Handgun 101

Firearms Instruction Research and Education

Tactical Handgun 101

August 30 thru September 1st, 2008
Saturday, Sunday and Monday
9:30am to 5:30pm

Location
Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen's Club
Click here for Directions

Instructor - Randy Cain

This is the most popular 3-day course offered by Mr. Cain at his school, Cumberland Tactics. The comprehensive curriculum encompasses all elements of the "Modern Technique of the Pistol", and introduces new concepts in tactical applications. The format provides a base in the fundamentals of marksmanship, tactical manipulation, the draw-stroke, malfunction clearance, weapon retention, shooting on the move, moving targets, alternate tactical body positions and mental conditioning. Other topics include basic one man tactics, working with a partner, and an introduction to team tactics. This course is appropriate for beginners and is also recommended as a refresher for those with experience.

Cumberland Tactics does not regard this course as merely a "basic class". They begin with the fundamentals, and the technical difficulty of each drill builds in a logical sequence over the duration of the course. Mr. Cain makes every effort to analyze, diagnose, and correct even the slightest quirk in each individual's shooting technique.

Traditionally, most training has involved shooting on flat paper targets under static range conditions. This course is designed to help the student apply the basics and become comfortable with dynamic movement by both the shooter and the target. A variety of three dimensional target systems are employed, which move in a more realistic manner. The 3-D aspect of the targets require surgical shooting on vital target areas as they move, change positions, or charge at the shooter. This is simultaneous with movement by the shooter as he/she changes the target angles, attempts to get away from the attacker, or moves to cover/concealment.

Cost: $450. Includes instruction, range fees, targets and range supplies. Students to provide their own ammunition, personal gear and meals (there is a snack bar at the range). There are no discounts applicable to this course.

Course Format: Lectures (approximately 2 hrs.), and live-fire exercises (approximately 21 hrs.). Each student will need 600 rounds of hand gun ammunition.

Instructor: Rangemaster will be Randy Cain. Mr. Cain is currently the Director of Cumberland Tactics, a professional shooting school located in Tennessee. He has provided professional firearms instruction for 12 years, having previously taught at the Yavapai Firearms Academy. Mr. Cain is a registered NRA Police Firearms Instructor, and has served both as a police officer and as a police SWAT team member and Training Officer. He is himself a graduate of numerous training schools, including the American Pistol Institute (Gunsite), Yavapai Firearms Academy, Thunder Ranch, and the FBI Advanced SWAT School.

Philosophy of Training: "We believe that fundamentals are the cornerstone of survival. The advanced techniques may only exist when built on a foundation of good, rock-solid basics. The 'Combat Triad' consisting of Marksmanship, Gunhandling, and Mindset must be automatic in order to remain mentally engaged with a changing environment. When facing a violent attacker, it's safe to assume that the brain will have more than enough to keep it occupied. The 'reflex response' must be programmed through repetition of the basics. Ironically, it is usually only the truly 'advanced' student who fully appreciates the importance of continuous refocus on the basics." -- Randy Cain.'

Class size: Enrollment will be limited to TWELVE students. Last day to enroll is 30 days prior to the course date.

Prerequisites: None. It is, however, expected students will have a basic familiarity with firearms.

Equipment Requirements:

There is certain equipment which is REQUIRED in every course. One may not proceed in the course without the following:

Ear protection and Eye protection.
Cap or hat with baseball-style bill. This is to prevent ejected brass from another shooter's pistol from falling between your eyewear and your eye, burning you. It is important gear.
Firearm, clean and zeroed.
At least three magazines or speed loaders. We prefer you have three, in case one malfunctions during the course.
Magazine holster or pouch which is worn on your belt, on your support ("weak hand") side. BDU pockets do not work well.
600 Rounds of "Ball" Ammunition. We recommend students use one brand of ammunition throughout the course. Different brands and loads of ammunition can significantly affect the "zero" of your firearm. We also suggest students avoid the very cheapest ammunition and reloads. While "match grade" ammunition would be a waste of money, your investment in this course does justify the use of reasonably consistent ammunition. No incendiary, tracer, armor piercing, or other exotic ammunition is permitted.
A good quality holster. No shoulder holsters allowed.

There is other equipment that is not required, but which we know from experience will enhance your experience of the course. We therefore recommend you bring the following:

Soft drinks or water to drink while down on the range. There is no water on the range itself, and the Club house is too far to run back and forth. No alcohol of any kind is to be consumed within eight hours of the start of any course session or at any time during the course.
A bag lunch. There are no food vendors on the club grounds.
Back-up handgun. A second handgun is also a good idea, if you own or can borrow one. Firearms do break, and we cannot stop the course to make repairs. Even if we had time, parts may not be available, and many repairs cannot be accomplished in the field.

Gloves (either shooting gloves or light work gloves).

Wear substantial shoes and "work clothes" or fatigues. You will be on the ground and get dusty or muddy.

For Details, Information and Directions:

Join our E-mail list for future announcements

"Having a gun and thinking you are armed is like having a piano and thinking you are a musician"
------ Col. Jeff Cooper (U.S.M.C. Ret.)

This course is sponsored by the Firearms Instruction Research & Education (FIRE) Institute,
a Penna. nonprofit corporation.
Training is provided as a public service.
All students must be 18 years or older. Proof of no criminal history is required.