Handgun Basic Course

COURSE OUTLINE: HANDGUN BASIC (FUNDAMENTALS)

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

COURSE OVERVIEW

This 6-hour, live-fire certificate course covers the fundamentals of handgun safety, marksmanship, operation, and maintenance. It is designed for new shooters, as well as those with prior experience who have not received formal professional training or certification.

The course emphasizes improving accuracy and safe firearm handling in a structured, safety-focused environment.

This course (or equivalent professional training) is a prerequisite for the Handgun – Intermediate (Holster) Course.

Class size is limited to a maximum of 2 participants to ensure a high level of individualized instruction and coaching.

PRIMARY LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Participants will:

• State, explain, and apply the rules for safe firearm handling (ACTS and PROVE)
• Demonstrate safe handgun handling at all times
• Identify common cartridge and firearm malfunctions and apply appropriate corrective actions
• Demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitude required for safe live-fire training
• Safely shoot a pistol from one-handed and two-handed (Weaver or Isosceles) standing positions
• Achieve a minimum standard of accuracy (17/20 hits on a 10” target at 7 yards under timed fire)
• Perform basic range commands and duties as an acting Range Officer in accordance with Section 5(e) of the Shooting Clubs and Shooting Ranges Regulations
• Demonstrate proper procedures to clear, disassemble, clean, reassemble, and function check a handgun
• Identify pathways for continued training and skill development

COURSE PREREQUISITES

• A valid Restricted PAL (must be presented to the instructor prior to training)

Participants must also complete the following pre-study:

• Review the Canadian Firearms Safety Course Manual (Restricted Firearms sections, pages 215–326)
• Review the owner’s manual for your specific handgun

Participants should arrive with a working knowledge of:

• ACTS and PROVE safety procedures
• Firearm parts and terminology
• Operation of all controls (safety, decock, magazine release, cylinder release, slide catch, etc.)
• Locking the slide to the rear while maintaining proper safety control
• Basic disassembly, reassembly, and function checks

All topics will be reviewed and evaluated during the course.

FIREARM AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT

• A modern handgun (pistol or double-action revolver) in excellent working condition
  (Magnum calibers are not permitted)
• Minimum of two magazines or speed loaders
• Appropriate cleaning kit with rigid rod
• Locking case and trigger or cable lock
• Required legal transport documentation (registration certificate and ATT or RPAL with transport conditions)

AMMUNITION

• Minimum 200 rounds of factory-manufactured ammunition
  (No magnum or +P ammunition permitted)

GENERAL EQUIPMENT

• Wraparound protective eyewear
• Over glasses if you are wearing prescription glasses
• Ball cap
• Hearing protection (electronic muffs preferred)
• Closed-toe footwear with good grip
• Fitted shirt (secure at collar, waist, and cuffs)
• Long pants suitable for movement
• Extra layer for warmth (range conditions may be cool)
• Pen and notebook
• Any required personal medications (Advise instructor of any medical issues and/or allergies)

FOOD AND DRINK

• Bring snacks and water
• A short break will be provided; full lunch breaks are not scheduled due to the condensed format

SCHEDULE

• Training Day: 10:00 – 16:00

Daily Breakdown:

• 10:00 – 11:30: Classroom session (No live ammunition permitted)
• 11:30 – 15:30: Live-fire range training (includes short breaks)
• 15:30 – 16:00: Written exam, grading, and administration

Please arrive early to ensure an on-time start.

DOCUMENTATION

• Successful participants will receive a certificate and course report upon completion
• Eligible club members may receive authorization for unsupervised use of designated pistol range