Pistol Essentials — Core Handgun Proficiency

A structured approach to safe, confident handgun skills

No prior formal training required. Ideal for new shooters or those looking to build stronger fundamentals.

By the end of this class, you will be able to:

✅ Safely load, unload, and handle your handgun

✅ Build a consistent grip to better manage recoil

✅ Aim with purpose using irons or a red dot

✅ Clear common malfunctions with confidence

✅ Understand a safe, structured draw process

✅ Leave with dry-fire drills to continue improving at home

📌 Course Overview

Pistol Essentials is a structured handgun course designed for shooters with little to no formal training, as well as those new to shooting who want to build safe, confident, and repeatable skills from the ground up.

This class focuses on how and why a pistol works the way it does in your hands — not rigid techniques, gimmicks, or shortcuts. You’ll learn core handgun principles that apply across different pistols, environments, and shooting styles, giving you a foundation you can continue to build on with confidence.

Pistol Essentials stands on its own as a complete fundamentals course. It also pairs naturally with Pistol 101 for students who want additional safety-focused instruction or a slower-paced introduction before or after this class.

If you want to feel more confident handling your firearm, loading and unloading safely, managing recoil, aiming with purpose, clearing common malfunctions, and learning a structured draw process, this class is designed to meet you where you are and help you progress at a safe, manageable pace.

This class is appropriate for both brand-new shooters and those who have been self-taught but want structured instruction.

🔍 Who This Class Is For

🔹 Graduates of Pistol 101 or beginning shooters

🔹 New handgun owners wanting more confidence

🔹 Shooters looking to clean up fundamentals

🔹someone who wants to build their skills so they can carry concealed

🔹 Anyone ready to move beyond basic safety into proficiency

🧠 What You’ll Learn

✅ Safe Bench Shooting practice & Gun Handling

✅ Safe loading, unloading, and slide-lock procedures

✅ Consistent grip fundamentals for recoil managment

✅ How leverage and friction affect muzzle rise

✅ Sight alignment vs. sight picture (irons & red dot)

✅ When to visually focus on sights vs. target

✅ Clearing common handgun malfunctions

✅ A structured, step-by-step draw process

✅ Dry-fire drills to reinforce skill at home

✅ Live-fire reps to build confidence and consistency

🧰 What to Bring

✔- Handgun (modern reliable, serviceable)

✔ - 250 rounds of factory ammunition

✔ - 2–3 magazines (min)

✔ - Strong-side holster (if drawing)

✔ - Eye & ear protection

✔ - Closed-toe shoes

✔ - baseball hat

✔ - Note-taking materials (recommended)

About Make Ready Training Company

Make Ready Training Company specializes in building confidence through comprehensive firearms education built on proven industry leading standards. Our certified instructors prioritize safety while creating a supportive learning environment for students of all backgrounds and experience levels.

Training is led by Chris Schaefer, a retired law-enforcement officer and certified firearms instructor with extensive experience teaching new shooters. Chris holds certifications from the NRA, USCCA, Tactical Hyve, and has completed advanced programs with Tactical Performance Center (TPC).

His teaching style is calm, supportive, and easy to follow — perfect for anyone nervous, unsure, or brand new to firearms. Every Make Ready class keeps safety first while building real confidence step by step.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need any prior experience? None at all. This class is specifically designed for people who have never handled a firearm. We do however encourage people to take Pistol 101 first as it will help you retain more information from this class.

Will there be live fire? Yes. There will also be dry-fire and lecture, all outside.

What if I'm nervous about guns? That's exactly who this class is for. Chris's teaching style is calm, patient, and judgment-free.

What type of gun can I bring. Any modern day firearm.

What's the next step after this class? Next Level Pistol 400 Rounds, 8hr Training designed to see your potential.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Class size limited to 20 students.

No experience needed. Just show up ready to learn.

Questions before registering? Call/text Chris at 208-704-2355

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“This class helped me understand what I was doing and why. I left feeling confident and safe with my pistol.”
— Former Student

🔁 Cancellation & Refund Policy

Because class sizes are limited, the following cancellation policy applies:

- Full refunds are available for cancellations made more than 14 days prior to the class start date.
- Cancellations made between 14 days and 5 days prior to the class start date are eligible for a credit toward a future Make Ready course (no refunds).
- No refunds or credits are issued for cancellations made within 5 days of the class start date or for no-shows.

If you’re unsure whether this class is right for you, please reach out before registering, and we’ll be happy to help you decide.

If you experience an emergency or unforeseen circumstance, please contact us as soon as possible and we will do our best to assist.

📞 Questions? Call or text (208) 704-2355

🎯 Pistol Essentials