Pistol Training Courses — Ohio & Nationwide
This one-day, beginner-friendly Pistol Essentials training course in Ohio is designed for new handgun owners and students seeking to strengthen their foundation in pistol skills. The class emphasizes firearm safety, pistol fundamentals, and proper weapons handling—equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to train responsibly and effectively. Whether your goal is recreational shooting, concealed carry, or building a strong base for advanced training, this course provides the essential skills every handgun owner should master.
Pistol Essentials focuses on the safe management and effective use of a handgun for both recreational shooting and personal defense. Students will learn proper handling, marksmanship, and equipment setup through classroom instruction and live-fire range drills. By the end of the course, participants will have a solid base of skills to build on as they progress into more advanced pistol training.
What You’ll Learn
• Firearm safety and responsible handling
• Parts nomenclature and function
• Assembly/disassembly and maintenance
• Fundamentals of marksmanship
• Safe loading, unloading, and reloads
• Drawing safely and efficiently from a holster
• Weapon zero and sight alignment basics
• Target identification and engagement standards
• Equipment selection and placement
• Time and accuracy benchmarks for performance
Course Requirements
Students must demonstrate safe weapon handling at all times and show an understanding of drills and fundamentals. By the end of training, participants will be able to safely draw their pistol and fire accurately within a reasonable time frame.
All weapons and gear will be inspected prior to the start of class.
Equipment Needed
• Well-maintained, operational pistol
• 2 magazines, minimum with magazine pouch (optional)
• Quality holster that secures the pistol and fully covers the trigger (must remain open when drawn — no Blackhawk SERPA or similar holsters)
• Sturdy belt to secure holster and equipment
• Eye and ear protection (electronic preferred)
• Weather-appropriate clothing (no sleeveless shirts, shorts, or open-toe shoes)
• 350 rounds of pistol ammunition specific to your weapon