Defensive Pistol

Participant equipment requirements:For participants to be successful in this course, they should have the following items, either personally owned or provided: Quality pistol appropriate for concealed carry – recommend minimum of 9mm or .38 SpecialPocket pistols for short range exercises, if a student has one theywould like to shoot. However, during this course, students shoulduse strong side hip holsters.Quality strong side hip holster – recommend form fitted leatheror kydex, must cover trigger/trigger guardQuality Belt, designed to carry a holster and a firearm stronglyrecommendedQuality factory ammunition suitable for practice. Encourage students to have at least two hundred rounds.Spare magazines or speed loaders with appropriate pouches – atleast two spares.Clothing appropriate for concealed carryEye protectionHearing protection - recommend electronicNOTE: NO LIVE AMMUNITION DURING ANY CLASSROOMPRESENTATIONS OR DRY FIRE EXERCISES!HITS COUNT!!NRA Defensive Pistol ModuleCourse ObjectivesAs a result of their participation in this course, your studentsshould be able to explain, and or demonstrate the following: The importance of carrying and using a pistol responsibly and ethically for personal protection How the NRA Rules for Safe Gun handling are appliedto concealed carry Basic principles of concealment Presenting a pistol – reholster Mental awareness Mental Preparation to develop a defensive mindset forcarrying and using a pistol for personal protection Techniques for avoiding life-threatening confrontations Explain the psychological and physiological changesthat may occur during an attack Flash sight picture Reload under stress Clear common stoppages – immediate action drills Present a pistol from concealment and reholster Cover and concealment Present a pistol from concealment and shoot targets atvarying distances Move off the line of attack and shoot Qualify for the NRA Defensive Pistol Certificate Pocket PistolsThe goal of each shooting exercise is to have all hits inthe center of mass of the FBI Q or NRA D-1 Bianchi Target.Your students should not earn a course completioncertificate until they are able to keep all shots within thecenter of mass on the target.2NRA Defensive Pistol ModuleNRA Defensive Pistol Module3

NRA DEFENSIVE PISTOL MODULELESSON IOverview:Explain, discuss, and demonstrate as appropriate: The importance of carrying and usinga pistol responsibly and ethically forpersonal protection. How the NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handlingare applied to concealed carry. Basic principles of concealment Present a pistol – reholsterLength:This lesson is objective basedFacility:Classroom or rangeReference:NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal ProtectionOutside The HomeNo live ammunition should be present during thispresentation!NRA Defensive Pistol Module5

1.Review the “Gun Owners Responsibilities” on page viii of the NRAGuide To the Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook.It is the individual gun owner’s responsibility to learn and obey allapplicable laws that pertain to the purchase, possession and use ofa firearm in their locale.2.Ethical Responsibility: 3.The most important aspect of concealed carry is to have a gun on yourperson. Gun selection is an important aspect to consider when choosing a personal protection firearm. Tool of last resortImminent danger of grievous bodily harmDeadly force – ARE YOU CAPABLE?Mature judgment – ARE YOU CAPABLE? Concealed carry, and the NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling: Consider basic fundamentals in regard to the carry device. The gunwill be of no use if it is left at home, or locked up because it is uncomfortable to carry.Safe direction – WHEN are you concerned while carrying a concealed firearm, HOW do you apply this?Finger off the trigger – WHEN are you concerned while carrying aconcealed firearm, HOW do you apply this? During this course, the two most important safety rulesare, ALWAYS keep your gun pointed in a safe direction,and ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until readyto shoot. 4.6Unloaded until ready to use – WHEN is your personal protectionfirearm READY to use?Importance of knowing your target and what is beyond – especially in public.Using only the correct ammunition – Appropriate ammunition forpersonal protection.NEVER use alcohol or drugs while carrying a personal protectionfirearm.Ensure your gun is never accessible to unauthorized persons –THINK AHEAD! Have appropriate storage devices in your automobile, workplace, or wherever you may need to temporarily secureyour firearm.Basic principles of concealment. Utilize this time to inspect your students’ equipment.NRA Defensive Pistol ModuleTHICKNESS is the single most important characteristic affectingconcealment and comfort.In general, the thinnest, shortest pistol you can carry would bethe most comfortable – but you must learn to shoot it with skill!Power is a consideration. A minimum caliber of 9mm or .38 specialis highly recommended. At times, compromises must be made tocarry a firearm with comfort.The BEST gun is the one you are carrying when you need it! 5.CONCEALMENT – The holster should be appropriate for concealed carry. A reasonably observant person should have no suspicion that you are carrying a pistol.ACCESS – You MUST be able to get to your gun immediately ifneeded.RETENTION – Your holster should be able to retain the pistol.COMFORT – The holster MUST be comfortable. If it’s not comfortable, you will stop carrying it on your person! Emphasize COMFORT!Presenting a Pistol – reholsterExplain and demonstrate the proper steps to present a pistol from astrong side hip holster (without concealment), scanning and assessing(why?) and reholster. Conduct exercise. NO live ammunition shouldbe present.The command “CHEST” when preceded by any other command, suchas Grip-Chest indicates that the support hand should be placed on ornear the chest, in a manner to smoothly join with the shooting hand ina proper grip to extend and fire. In addition, placing the support handto the chest provides the ability to use the forearm to fend off attacksby holding a 90 degree angle to stop attacks, and the ability to bringthe hand straight up the body to protect the neck region, withoutsweeping yourself. On the reholster command, “Safety-Chest-Rehol-NRA Defensive Pistol Module7

Step 4:ster, the support hand should be placed in a manner to not be sweptby the muzzle of the gun while reluctantly reholstering. Presentation Steps: Grip, Pull, Rotate, Join, Extend, Fire. Scan and Assess, Safety and Reholster.Pre-Exercise Commands:Note: NO LIVE AMMUNITION Step 5:Starting position (three-yard line)Unload-show clearSafety-Chest-Reholster Exercise Commands: Ensure the students master each step beforemoving to the next.Step 1: Starting PositionGrip-ChestRelax Starting PositionGrip-ChestPull-ChestChest-ReholsterStep 3: Starting st-ReholsterStarting FireScan and AssessSafety-Chest-Reholster (unless it is the last repetition)Post-Exercise Commands: 6.8Starting Safety-Chest-ReholsterStep 6:Step 2: Starting -Chest-ReholsterNRA Defensive Pistol ModuleCease fireUnload-show clearSafety-Chest-ReholsterClear on the Right?Clear on the Left?Line is clearRange is ClearSummarize and preview the next lesson briefly.NRA Defensive Pistol Module9

NRA DEFENSIVE PISTOL MODULELESSON IIOverview:Explain, discuss, and demonstrate as appropriate: Mental awareness Mental preparation to develop a defensivemindset for carrying and using a pistol forpersonal protection Techniques for avoiding life-threateningconfrontations Explainthepsychologicalandphysiological changes that may occurduring an attackLength:This lesson is objective basedFacility:Classroom or rangeReference:NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal ProtectionOutside The HomeNo live ammunition should be present during thispresentation!NRA Defensive Pistol Module11

1.Mental Awareness: Unaware – You are NOT aware of what is going on inyour environment.o Asleepo Daydreamingo Concentrating on work, book, movie!Aware – You ARE aware of what is going on in yourenvironment. You should remain in this state as much aspossible.o Conscious of your surroundingso Cognizant of those around youo Mentally identified where potential threats mayemanateAlert – You have identified a specific potential threat,this is a heightened state of awareness.o Formulate a hypothetical plan of action torespond to the threato Set a limit that will initiate action.o Once the threat crosses this limit, TAKE ACTION!Alarm – The potential threat is now real. Whatever action you planned must be implemented immediately!It is difficult to maintain a heightened level of awareness for a greatlength of time. Ensure your students understand the importance andsuggest ways to make a conscious effort to remain aware in their environment, whatever it is.2.Mental Preparation to develop a defensive mindset for carrying andusing a pistol for personal protection: 12Never give up! – This may be the single most crucialaspect to surviving a life-threatening encounter.The human body is very resilient, especially to modernpistol ammunition. If you get shot or injured, continueto fight.Training – Take your training seriously. Training goesbeyond learning to shoot.o Develop a plano Practice visualization – always visualize thetarget as a predatory criminal who is trying tohurt you or your familyo Practice the planNRA Defensive Pistol Module3.o Continue training and train for real lifeo Train to control the encountero Add stress to your training regimenTechniques for avoiding life-threatening confrontations.Avoiding a confrontation, if possible, is always the best way todeal with a potentially violent situation. Suggestions for avoidingconfrontations: 4.Remain aware of potential threats in the environment.Plan ahead.Avoid dangerous people.Avoid dangerous situations.Avoid dangerous placesDo not dress or behave in a manner that causes you to stand outor tempt to antagonize others.Do not provoke others through confrontational behavior.Vary your routine.Do not respond to antagonistic behavior.Constantly be aware of escape routes, whether walking, driving,riding, enjoying a movie!Explain the psychological and physiological changes that may occurduring an attack. The mind responds in a number of ways when beingthreatened with bodily harm.Psychological reactions to a life- threatening encounter include thefollowing: SUBMIT – Simply giving in to an adversary. Data from the FBI’s annual Uniform Crime Reports supports the contention that submitting to an assailant is more dangerous for the victim than fightingback.FREEZE – Incapable of any action. This freeze may last only a fraction of a second, or it may last throughout the encounter.FLIGHT – Fleeing from the threat.POSTURE – Combat without contact, using words and body language to attempt to intimidate.FIGHT – Using whatever force is available to prevent harm. Ethically and legally there are limits to your fight response.There is no way you can predict your response to a given situation,regardless of your prior experience. An encounter may also include an escalation of responses from freeze, to posture, to FIGHT! Keep in mind thatNRA Defensive Pistol Module13

these reactions apply to an assailant as well. You may react differentlyon any given day, regardless of the encounter.In a stressful life-threatening encounter, you may experience any ofseveral physiological reactions such as: Increase in heart rate and respiration.Dilation of the pupils.Increase in muscle tone in anticipation of sudden movement.NRA DEFENSIVE PISTOL MODULELESSON IIIOverview: In addition, an adrenaline rush may cause muscles to tremble, makingit difficult to hold the firearm steady or stand still. Sometimes, boththe assailant and victim perceive this shaking as fear.Diminished fine motor skills are a result of stress, regardless of thesource. For this reason, ALL gun-handling techniques should use onlygross motor skills – movements that use major muscle groups.Perceptional changes that may occur during the stress induced by aviolent encounter include: 5.Tunnel vision – the reason you learn to lower your firearm and visually search for additional threats.Auditory exclusion – Extraneous sounds may be inaudible.Skewed perception of time – things appear in slow motion.Temporary memory loss – This is one of the reasons you shouldavoid making a detailed statement to police before consulting anattorney.Explain, discuss, and demonstrate as appropriate:Flash Sight PictureCover and ConcealmentReloading under stressImmediate Action DrillsPresent a pistol from concealment andreholsterLength:This lesson is objective basedFacility:RangeReference:NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal ProtectionOutside The HomeSummarize and preview the next lesson briefly.No live ammunition during this lesson. Remember toremind your students, SAFE DIRECTION, FINGER OFF THETRIGGER!14NRA Defensive Pistol ModuleNRA Defensive Pistol Module15

1.Flash Sight Picture – or Sight Deviation is a very important aspect ofdefensive shooting. In a close-range defensive encounter, you usuallydo not have the time to acquire perfect sight alignment. Stress why accuracy is important, it is also important to deliver effective shots ontothe target as rapidly as your ability allows! 2. 4. Concealment – Anything that will hide all or part of your bodyfrom observation. Objects that provide concealment do not necessarily provide cover.Cover – Usually provides concealment, yet it will also protect all orpart of the body when you are behind it. 16NRA Defensive Pistol ModuleStoppage types – failures to fire, feed, extract, eject, and go intobattery. The most common stoppage is an empty chamber!Have students practice immediate action drills with dummy ammunition. While practicing, or conducting these drills, ensure SAFE DIRECTION and FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER are maintained. Explain and demonstrate the proper steps to perform speed (emergency) reloads. Have students practice with dummy ammunition.Speed Reload (Emergency Reload) – Either the gun was fired untilthe pistol was completely empty, or the magazine created a stoppage. The shooter should seek cover, if possible, and perform aspeed reload as fast as possible.Tactical reloading – Reload is done prior to expending all ammunition from the gun’s magazine, and allows you to have a roundin the chamber while reloading. This option should be used if theopportunity arises, and you have cover, or the immediate threathas ceased.Clearing common stoppages – Immediate action drills. The majorityof stoppages in a semi-automatic pistol can be cleared with the simpledrill: TAP, RACK, ASSESS. Immediate action for a revolver is to simplypull the trigger again, and immediately reload if necessary.Explain and demonstrate the proper steps to perform immediate action drills to keep your gun in the fight.Reloading under stress – Ultimately, the goal is to reload when youWANT to, not when you HAVE to! Partially depleted magazines should be secured in a support sidepocket, inside the waistband or other secure and accessible location if possible.The magazine is often the weakest link in your pistol. Stress the importance of a spare magazine, and ensure students realize the reason is notbecause they may end up in a situation where they expend all their cartridges, but rather they may have a stoppage which requires an emergency reload – in order to maintain self defense capability.Discuss the importance of seeking cover and concealment wheneverpossible. Ensure your students know the difference between the two: 3.Imperfect alignment – as soon as the front sight is lined up somewhere within the rear sight, you should fire.Quick acquisition – you should be able to acquire this flash sightpicture within a fraction of a second!Rapid engagement – A flash sight picture is used for the first shotfired when that must be taken quickly and at close range. It is alsoused as a technique to deliver rapid follow-up shots.Distance equals time – the farther away a target is, the more timeyou have to acquire a more proper sight picture. In addition, thefarther away a target is, the more critical proper sight alignment andtrigger control become in hitting the target. TAP – using the palm of the support hand , tap the bottom of themagazine firmly to ensure it is fully seated.RACK – Cant the pistol and rack the slide vigorously.ASSESS – the target to determine if it still constitutes a threat. Explain why this is of utmost importance!Remember to remind your students, SAFE DIRECTION,FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER!5.Present a Pistol from concealment – reholsterExplain and demonstrate the proper steps to present a pistol froma strong side hip holster with concealment, scanning and assessing(Did I hit, do I need more hits, are there additional threats?) and reholster.Conduct a DRY-FIRE exercise. Consider using a small laser pointer, attached to your finger with a rubber band to demonstrate, rotate andalign on target.NRA Defensive Pistol Module17

Presentation Steps: Access, Grip, Pull, Rotate, Join, Extend, Fire. Scanand Assess, Safety and Reholster.Pre-Exercise Commands:Note: NO LIVE AMMUNITION Starting position (three-yard line)Unload-show clearSafety-Chest-ReholsterNRA DEFENSIVE PISTOL MODULELESSON IVOverview: Present a pistol from concealment andshoot targets at varying distances Present a pistol from concealment,perform speed reloads and immediateaction drills and engage targets Moving off the line of attack Qualify for the NRA Defensive PistolCertificateExercise Commands: Ensure the students master each step beforemoving to the next. (Repeat as necessary): Starting ExtendFireScan and AssessSafety-Chest-Reholster (unless it is the last repetition)Explain, discuss, and demonstrate as appropriate:Length:This lesson is objective basedFacility:RangeReference:NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal ProtectionOutside The HomePost-Exercise Commands: 6.Cease fireUnload-show clearSafety-Chest-ReholsterClear on the Right?Clear on the Left?Line is clearRange is ClearSummarize and preview the next lesson briefly.Remember to remind your students, SAFE DIRECTION,FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER!18NRA Defensive Pistol ModuleNRA Defensive Pistol Module19

1.Presenting a Pistol from concealment and shoot targets at varying distances.Three-yard lineDuring the remainder of the class, students should place dummy cartridges interspersed with live ammunition within their magazines orrevolver cylinders. When their gun goes click during any drills, theyshould perform an immediate action drill or reload as appropriate.When the students are ready, you should allow them to shoot the finalqualification.Present and fire at least two shots from the pistol from concealment(minimum 10 shots)You may want to incorporate time constraints, words, or phrasesfor the remaind

Quality pistol appropriate for concealed carry – recommend mini - mum of 9mm or .38 Special Pocket pistols for short range exercises, if a student has one they would like to shoot. However, during this course, students should use strong side hip holsters. Quality strong side hip holster – recommend form fitted leather