Handgun Basic Course

• COURSE OUTLINE:  HANDGUN BASIC (FUNDAMENTALS)

  Trainees are required to bring their own firearms, ammunition and equipment.

  COURSE OVERVIEW:

  This 8-hour, live-fire certificate course instructs the fundamentals of handgun safety, marksmanship, operation, and maintenance. The course is designed for new shooters and those who are experienced but have not received previous professional training or certification. The focus will be on improving the candidate’s accuracy and handling in an environment that emphasizes safety.

  This course (or previous professional training) is a required prerequisite to take the Handgun – Intermediate (Holster) Course. Class size is limited to 8 candidates to ensure a high level of individual attention.

  PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • ·         State, explain and apply the rules for safe firearm handling (ACTS and PROVE)
  • ·         Demonstrate at all times how to handle a handgun in a safe manner
  • ·         State the major types of cartridge and firearm malfunctions, and how to react to them
  • ·         Demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to conduct live fire training on a range
  • ·         Safely shoot a pistol from the one-handed and two-handed (Weaver or Isosceles) standing positions
  • ·         Demonstrate the ability to strike a 10” target 17/20 rounds from 7 yards, timed fire from the standing two-handed position
  • ·         Demonstrate the ability to perform basic range commands and duties as an acting Range Officer as required by Section 5(e) of the Shooting Clubs and Shooting Ranges Regulations
  • ·         Demonstrate how to clear, disassemble, clean, reassemble and function check a pistol
  • ·         Identify several ways to pursue additional training after the course

  COVID PROTOCOLS:

  This course has been reviewed and designed to be compliant with the BC Target Sports Association and viaSport BC guidelines. All trainees must abide by the procedures reviewed at the beginning of the course, and must not attend training if they feel unwell.

  COURSE PREREQUISITES:

  A valid Restricted PAL, which MUST be brought to the course for viewing and verification by the Instructor prior to commencing training.

  Pre-read and understand the information contained in the Canadian Firearms Safety Course Manual, pages 215 to 326, (Restricted Firearms modules), along with a review of the owner’s manual for your particular handgun. This will ensure you are attending with the appropriate level of theoretical knowledge to be successful on the course. Electronic copies of the CFSC manual and most owner’s manuals are available for free online.

  Based on your pre-study of the CFSC manual and owner’s manual, you should commence the course with a general knowledge of how your handgun functions, to include:

  • ·         Safety first! ACTS and PROVE in relation to your firearm.
  • ·         The parts and names of parts on your firearm.
  • ·         All controls on the firearm (Safety, de-cock, magazine release, cylinder release, slide catch, etc.)
  • ·         Be able to lock the slide to the rear while maintaining muzzle and trigger finger control.
  • ·         Be able to disassemble, reassemble and function check.

  All above will be reviewed and tested as part of the course.

  FIREARM AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT:

  • ·         A modern-design handgun (pistol or double action revolver) in excellent operating condition. Magnum calibers are NOT permitted.
  • ·         Two or more cartridge magazines or revolver speed loaders.
  • ·         A cleaning kit (which contains a rigid rod) which is appropriate for your handgun and caliber.
  • ·         A sturdy locking case and trigger or cable lock.
  • ·         All required paperwork to legally transport your restricted firearm (registration certificate, Authorization to Transport or RPAL indicating transportation conditions permitted).

  AMMUNITION:

  • ·         Minimum 200 rounds of factory manufactured ammunition. No magnum or +P ammunition is permitted.

  GENERAL EQUIPMENT:

  • ·         Protective mask for classroom portion (not required on range).
  • ·         Wraparound protective glasses.
  • ·         Ball cap.
  • ·         Hearing protection (Electronic external muffs preferred)
  • ·         Closed toe shoes or boots with grip suitable for range floor.
  • ·         Shirt which fits tightly at collar, waist and cuffs.
  • ·         Long pants (cargo or hiking style is perfect) with room for movement.
  • ·         An extra layer for warmth. Training occurs on an indoor range with constant ventilation or outdoor range, and can be cool.
  • ·         Pen and notebook for notes and marking the exams
  • ·         Any medications you require (Ventolin, epi pen, etc.).

  FOOD AND DRINK:

  • ·         You must bring snacks and lunch (We do not leave the range due to time constraints. Food for purchase is not available on site)

  SCHEDULE:

  • ·         Before the first class, complete your review of the CFSC Manual restricted firearms sections and your owner’s manual.
  • ·         Training Day is 10:00 to 17:00 with a half hour lunch from 12:00 to 12:30. Please plan extra time to arrive early as the class starts at 08:30 sharp.
  • ·         Morning session 10:00 to 12:00 is classroom. NO LIVE AMMUNITION IN THE CLASSROOM.
  • ·         Afternoon session is 12:30 to 16:30 on live fire range. 16:30 to 17:00 is written exam, grading and admin.

  DOCUMENTATION:

  • ·         Successful trainees will receive a professional certificate and course report at the conclusion of the course.
  • ·         Successful trainees who are KDFGC club members will be authorized to shoot unsupervised on the club’s covered pistol range.