Live-fire course
Intro To: Pistol
Start with the fundamentals of handgun handling and marksmanship, in a small group with close supervision at the range.
At a glance
Everything you need to know before you book
Length
3 hours
Class size
Maximum of 6 students per group with 2 shooting students per instructor.
Prerequisites
None. You do not need to have taken the CFSC or CRFSC.
Format
Live fire, outdoors at the range.
Ammunition
Expect 100 to 200 rounds of your chosen calibre.
Language
Taught in English.
We know handguns
Start with the fundamentals
Handguns demand a unique blend of precision, control and confidence. Mastery comes from a handful of fundamentals practised correctly and often, and forming solid habits through quality training is the fastest route to repeatable success.
Our Intro To: Pistols course is designed for beginners who want to build foundational skills in safe handling, aiming and firing technique. It takes place at the range and focuses on handgun operation, shooting fundamentals and safe handling practices.
By the end of the course, students will feel confident operating semi-auto and revolver handguns safely and effectively, and will be able to use the training to hone their skills independently.
Safety is our top priority. Instructors guide you through every step to ensure proper handling and operation.
Where this fits
From your first shot to your own practice
A simple, modular path. You can start here without any licensing prerequisites.
1
Learn the range
Range Orientation covers the protocols and etiquette that make range days safe. Optional, but recommended.
2
Intro To: Pistol
Build the fundamentals of handgun handling and marksmanship with close supervision.
3
Practise and progress
Keep practising with the confidence that your habits are sound.
You do not need to own a handgun. Firearm rentals and ammunition are available for an additional fee, by prior arrangement.
Course outline
What you will cover
Ammunition-intensive live-fire training at the range.
Firearm safety rules specific to handguns
Understanding handgun parts and operation (semi-auto vs revolver)
Ammunition types and their uses
Proper grip and stance for stability and control
Sight alignment, sight picture, and aiming fundamentals
Trigger control and follow-through techniques
Managing recoil effectively
Loading, unloading, and clearing malfunctions
Range etiquette and safety protocols
What to expect
A focused day on the range
Close supervision and plenty of repetitions. With a maximum of two shooting students per instructor, there is time to correct small errors before they become habits.
This course is for new and experienced shooters alike. It assumes no prior experience, and it is just as useful for the shooter who wants to start a journey of formal training.
This is an outdoor course. Dress for the weather, wear appropriate footwear, and expect a small amount of walking around the range.
This course does not have a defined ammunition minimum or maximum; you are free to shoot as much or as little as you need. Estimated use for most students will be 100 to 200 rounds of your chosen calibre.
Firearms: bring your own if you hold the appropriate license, or rent one from us for an additional fee.
Ammunition: available for purchase; the cost of the course does not include firearm rental or ammunition.
PPE: bring your own eye and ear protection if you have it; it will be provided if you do not.
Waiver: liability waivers are required for all range-based courses.
What to bring
Come prepared for a day outside
Dress for the weather. The range is outdoors, and you will be outside for the length of the course.
Bring water and a snack, and a notepad and pen if you like to take notes. Taking notes is a key part of forming good habits.
You are encouraged to bring your own eye and ear protection, although PPE will be provided if you do not have any.
A suitable handgun in any action and calibre, if you are licensed appropriately. Centrefire handguns in your chosen calibre are recommended.
Factory-loaded ammunition suitable for your firearm.
Eye and ear protection (electronic ear protection preferred).
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities (no open-toed shoes) and weather-appropriate gear.
Ammunition Use
Plan for 100 to 200 rounds
This course is ammunition-intensive. Estimated total use will be 200 to 400 rounds of your chosen calibre, and the cost of the course does not include firearm rental or ammunition.
Handguns can be rented at an additional cost by prior arrangement, and ammunition is available for purchase. Other shooters may be present on the range while you shoot.
Where to next
Keep building your skills
Range Orientation
No live fire
The foundation course: protocols, etiquette and safety practices for the range.
Intro To: Rifle
Live fire
Rifle handling, shooting positions, sight alignment, trigger control and zeroing, with live fire at the range.
Intro To: Shotgun
Live fire
Shotgun handling, mount, patterning and recoil management, with live fire at the range.
Questions people ask
Intro To: Pistol questions
Do I need my own handgun?
No. You can bring your own if you hold the appropriate license, or rent one from us for an additional fee by prior arrangement.
How much ammunition will I shoot?
Expect 100 to 200 rounds. Ammunition is not included in the course cost.
Will I be assessed?
No. This is a skill-building course. There are no tests or exams.
Do I need my firearms license first?
No. Students do not need to have taken or passed the CFSC or CRFSC. You only need the appropriate license if you want to bring your own firearm.
How many students per instructor?
No more than two shooting students per instructor, with a typical cap of six students per session.
Is the course indoors or outdoors?
Outdoors, at the range, with a small amount of walking. Dress for the weather and wear appropriate footwear.
Will other people be shooting while I am there?
Possibly. Other range users may be present and shooting, so be prepared for loud reports from their firearms. Private use of the range can be secured at additional cost.
Can I book this privately?
Yes. This course is available as both a public and a private offering. Contact us for details.
Do I need to sign anything?
Yes. Liability waivers are required for all range-based courses.
Upcoming firearms courses
All courses are pre-booked, so secure your seat ahead of time.
Events
Proudly supporting
Proud business members of the CCFR
We are proud business members of the CCFR, and we credit them as the primary organisation responsible for opposing the continued constraints on Canadian firearms owners pushed by the federal government.
We strongly urge all firearms owners and enthusiasts to support the CCFR through membership and to purchase the legal insurance available to all members.
Ready to shoot your first rounds?
Book your Intro To: Pistol seat, or ask us about the other live-fire courses.