Defensive Handgun Skills (8 Hours)

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Overview

Experience Requirements

Course Outline

Equipment List

Ammo

Notes

Overview

Unlock the knowledge and skills needed to navigate life-threatening situations in our "Defensive Handgun" course. This course is designed to introduce students to the essentials of self-defense by blending classroom discussions, practical applications, and critical decision-making scenarios. Join us for this introductory course that goes beyond just wielding a pistol - it's your first step into understanding the psychology, tactics, and skills needed for self-defense. Elevate your confidence and knowledge in a welcoming environment.

As of December 1, 2025, this course fulfills the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' training requirements for obtaining a Concealed Weapon or Firearm License, as outlined in Florida Statute § 790.06. Eligibility applies only when this course is conducted within the state of Florida.

Experience Requirements

This is an intermediate level class. The student needs to be able to demonstrate safe gun handling, weapon system familiarity, foundational marksmanship skills, and working from a holster. Successful completion of Handgun 104 or an equivalent course prior to registering for this course. 

 

Competitive Shooting Classifications as a Prerequisite

Certain competitive shooting classifications reflect a level of skill and experience that meets or exceeds our course progression standards. Students holding qualifying classifications may bypass specific prerequisites based on the discipline and division in which they are classified.

Pistol Classes

To bypass Handgun 101, 102, or 103: You must be classified as B, A, M, or GM in USPSA or Steel Challenge, or Sharpshooter, Expert, Master, or Distinguished Master in IDPA.

Only the following divisions count:

• USPSA: Open, Limited, Limited 10, Production, Single Stack, Carry Optics, Limited Optics
• Steel Challenge: Production, Limited, Open, Carry Optics, Single Stack, Limited Optics
• IDPA: CDP, ESP, SSP, CCP, CO

To take any of our civilian pistol classes: You must be Master or Grand Master in USPSA or Steel Challenge, or Master or Distinguished Master in IDPA. Same divisions apply as above.

Classification Verification for Prerequisite Bypass
Students who wish to bypass a course prerequisite based on competition classification must provide proof of current classification prior to registration.

To request a bypass, please email SSAinfo@sigsauer.com with one of the following accepted forms of verification:

• USPSA classification card or screenshot from uspsa.org/mobile app
• IDPA classification card or screenshot from idpa.com
• Steel Challenge classification screenshot from scsa.org/mobile app

A member of our team will contact you to confirm that the prerequisite requirement has been removed, allowing you to proceed with enrollment in your desired course(s).

Course Outline

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Develop confidence in searching, scanning, and effective communication in defensive situations.
• Understand the legal and practical aspects of Deadly Force.
• Increase proficiency in shooting multiple shots on multiple targets.
• Apply cover and concealment principles for a safe approach to defensive engagements.
• Understand the defensive decision-making process for effective responses in high-pressure situations.
• Apply target discrimination for informed and ethical use of force in defensive scenarios.

Disclaimer: Instructors have the discretion to add or remove topics of discussion based on the safety and capabilities of the students throughout the duration of the course. This is to ensure that every student is learning in a safe environment and receives applicable training based on students’ skill set at the time of the course.

Equipment List

• Quality functional semi-automatic pistol – no micro pistols or pocket pistols. Full size and compact pistols only (semi-auto center fire pistols only - revolvers or .22 caliber pistols are not allowed)
• Loading devices - Optional
• Dominant side, hip-mounted holster or dominant side, belt-mounted holster
  • Holster Requirements:
    • Must completely support the pistol.
    • Must not collapse once drawn.
    • Must fit properly to the belt. 
    • When holstered, the trigger guard must be completely covered. 
    • Must be oriented in a safe direction for drawing. 
    • “Trigger Finger” style retention devices are not permitted.
    • Must be able to draw and holster one-handed; Support hand cannot be utilized.
    • Holster compliance is at the discretion of the Instructor. If a holster is deemed to not comply with safety requirements, a loaner SIG SAUER pistol and/or appropriate holster will be provided. Exceptions can be made for Agency or Department issued equipment. Questions? Please call us at 603.610.3400. 
• Magazine/loading device pouch(es) & 3 Magazines-Minimum
• Appropriate belt suitable for supporting a holster at least 1.5” wide.
• Footwear suitable for rapid movement and turning.
• Notepad for notetaking
• Clothing suitable for training in any weather, pants must have belt loops.
• Wraparound eyewear, polycarbonate lenses or non-shattering prescription glasses

Tuition includes free loan of firearms, holsters, safety glasses and hearing protection at the Epping, NH and New Smyrna Beach, FL locations.

Ammo

• Estimated round count: 400 rounds pistol
• For Epping, NH courses, non-toxic, non-jacketed FRANGIBLE ammunition may be required - call for clarification
• Lead core ammunition to be used on steel only
• No green/brown tip, armor piercing, or surrogate rounds to be used on steel at any time
• Ammunition is available for purchase from the Epping and New Smyrna Beach facilities only

Notes

As of July 1, 2026, Introduction to Defensive Handgun Skills will be titled Defensive Handgun Skills.