Participants begin with a welcome and check-in, staff introductions, and verification of pistol licenses. Administrative steps include collecting any remaining balances and distributing name tags as needed.

A comprehensive range safety briefing is provided, customized to the facility and course type. Students must submit emergency contact information and wear eye and ear protection at all times unless otherwise instructed. Strict range procedures are enforced, including protocols for handling firearms, loading, and movement on the range. Manual safeties must remain engaged between strings if equipped.

The course emphasizes training and problem-solving over competitive gaming, focusing on combat-effective hits rather than bullseye shooting. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for real-world defensive situations, prioritizing reality, consistency, and efficiency.

Students review fundamental pistol skills, including grip, stance, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger control, breath control, and follow-through. Advanced techniques such as search and assess, workspace management, admin reloads, tactical reloads, press checks, and in-battery checks are practiced to ensure readiness and situational awareness.

To enroll in Defensive Pistol 4, participants must meet the following prerequisites:● Valid Pistol License: All students must present a valid pistol license during check-in. This ensures compliance with legal requirements and confirms eligibility to participate in live-fire exercises.● Prior Firearms Training: This course is designed for individuals who have completed foundational pistol training and are proficient in basic handgun safety, handling, and marksmanship. Students should be comfortable with grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through.● Familiarity with Range Safety Protocols: Participants must understand and adhere to strict range safety procedures, including commands, firearm handling, and emergency protocols.● Physical and Mental Readiness: The curriculum includes dynamic drills, movement, and scenario-based exercises. Students should be physically able to participate in activities such as kneeling, prone shooting, and moving between barricades.● Personal Protective Equipment: Eye and ear protection are mandatory for all live-fire portions of the course. Note: This is an advanced defensive pistol course. It is not suitable for beginners or those unfamiliar with safe firearm handling and basic shooting fundamentals.

The curriculum features a variety of live-fire exercises: ● Fundamentals & Warm-Up: Shooting for accuracy and groupings at 7 yards, with immediate feedback and coaching.● Cold Defensive Drill (The Dillan Drill): Engage a target at 25 yards, aiming for 10 shots in 10 seconds with no misses.● DOT Torture: Precision and speed challenge at 3 yards, progressing in difficulty as skills improve.● Barricade, Movement, and Team Drills: Includes 9-hole barricade, MGM attack target, lateral movement, “No Surrender,” “Get Behind Me,” and team/buddy bounding movement drills, all designed to simulate defensive scenarios and reinforce communication, movement, and tactical decision-making.● Specialty Drills: Pop-up targets, prone shooting (“I’ve fallen & I can’t get up!”), double taps, hostage scenarios, and the Texas Star for skill refinement and fun.

This course is ideal for shooters who have mastered basic pistol skills and seek advanced defensive training in a controlled, safety-focused environment.