NRA Defensive Pistol
This course teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitude to carry and use a concealed pistol ethically, responsibly and with confidence.
Full Description: The NRA Defensive Pistol course will focus on the techniques needed to develop a defensive mindset. The goal of the course will be to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to carry and use a concealed pistol ethically, responsibly and with confidence. As a result of participating in this course, the student will be able to explain and demonstrate the following: how to apply the NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling when carrying a concealed firearm; basic principles of concealment; the difference between cover and concealment; drawing from the holster; levels of mental awareness; developing the proper mindset when using a pistol for personal protection; clearing common stoppages; use of pocket pistols; and more. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics Of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure and the NRA Defensive Pistol certificate. This course is only conducted by NRA certified Advanced Pistol Instructors. Skills Taught:
- drawing from the holster
- one handed shooting
- speed/tactical reloads
- shooting from the hip
- malfunctions
- kneeling
- shooting behind cover
- decision making
- shooting while going forward and going backwards
NOTE: The student will have to shoot a course of fire which is a pass/fail. The goal of each shooting exercise is to have all hits in the center of mass of the FBI Q or NRA D-1 Bianchi Target. The student will not earn a course completion certificate until they are able to keep all shots within the center of mass on the target. NRA Defensive Pistol Course of Fire
Personal Protection Outside The Home

Pocket Pistol Comparison Chart

NRA Defensive Pistol Completion Certificate

Register for this Class
Upcoming classes:
Day | Start Date | Time | Spaces |
---|---|---|---|
Sat | July 30, 2022 | 8:00 AM-4:00 PM | 0 |
Sat | October 29, 2022 | 8:00 AM-4:00 PM | 10 |
Accreditation: Red Dot Arms provides comprehensive training classes with Certified NRA Instructors. This class is NRA Certified and meets all NRA firearms safety guidelines.
Cost: $125
There is a $50 deposit that is non-refundable, but transferable.
Length: 8 Hours
This class is 8 hours, 2 hours of classroom instruction and 6 hour of range time.
Prerequisites: Yes
Illinois Concealed Carry Part 1 and Part 2 or have a concealed carry license from state of residence.

This course teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitude to carry and use a concealed pistol ethically, responsibly and with confidence.

Any age may attend, but those under 18 must be accompanied by participating parent or guardian. Prospective students under 21 years of age please contact us at training@rdarms.com.
Prerequisites for this class: Illinois Concealed Carry Part 1 and Part 2 or actual Concealed Carry License. Mouseover the box for more info!
Basic Pistol / CCL Part 1
$125
Things that you should bring to the class!

For the purpose of your safety and accommodating special needs participants, please contact us at training@rdarms.com if any of the following conditions apply to you:
- Pregnancy, mental handicap, physical handicap, disabled, visually impaired, under the influence of prescription drugs, under the influence of illegal drugs and/or under the influence of alcohol
Can I bring my own firearm to this class?
Yes, we encourage you to bring your own firearm to this class.
Can I take this class if I do not own a firearm?
Yes, you may be able to rent firearms for this class.
Where does the shooting take place for this class?
The shooting portion takes place OUTSIDE about 15 mins from RDA.
Do I need a holster for this class?
Yes. You will need a OWB holster. There is holster work in this class.
Why do I need a OWB holster?
We require an outside the waist band holster for safety reason. We will be drawing and re-holstering many times. IWB (Inside the waist holster) tend to collapse on them self and usually harder to re-holster.
Is this a defensive pistol shooting class?
Yes, this is a defensive shooting class.
Is this class taught only on weekends?
This class mostly takes place on the weekends.
FOID Statement: Illinois residents that will be TRANSPORTING their own firearm to and from the class/range must be in possession of a valid FOID/CCL card, and be of legal age, 21 for handguns, and 18 for long guns. A FOID card is not required to participate in the class. Out of state residents need to follow the age requirements and have a valid ID.
We reserve the right to dismiss any student for unsafe behavior and/or failure to follow instructions. No refund will be offered.