West Texas Handgun Training

If you carry or plan to carry a concealed handgun, the Texas License to Carry class only provides minimal information relevant to what the defensive carry of a pistol is all about. First and foremost, it ignores the issue of carrying in a holster, and the idea of presenting a handgun from a holster when it is needed.  

For those who want to build a strong foundation for safe and effective defensive carry, we recommend Defensive Pistol 1. This course follows The Holster Course and will teach you the essential skills needed to efficiently draw from a holster, accurately deliver multiple shots on target, clear malfunctions, incorporate movement, and reloads under stress. These are the core skills of carrying a handgun for self-defense. Training will be conducted with appropriate targets as opposed to the mandated target in the LTC Course. You will shoot nationally recognized courses of fire to track your skill progression against accepted standards. 

A Texas LTC or equivalent from another state is required for this class.Prior to taking this class you should have had some training in basic gun safety, shooting fundamentals, and how to safely draw from a holster. Because of the equipment requirements and the cost of equipment, The Holster Course is strongly recommended first. If you have not, please consider Handgun Primer and The Holster Course.

Among the course material:

• Realistic information about violent criminal actors and realistic defensive encounters;
• Quick presentation from concealed carry;
• Effective gun handling techniques, under stress;
• Fundamental reloading techniques;
• High speed accuracy at close ranges;
• Precision shooting at mid-ranges;
• The defensive mindset, fundamental personal tactics.

Course Duration: 6 hours, includes classroom and range time.

Cost: $180, a separate range fee of $20 is payable to the range, in CASH, on the day of training.

Required Equipment:

• Quality handgun
• Quality belt mounted holster made to fit your handgun
• Outside the waistband (OWB), inside the waistband (IWB) or appendix inside the waistband (AIWB) are acceptable. Cross draw, small of the back, ankle, fanny pack, purse, chest, hanging and shoulder holsters are not permitted. 
• The holster mouth must be rigid and not collapse on removal of the handgun
• The holster MUST cover completely the trigger and trigger guard of the pistol
• About 300 rounds of quality ammunition
• Range or practice ammunition is fine, there is no need to use expensive defensive ammunition
• At least one additional magazine or speedloader for your pistol (more is better)
• A belt mounted (support side) magazine or speedloader pouch is strongly recommended. Loaners may be available on advance notice for a surcharge.
• A sturdy belt that supports the weight of your equipment
• Eye and ear protection. Muff style, electronic hearing protection is recommended
• A baseball style cap is required for range work
• Appropriate clothing for weather (we train in the rain), sunscreen, water, snacks and folding chair are suggested.
• Appropriate concealment garment for your pistol and holster, the handgun must not be readily discernible under the concealment garment.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY. Cancellation for refund, less 3% (cc fee) or for application to a later class is accepted up to 72 hours prior to the start of class. Refunds can take time to process through the credit card vendor and are not immediate. Cancellation within 72 hours is for credit for a future class ONLY.

NO SHOWS=NO REFUND. NO EXCEPTIONS

Until further notice, the Sig Sauer P320 and it's variations are not permitted in WTHT classes.

Appropriate holsters for class purposes are made of either leather or kydex. Kydex® is a proprietary name and is not the same as plastic. The holster is a critical piece of equipment for the armed citizen and the reason an entire course is devoted to the subject. Holsters to avoid are generally “one size fits all” varieties, holsters with a collapsible mouth and holsters with different security gimmicks. The Blackhawk Serpa holster is expressly prohibited in WTHT classes. Given the large variety of options and suitability for various body types, students are encouraged to attend the class and use loaner equipment to make better choices and avoid expensive mistakes. If you wish to purchase a holster specifically made for your pistol you may want to review options from the following manufacturers:

• https://www.jmcustomkydex.com/
   
• https://www.comp-tac.com/holsters/concealed-carry-holsters
   
• https://blade-tech.com/collections/holsters
   
• https://rcsgear.com/product-category/holsters/

 Belts

A belt is required for this course. For our purposes, the thicker, wider and sturdier the belt the better. Thin, lightweight or flimsy belts will not provide an optimal learning experience. Pants with belt loops are required. Loop openings of at least 1.25 inches are strongly recommended. Students may benefit from reviewing the information and options available here:

• https://www.thewilderness.com/belts/
   
• https://www.thebeltman.net/

RANGE ETIQUETTE

If you are new to formal firearms training the experience of being on a firing line with others beside you will be a safe experience, even if it is a novel one. There are several things that will improve your range experience.

• Eye and ear protection are required if you are on or near the firing line.
• Do not handle your gun unless instructed to do so. There will be an opportunity to address any concerns or the status of your gun prior to the drills starting.
• A baseball cap is required to prevent expended brass from the shooters around you from landing in your hair or on/inside the lens of your shooting glasses.
• Come to the range with your magazines loaded. Keep 20-30 extra rounds in your pocket so that you can reload a magazine without leaving the firing line.
• Do not talk during active instruction, ranges are loud, and the instructor needs to be able to communicate over normal range noise.
• Do not leave the range area without letting the instructor know.
• If you have an issue with your gun, do NOT turn around on the firing line. Raise your hand while facing and keeping the gun pointed downrange and the instructor will assist you.
• During the course of instruction, you will drop magazines, and perhaps other items on the ground. Do not bend down and pick them up until the instructor says to do so.
• An environment that is safe and conducive to learning for all students, the rules will be strictly enforced up to and including removal of problem students from the firing line or the facility itself.