In our defensive handgun courses, we delve into much more than the basics of handling a firearm. Our comprehensive approach ensures that participants are educated in the fundamentals while also being guided through more advanced skills essential for effective self-defense. Emphasizing safety, responsibility, and legal considerations, we aim to build a solid foundation where participants can respond with precision and confidence during a threat. Our training is not just about shooting; we are committed to cultivating informed, prepared, and responsible individuals capable of using defensive handgun techniques to protect themselves and others.
Introduction to Handgun Fundamentals (IHF)
This private course is designed for individuals or groups up to three and includes a comprehensive and practical introduction to the safe and effective use of handguns. Whether you are a first-time handgun owner or seeking to refresh your skills, this class provides essential knowledge and hands-on training to ensure you can operate a handgun safely and with confidence.
IHF is offered at both our training facility in Tigard and at a live-fire range. It includes a custom firearms overview and the opportunity to handle and operate a variety of the most popular handguns for personal, defensive use. Introduction to Handgun Fundamentals is an excellent prep-course for any of the 540 Defensive Handgun Series of courses.
If taken at 540 this class is strictly UTM (Ultimate Training Munitions) based and includes NLTA (Non-Lethal Training Ammunition). All UTM equipment and NLTA ammunition is provided.
Prerequisites: None
Duration: 2 Hours
Cost: $200
Defensive Handgun 1- Presentations, Operations and Continuity of Fire (DH-1)
Defensive Handgun 1 is an introductory defensive handgun course for all new 540 students. It lays the essential foundation for safe, practical, and proven gun handling skills in a defensive situation. You will learn administrative actions with a handgun. This includes safe handling and storage considerations, the correct way to load, unload, and make your handgun safe, shooting fundamentals including proper presentation from and to the holster, stance options, grip fundamentals, sighting system considerations, and professional trigger control. Remediations of all common malfunctions are also covered in detail.
Prerequisites: None
Duration: 8 Hours
Cost: $200
- Standard range attire while conducting firearms training (weather-appropriate activewear, etc.)
- Semi-automatic pistol w/ at least three magazines
- 300 rounds of handgun ammunition
- Strong-side belt outside the waistband (OWB) holster – drawing from concealment is prohibited in this class**
- Support-side magazine carrier(s)
- Belt for range work compatible w/ holster and magazine carrier
- Eye protection for day conditions and Ear protection
- Hat with brim
- Sturdy footwear for range
** Blackhawk Serpa model holsters are strictly prohibited during live fire range training and banned in all 540 Training classes for safety reasons.
Defensive Handgun 2 – Protective Engagements (DH-2)
Defensive Handgun 2 is an intermediate level class that builds upon the skills and knowledge gained in Defensive Handgun 1. This class focuses on honing the skills necessary to respond effectively to dynamic and high-stress self-defense situations. Participants will engage in more advanced drills, scenario-based training, and decision-making exercises to enhance their ability to protect themselves and others. Additional blocks of instruction include ready and carry positions, barricade tactics, and movement considerations.
Prerequisites: Defensive Handgun 1
Duration: 8 Hours
Cost: $200
Round Count: 400 rounds
- Standard range attire while conducting firearms training (weather-appropriate activewear, etc.)
- Semi-automatic pistol w/ at least three magazines
- 400 rounds of handgun ammunition
- Strong-side belt or appendix concealment holster – **
- Support-side magazine carrier(s)
- Belt for range work compatible w/ holster and magazine carrier
- Eye protection for day conditions and Ear protection
- Hat with brim
- Sturdy footwear for range
** Blackhawk Serpa model holsters are strictly prohibited during live fire range training and banned in all 540 Training classes for safety reasons.
Defensive Handgun 3 – Complex Engagements (DH-3)
Successful completion of this class is highly recommended for any CHL holder, armed security, or LEO as we introduce various skills and tactics not commonly understood or offered elsewhere. Defensive Handgun 3 is an advanced course designed for individuals who have already completed Defensive Handgun 2. This class focuses on honing skills required to respond effectively to complex, dynamic, and high-risk self-defense situations. This class goes beyond marksmanship and drills deeper into tactical decision-making, advanced firearm manipulation, and real-world defensive situations. This class takes a very pragmatic and advanced approach to shooting versus gunfighting, real and perceived liability, as well as an introduction to the stressors that deteriorate performance in hyper violent, sudden attacks.
Prerequisites: Defensive Handgun 2
Duration: 8 Hours
Cost: $200
Round Count: 400 rounds
- Standard range attire while conducting firearms training (weather-appropriate activewear, etc.)
- Semi-automatic pistol w/ at least three magazines
- 400 rounds of handgun ammunition
- Strong-side belt or appendix concealment holster – **
- Support-side magazine carrier(s)
- Belt for range work compatible w/ holster and magazine carrier
- Eye protection for day conditions and Ear protection
- Hat with brim
- Sturdy footwear for range
** Blackhawk Serpa model holsters are strictly prohibited during live fire range training and banned in all 540 Training classes for safety reasons.
Red Dot Sight Handgun Fundamentals (RDSHF)
Red Dot Handgun is an 8-hour course designed to help students transition from traditional iron sights to a Red Dot Sight (RDS) mounted handgun. An emphasis will be placed on dot acquisition techniques and accurate engagement from 3 to 35+ yards. Additional topics include red dot pistol specific manipulation and “dot-down” procedures for when the Red Dot Sight malfunctions, fails or is occluded. Students will receive a mixture of lectures, practical skills, and live-fire instruction to familiarize them with the strengths and limitations of the RDS mounted handgun.
Prerequisites: Defensive Handgun 1
Duration: 8 Hours
Cost: $200
Round Count: 300 rounds
- Standard range attire while conducting firearms training (weather-appropriate activewear, etc.)
- Semi-automatic pistol with mounted optic and at least three magazines
- 300 rounds of handgun ammunition
- Strong-side belt or appendix concealment holster – **
- Support-side magazine carrier(s)
- Belt for range work compatible w/ holster and magazine carrier
- Eye protection for day conditions and Ear protection
- Hat with brim
- Sturdy footwear for range
** Blackhawk Serpa model holsters are strictly prohibited during live fire range training and banned in all 540 Training classes for safety reasons.