Foundational Pistol Course
The Foundational Pistol Course is a two-day, 16-hour firearms training program designed for shooters who have completed a reputable basic pistol course and possess foundational handgun experience. This course reinforces safe firearm handling and core marksmanship principles while progressing students into more advanced pistol application in dynamic shooting environments.
Training emphasizes efficient pistol deployment, accountability, movement, and problem-solving under stress. Students will develop practical shooting skills through structured drills and scenario-based range exercises designed to improve consistency, decision-making, and firearm proficiency. The course is structured to challenge shooters across a broad range of experience levels while reinforcing safe and effective handgun performance.
Duration
This is a 2-day course. Each day starts at 9:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM
Location
Joint Powers Authority Small Arms Range:
5436 Patrol Rd, McClellan, CA 95652
Audience
Civillian Shooters, Law Enforcement & Military
Cost
$595.00
Course Topics
- Firearm safety and range procedures
- Review of pistol marksmanship fundamentals
- Drawing from the holster and efficient pistol deployment
- Single-hand and support-hand shooting
- Reloads and malfunction clearance
- Use of cover, concealment, and barricades
- Shooting from non-traditional positions
- Movement and positional shooting
- Target discrimination and target engagement
- Team-based problem-solving course of fire under time constraints
- Basic trauma care and emergency lifesaving treatment
Equipment
- Cleaned & oiled pistol at least 9mm in caliber*
- Two (2) magazines – Ideally, three (3) magazines is preferred to limit your downtime loading your magazine
- Duty belt or study nylon or leather belt
- Holster (preferably polymer or kydex)
- Magazine pouch (optional but strongly recommended)
- Ear and eye protection
- 600 rounds of factory ammunition
*Rental firearms are available for the course. Please indicate during enrollment if you need to rent a pistol*
PLEASE NOTE: The range facility does not allow the use of the Sig Sauer P320 handgun or any of its variants. If your only handgun is a P320, we will provide a 9mm Glock 17 to use for the course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to attend the course?
The minimum age to attend the Foundational Pistol Course is 21 years old.
What types of handguns and calibers are recommended?
Single-action, double-action, and striker fired pistols are best suited for our course of fire. Ideally your handgun is chambered in either 9mm, .40S&W, or .45ACP. Any handgun chambered in .22 is not suited for this course.
Do you sell ammunition?
We do not sell or provide ammunition to students for the MLP Course. All ammunition must be brought by the student and is required to be factory ammunition.
Do I need to sign the class waiver?
Yes, all students who attend training conducted by the International School of Tactical Medicine are required to read and sign a liability waiver. New students to our firearms programs also need to complete the student application with can found here: Student Application