Beginner Handgun | October 1 & 2, 2025 | Saratoga Springs Utah

Topics Covered:

• Fundamentals of safe gun handling
• Properly loading ammo into the magazine
• Correctly and safely loading and unloading the gun
• Knowing how and when to rack the slide and lock back the slide
• Gripping the gun for firm control
• Using a solid, balanced stance
• Quickly and correctly changing the magazine to reload
• Verifying whether the gun is unloaded
• Using the sights on your gun to take accurate aim
• Finessing the trigger to pull smoothly and straight back
• Keeping your hand steady while shooting
• Understand targeting (where to aim defensively)
• Shooting at different distances
• Avoiding and correcting common errors
• Get tips from instructors to improve your technique and accuracy
• Fundamental principles of when it is legal to use a firearm to defend yourself
• Learn drills you can use to practice on your own

Two days, 3 hours each — Designed to give beginners the fundamental techniques and knowledge they need to be safe and effective shooters, and establish correct habits that will set them up for success.

Our Beginner Handgun course was created to help you get familiar with your own firearm and feel comfortable using it, understanding the mechanics of the gun, being familiar with the way it feels in your hands and how it reacts when you fire it. This course is designed to ensure you have an adequate foundation and understanding of safe gun handling, along with a new level of confidence in your ability handle and shoot your gun.

WHAT THIS CLASS COVERS

This class will be a safe, low stress introduction to using a handgun. We start in the classroom where we will spend time getting to know your gun, understanding why it does what it does, and practice operating it while its unloaded so you can get comfortable with it before we put any live ammo into it. We’ll practice the rules of safe gun handling and give you a brief overview of the laws regarding when you are justified using your firearm.

We’ll show you how to correctly grip, aim and hold the gun steady while you pull the trigger during live fire practice. These skills are the essential building blocks of marksmanship for getting your shots on target. You’ll get in lots of reps to build your familiarity and confidence with your handgun, and receive feedback from instructors to help you dial in your accuracy.

We love to see students transform from feeling uncertain or nervous into feeling excited, empowered, and proud of themselves for successfully learning to use their firearm!

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING

• Handgun with at least two magazines, enough to hold 20+ rounds of ammo
• Minimum of 150 rounds of practice ammo for that handgun (may purchase at the range)
• Eye and ear protection
• Wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and shirts with a high, flat neckline.

Note: Pistols and eye and ear protection are available for rent or purchase at most of our training ranges. Rental handguns all take 9mm practice ammo. Please call the range ahead of time to verify availability if you want to rent a handgun.

After completing this course, you will be eligible to take the next class: Handgun Proficiency.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

If I do not own a firearm, what does it cost to rent?
– Firearm Rental $15-20
– Eye and Ear Protection Rental $4
If you rent our firearms, you must buy the ranges ammunition.   Prices will vary.