generally not until later a later session for beginners) are a Kahr CW9, a Kahr PM9, a Ruger LCP (10 ounce .380) and a Ruger LC9-S (popular "carry guns", but, like the lightweight 38s, are NOT necessarily recommended for first-timers). Lightweight .38s available for subsequent sessions include a S&W 637 and Ruger LCR, both in .38 Special. August 2018 additions in smaller 9mm "carry guns" are a Sig Sauer P938 and Sig Sauer P365. Also, available in 2021 is a Springfield Hellcat (with Swampfox Red Dot Sight).
Eye and ear protection are available at no extra charge if students do not have their own. If planning to shoot a semi-automatic pistol, no sandals, halter tops or other clothing that can readily catch hot brass. A baseball cap and long sleeve shirt (using the very top button) are recommended.
Assuming students have their own guns and ammo, the total cost for this 4-hour 101 class is $320 for 1 student, $400 for 2 students, $480 for 3 students or $560 for 4 students. Classes are generally completed in one session (with short breaks every hour), but can sometimes be split over 2 mutually convenient days.
We do stock a small amount of ammo for use if needed in classes, but DO NOT do any retail sales of firearms or ammo.
.22LR rental pricing, including 50 rounds of .22 ammo: $15.00 (until further notice here)
9mm Semi-auto rental pricing, including 50 rounds of 9mm brass case ammo: $25 per 50 rounds.
.38 Special Revolver rental pricing, including 50 rounds of ammo: $35 per 50 rounds
Due to the ongoing ammunition supply chain issues, inflation and other factors, students may or may not always shoot the full 100 rounds mentioned above - or may want to shoot .22s as a part of that.
For handgun calibers other than .22LR, students should also be prepared to pay $.75 per round for .380, .40, and .45ACP. Feel free to inquire as to actual availibility and current cost for your caliber when you send e-mail describing your circumstances.
If not known about already, check out www.ammoseek.com. Beware though, if a newbie, you should likely take the 101 class before buying much ammo - part of what we discuss early in the class.
- If you bring your own firearm and ammo, please leave them locked in your vehicle until instructed otherwise
- Leave firearm unloaded until instructed to load it.
- Do not bring pre-loaded magazines.
- Do not bring reloaded ammo.
- Do not wear sandals, flip flops or open clothing (halter tops, etc.) for shooting segment.
- Shirts with a button up collar and a baseball cap are recommended.
- Eye and ear protection are available at no additional charge.
(1) your contact information,
(2) your "objective(s),
(3) your circumstances in regard to current access to a handgun and ammunition,
(4) the same info. for any friend(s) or family member(s) who might join you and
(5) your preferred date and time to do the training.
Upon agreement of a mutually convenient time, payment for the class & range reservation can be then made via cash, check, plastic or a combination thereof.