Pistol Camp

Audience/Who Should Attend – Prerequisites:

This is our flagship pistol training course targeting the operator who wants a full immersion experience in how to operate as a discretely armed protector. We designed this 4-day program and “training camp” as the base and standard for armed protectors.

We welcome novices and you need not be a competitive marksman, but your behavior and actions must demonstrate that you have a keen awareness of and respect for the powerful and life-changing potential of a firearm. NOTE: At the beginning of class, you will be required to demonstrate how to perform the functions of your firearm and physical measures listed under the “Prerequisites and Physical Requirements for Firearms Training” section. If you cannot perform these tasks you will not be allowed to continue with the course and your fees will not be refunded.

All participants should be prepared to undergo a nationwide background check as a requirement to participate in this training.

Note: Our Tactical Applications for the Pistol series (2-day classes), TAP1 and TAP2, are not Pistol Camp divided in half. TAP1 and TAP2 cover topics and drills that are included in our Pistol Camp, but they are not intended as a substitute for Pistol Camp. The curriculum is different.

Synopsis:

Our graduates tell us that Pistol Camp is a constructively life-changing experience. This was our desire and intent from the beginning. We acknowledge Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, and we uphold a training environment based upon dignity and respect. To support your positive learning experience, we use a building block approach led by experienced and credentialed veterans with real-world experience. Our training format is approximately 20% classroom and 80% practical exercises and live-fire drills.

Exercises and Drills:

Pistol Camp offers the participant immediate feedback and learning opportunities though dry technical work, live fire range exercises, range briefings and extemporaneous discussions, and case studies in order to incorporate multiple channels and learning modes for each participant. All we ask that you bring is a positive attitude, an open mind, and a willingness to learn and try new things. Our goal in preparing the Christian warrior for duty includes the following instructional and performance objectives:

• Statutory, Federal, and Constitutional law case precedents
• Justifiable, lawful, and biblically proper use of force
• Civil law and the 4th Amendment
• Responsibilities of a lawfully and discretely armed Christian
• Cultivating a “warrior’s mindset” and managing stress
• Fundamentals of marksmanship and “natural point of aim”
• How to work safely from a controlled concealed position: clothing and equipment
• Draw stroke, producing from and returning to the holster safely and correctly
• Tactical considerations before returning to the holster or standing down
• How to develop strength and balance in your workspace
• Performing bilateral transitions regardless of hand and eye dominance
• Types and considerations for reloading, planned and unplanned
• Communicating with teammates, suspects, and those under stress/duress
• How to develop the “power of the pair”
• Managing one and two-handed operation of the pistol
• Horizontal and vertical displacement, moving under control with a firearm in hand
• Clearing multiple types of stoppages in a compressed timeframe and under stress
• The dynamics of confrontation during “the final exam”
• Rest, ready, and support positions while maintaining a firearm in your hands
• Cornering, funnels, and tactical geometry, how to fight on a corner
• Static and fluid turning movements, how to “check six” and engage behind you
• Making skillful decisions in an emergency
• Moving offline in all directions using a fighting platform with the pistol properly indexed
• Shooting on the move – creating and closing distance
• Selecting cover, moving from one position of cover to another in a fighting platform
• Making precision shots in a crowded environment at a variety of distances
• Managing multiple threats in a public environment, accounting for your background
• Accounting for and managing multiple operators while engaged in armed conflict
• Foundational elements and considerations for establishing a team of protectors or a life-safety ministry

Regarding our Training Philosophy and Practices:

Our training staff is composed of professional and experienced coaches and we take pride in being 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 nor do we believe in “lowest common denominator” training. Individual assistance is one of our strengths. Those who are not safe and conscientious with their firearms, those who are not willing to be open-minded, receive new information and try new concepts, and those who are not capable of keeping their ego in check should not enroll in our trainings.

Prerequisites and Physical Requirements for Firearms Training:

• You must understand the basics of how your firearm operates and be able to:

1. Lock the pistol open using the slide stop with the magazine removed.
2. Use the decocking lever to render the pistol safe (if so equipped).
3. Engage and disengage all safety devices (as equipped) while maintaining a master grip.
4. Release and recover an empty magazine using the magazine release.
5. Field strip the pistol according to your owner’s manual for maintenance and cleaning.

• 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 pistol 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 downrange. As a matter of general fitness and a gauge for this course, you should be able to be on your feet for 3-4 hours, get down on the ground and back up again unassisted, perform 10 squats, and climb two flights of stairs at walking speed without becoming short of breath.
• You must have personal self-discipline and be able to always maintain mental, physical, and emotional control and not become over-excited or lose your composure. You must be open-minded and willing 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.
• You must speak and understand fluent English.

Your Pistol:

Participants will use a full size or compact pistol that fills the hand and allows all fingers to contact and wrap around the grip. Subcompact “pocket” pistols, (.22, .25, .32, and .380 calibers) are not allowed. You may use a revolver OR a semiautomatic pistol, but it must 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 are prohibited.

Your Belt, Holster, and Gear:

NYLON, LEATHER, or FABRIC HOLSTERS THAT COLLAPSE WHEN THE PISTOL IS DRAWN ARE NOT ALLOWED IN OUR TRAINING. Holsters must be rigid and retain their shape. Inside-the-waistband and external belt holsters are both welcome as long as they are rigid and do not collapse or pancake when the pistol is drawn. You must use a secure and well-fitting holster that retains your firearm near your dominant hip. When holstered, the trigger guard of your pistol must be completely covered. “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 1,500 rounds factory ammunition for the handgun. Ammunition may be hard to obtain from some suppliers. Purchase quality ammunition well in advance!

Logistics:

Make sure you have the necessary equipment listed for training. Having a backup firearm, holster, magazines, and ammunition is recommended in case of mechanical failure or a stoppage we cannot correct. We cannot guarantee that a “loaner” will be available for you.

Required Gear and Equipment:

• Pistol according to listed acceptable guidelines
• Holster according to listed acceptable guidelines
• 4 magazines or speed loaders for your pistol
• Belt-mounted pouch to carry at least 2 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 source
• Hand towel
• Sack lunch (we will not dismiss for lunch, bring your own!)
• Clothing and footwear suitable for all weather conditions
• Range bag, duffel, or suitable container that allows you to bring all gear to the line with you
• Cleaning equipment and materials in the correct caliber for your pistols

Cost – $657 per person