Pistol Fundamentals,
Done Right.
Classroom theory plus live-fire range time on the fundamentals of safe, accurate handgun use. Grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, recoil management, and confidence-building drills at multiple distances. No experience required. Just show up ready to learn.
Real Skills. No Bad Habits.
Most new shooters either stay home because they don't know where to start, or pick up bad habits at a public range that take years to unlearn. Handgun 101 fixes both.
Handgun 101 is built for first-time shooters and self-taught shooters who want to start over the right way. We open in the classroom — safety, mechanics, what's actually happening when you press the trigger — then move to the line for live fire under the direct eye of a certified instructor.
By the end of the course you'll know how to safely load, unload, and store a semi-automatic pistol, what a proper grip and stance actually feel like, what your sights are telling you, and why trigger control is 90% of accuracy. You'll have put real rounds down range at multiple distances and gotten direct feedback on every one.
This is not a one-and-done certification class. It's a foundation. If you're preparing for concealed carry, working toward your LTC, or just want to shoot well — this is where it starts.
What You'll Learn.
Five modules. Classroom-first, then live-fire. Each one builds on the last so nothing gets skipped and nothing gets glossed over.
Safety & Handling
- Safe loading, unloading, and storage
- Universal safety rules
- Range safety protocols and best practices
Grip, Stance & Body Position
- Proper shooting posture for stability and control
- Two-handed grip mechanics
- Recoil management for tighter follow-up shots
Sight Alignment & Trigger Control
- Sight focus and target acquisition
- Smooth, deliberate trigger engagement
- Diagnosing where your shots are landing — and why
Marksmanship & Live Fire
- Confidence-building range drills
- Shooting at varying distances
- Real-time instructor feedback on the line
Maintenance & Function
- How a semi-automatic pistol actually works
- Basic field-strip, clean, and care
- Common malfunctions and how to clear them
Who It's For.
Honest framing — this course is great for some shooters and the wrong fit for others. Read both lists before you book.
You're Good To Go.
- This is your first time handling a pistol, or you're rusty and want a real reset
- You've shot before but want a foundation — not bad habits picked up from YouTube
- You're preparing for concealed carry and want the basics done right before adding complexity
- You learn best with a small group, hands-on instruction, and live-fire reps
- You're 21 or older with no firearm prohibitions
This Isn't The Fit.
- You're an experienced shooter looking for defensive or tactical work — book Private Instruction instead
- You're a Massachusetts resident who needs your LTC certification first — book LTC-033 instead
- You're under 21
- You want rifle work — book Rifle 101 instead
- You're hoping to shoot multiple firearms or specialty platforms in one session — Private Instruction is more flexible
What To Bring. What To Expect.
Show up ready and the day runs smooth. We supply the rest.
Come Prepared.
- Eye + Ear Protection Loaners available if you don't have your own
- Range-Appropriate Clothing Closed-toe shoes, no low necklines (hot brass is real)
- Your Own Pistol (Optional) We have rentals if you don't own one — perfectly normal
- Ammunition ~100 rounds; available for purchase on-site if needed
- A Notepad (Optional) Some students like to take notes during the classroom portion
How The Day Runs.
- Classroom First Theory, mechanics, safety brief, Q&A — calm and unhurried
- Range Walk-Through Layout, commands, line procedures before any rounds go down
- Live Fire, Instructor on the Line You shoot. We watch. We coach. You get better.
- Real-Time Diagnostics We'll tell you exactly what your group is saying about your trigger press
- Honest Next Steps At the end, we'll tell you what we'd train next — Rifle 101, Private Instruction, or just more range time
Book Your Session.
Pick a date that works, lock in your spot. Class size is intentionally small. If a slot you want isn't showing, text 781-402-4650 and we'll see what we can do.
Already Comfortable With A Pistol?
Handgun 101 is the foundation. Once you have it, the natural next steps are Rifle 101 to add the carbine platform, or Private Instruction for defensive handgun work, draw-from-holster training, or scenario-based drills. Not sure where to go next? Text 781-402-4650 and we'll talk it through. No upsell, no pressure.
SUN: BY APPOINTMENT
MON: 12PM - 6PM
TUES-FRI: 10AM - 6PM
SAT: 10AM - 3PM