Before You Carry
Basic Pistol and Personal Safety Training
Build a reliable foundation in handgun safety, operation, marksmanship, storage, maintenance, personal-security decision-making, and responsible firearm ownership before advancing to concealed carry.
Start With Competence, Not Assumptions
Owning a handgun does not automatically create the ability to handle, store, carry, or use it safely. This course gives new and developing handgun owners the time to learn foundational skills before moving into more advanced defensive or concealed-carry training.
Who This Course Is For
- First-time handgun owners
- People considering purchasing a handgun
- Students with limited or informal shooting experience
- Individuals uncomfortable handling or operating a pistol
- Gun owners returning after a long period without training
- Students preparing for concealed-carry instruction
- Family members who may have access to a household firearm
What This Course Is Not
This is not a tactical, competition, law-enforcement, or advanced defensive-pistol course. The emphasis is safe, controlled, repeatable handling and informed decision-making.
Students should leave with a stronger foundation, but continued practice and additional instruction are still necessary.
Basic Pistol Versus Concealed Carry
These courses serve different purposes. Basic Pistol develops the foundation. Concealed Handgun Permit training addresses permit requirements and the additional responsibilities of carrying a firearm in public.
| Basic Pistol Training | Colorado CHP Training |
|---|---|
| Designed primarily for new and developing shooters | Designed for students seeking qualifying permit training |
| Emphasizes safe operation and foundational competence | Emphasizes permit law, carry responsibilities, and competency |
| Allows more time for basic handling and marksmanship | Requires written and live-fire competency evaluation |
| Addresses purchasing, storage, maintenance, and equipment | Addresses concealed carry, restricted locations, and legal use |
| Recommended before CHP training for inexperienced students | Not a substitute for foundational remedial instruction |
Firearm Safety and Responsible Ownership
Core Safety Skills
- Universal firearm-safety rules
- Muzzle awareness and trigger-finger discipline
- Safe loading and unloading procedures
- Physically and visually verifying firearm status
- Safe transfer of a firearm between people
- Safe classroom and range handling
- Responding to unsafe conditions
Ownership Responsibilities
- Secure storage and unauthorized-access prevention
- Child-access considerations
- Vehicle and home-storage limitations
- Transportation practices
- Routine inspection and maintenance
- Recordkeeping and documentation
- Recognizing when professional repair is necessary
Understanding the Handgun
Parts and Operation
Identify major handgun components, controls, safety mechanisms, magazines, cylinders, slides, actions, and common operating systems.
Ammunition
Learn cartridge components, caliber markings, compatibility, storage, inspection, common ammunition types, and malfunction risks.
Selection and Fit
Evaluate grip fit, operating controls, recoil, intended use, reliability, maintenance needs, and realistic equipment choices.
Marksmanship Fundamentals
Foundational Shooting Skills
- Stable stance and body position
- Consistent two-handed grip
- Sight alignment and sight picture
- Trigger control
- Breathing and follow-through
- Recoil management
- Diagnosing common shooting errors
Safe Gun Handling
- Loading and unloading under supervision
- Magazine changes
- Opening and closing firearm actions
- Safe ready positions
- Recognizing common stoppages
- Basic malfunction response
- Maintaining control during interruptions
Personal Safety and Decision-Making
A firearm is only one possible element of personal safety. This course also addresses prevention, awareness, avoidance, communication, and the consequences of introducing a firearm into a conflict.
Before a Confrontation
- Situational awareness
- Recognizing changing risk conditions
- Personal boundaries and verbal communication
- De-escalation and disengagement
- Avoiding unnecessary confrontation
- Planning for home, vehicle, and public settings
After a Defensive Event
- Recognizing that the danger may not be over
- Calling 911 and communicating essential information
- Safely interacting with responding officers
- Identifying injured persons and medical priorities
- Preserving evidence and identifying witnesses
- Obtaining qualified legal assistance
Course Price and What Is Included
Individual Enrollment
$125Approximately ten total training hours
Includes classroom instruction, guided firearm-handling exercises, safety demonstrations, range instruction, live-fire practice, course materials, and completion documentation.
Possible Additional Expenses
- Range admission or lane fees
- Ammunition
- Firearm rental
- Eye and hearing protection
- Targets or range-required supplies
- Optional private follow-up training
The scheduled-class information should identify which expenses are included and which are paid separately.
What Students Must Bring
Classroom
- Government-issued photo identification
- Note-taking materials
- Water, food, and personal comfort items
- Any required registration or waiver documents
- Comfortable clothing suitable for a full training day
Range
- Serviceable handgun approved for the course
- Correct factory ammunition in the required quantity
- Eye and hearing protection
- Brimmed hat and closed-toe shoes
- Weather-appropriate range clothing
- Any range-specific equipment listed before class
What Students Can Expect
Understand
Learn firearm terminology, operation, ammunition, safety rules, storage responsibilities, and equipment considerations.
Handle
Practice controlled loading, unloading, status checks, grip, stance, ready positions, and basic firearm manipulation.
Practice
Apply marksmanship fundamentals during supervised live-fire exercises at an appropriate pace.
Plan
Identify future training needs, safe practice methods, equipment decisions, and responsible next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous shooting experience?
No. The course is designed for new and developing shooters. Students must be willing to follow safety rules and instructor directions.
Do I need to own a handgun?
Not necessarily. Rental or loan arrangements may be available depending on the course and range. Any equipment arrangement must be confirmed before class.
Does this course qualify me for a Colorado concealed handgun permit?
Not automatically. Basic Pistol training is a foundational course. Students seeking qualifying Colorado CHP training should enroll in the dedicated Colorado Concealed Handgun Permit course.
Will I learn to draw from a holster?
Holster selection and safety may be discussed. Live holster drawing is included only when appropriate for the class, allowed by the range, and supported by the student’s demonstrated safety and competence.
What type of handgun should I bring?
Bring a safe, serviceable handgun suitable for the course. Students who have not yet purchased a firearm should contact the instructor before class rather than purchasing one solely for the course.
How much ammunition is required?
The required ammunition quantity will be provided with the scheduled class information. Students should bring only the correct caliber of factory ammunition approved for their firearm and the training venue.
Can a minor attend?
Minor participation requires advance approval, parent or guardian consent, and compliance with venue, range, and legal requirements. A parent or guardian may be required to remain present.
Does course completion mean I am ready to carry a handgun?
No single class can guarantee readiness. Carrying a handgun requires continuing practice, legal knowledge, equipment evaluation, judgment, and periodic skills development.
Build the Foundation Before You Carry
Learn to handle, operate, store, and fire a handgun safely while developing the awareness and judgment required for responsible firearm ownership.