MeadHall Range

DFW Defensive Monthly Combatives Group
2025-01-18 10:00 - 14:00 (America/Chicago) | MeadHall Range, 2181 S Blackberry Dr, Mcloud, OK, 74851, United States
The Focus for each month:
August: Pre-Assault Indicators along with defensive and offensive techniques.
September: Body Locks and Stand up clinch work
October: Infight Tools Access
November: Blunt Trauma Tools (go to https://sapsandblackjacks.com/legality-of-saps-and-blackjacks/ before class to research current law in your area)
December: Point Based Tools access and use
January: Capstone
Class Duration 10am-2pm (ish on end time)
Class Cost: $100 due in cash at beginning of class
If you have your own training “tools” that you want to bring you are welcome to do so but they must be inspected to insure everyones safety. If you do not, those portions using “tools” there will be loaners available.
Overall Description for this cycle of DFW Monthly Combatives Group
This coursework on “Dominating the Entangled Fight” is designed to address the challenges of surviving and overcoming an entangled fight against opponents who may be younger, bigger, faster, stronger, or armed with a concealed weapon. Here’s an overview of the topics and key concepts covered:
Course Overview
Objective:

Equip participants with the tactics and skills necessary to survive an entangled fight.
Teach methods to regain the initiative to either break contact or dominate the fight.
Focus on gaining positional dominance or accessing a weapon if needed.

Key Features:

Extreme Close Quarters: Techniques and strategies for encounters within 0-5 feet.
Empty Hand Defense: Defense techniques without weapons.
Small Impact Weapons/Knives & Pistols: Handling scenarios involving small weapons.
Infight Weapons Access (IFWA): Strategies for accessing weapons during a fight.

Course Nature:

Low impact
Emphasis on controlled contact and moderate cardio output
Drills can be performed at individual pace

Topics Covered

The Fence:

Establishing a non-aggressive but ready stance to manage distance and reaction time.

Surviving Sucker Punch/Default Cover-Drive:

Techniques to protect oneself from unexpected attacks.
Cover-drive strategies to transition from defense to offense.

Stand-Up Clinch/Grappling:

Techniques for close-quarters grappling.
Methods to control or neutralize an opponent’s movements.

Gaining Positional Dominance:

Strategies to achieve and maintain a superior position in a fight.
Techniques to control the opponent and reduce their ability to attack.

Infight Weapons Access (IFWA):

Methods to safely access and deploy weapons during an ongoing fight.
Considerations for maintaining control while accessing a weapon.

Weapons and Gear Consideration for IFWA:

Discussion on appropriate gear and weapon choices.
Practical tips for carrying and deploying weapons effectively.

By the end of this coursework, participants will have a thorough understanding of how to manage and survive close-quarters encounters, handle weapons during a fight, and make strategic decisions to either disengage or dominate the opponent.

Symtac Consulting - Rob and Matt Haught - Shotgun Skills
2025-03-08 08:30 - 2025-03-09 17:00
This course primarily focuses on the Push/Pull method of recoil control. Using Rob’s unique method of recoil management, the student will be able to reduce felt recoil by nearly 50% and be able to fire follow-up shots with a 12 gauge shotgun as fast as most shooters can fire their pistols. The student will also be introduced to the shotgun CQB technique, which effectively shortens the weapon by 33%, making it effective even in extremely tight quarters. Other topics include: marksmanship fundamentals, patterning zones, ammunition selection, tactical manipulation, equipment selection, low light considerations, malfunction clearances, pistol transitions, pivots/turns, and shooting on the move.
Instructors: Rob & Matt Haught
Dates: Sat/Sun, Mar 8-9 2025
8:30am-5:00pm
Location: Mead Hall Range
2181 S. Blackberry Dr
McLoud, OK 74851
Tuition: $500
Range Fee: $30/day, payable on site
Equipment requirements:
• Reliable duty-type shotgun (pump or semi-auto)
• Ability to carry at least 25 rounds to the line (Dump pouch, belt carriers, chest rig, etc.)
• Eye and ear protection
• Shooting gloves
• Clothing suitable for range work
• Snacks and water
• Weapons lubricant and cleaning supplies
• 400 rds. birdshot (lead only, no steel shot)
• 35 rds. buckshot
• 15 rds. slug
We also highly recommend having an individual trauma first aid kit and the training to use it!

Sentinel Concepts - Steve Fisher - Practical Urban Carbine
2025-03-22 09:00 - 2025-03-23 17:00
The premise of this class is based on the US Census Bureau report that 80% of the American Population lives in Urban areas. An urban area’s location is characterized by high human population density and defined within an area approximately of 200-300 yards and surrounding. Using these metrics this mid-level course reintroduces students to their rifles, working in varied terrain, and over distances between 0 and 300 yards. This is not a DMR type class, any carbine and optic configuration may be used.
THE CLASS WILL THOROUGHLY COVER
Safety brief & Medical plan
Use of barricades
Different optics and accessories
Effective shooting stance
Recoil control
Sight picture using magnified and or electronic optics
Proper zero and confirmation of them. (Range dependent on distance)
Use of the sling for supported shooting
Use of body supported shooting positions
Trigger control
Different shooting positions
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
A functional and practical carbine or battle rifle chambered in 5.56×45, 5.45×39, 300 Blackout, 7.62×39, 7.62×51
If available, spare weapons systems are also an excellent idea
A minimum of 200 rounds of match or duty quality ammo if possible! 200 minimum rounds of ball rifle ammunition minimum. No green tip to be used on steel targets
A sling for the rifle. A bipod for the rifle is helpful
Rifle stock rear support bag
Electronic hearing protection is preferred
Wrap around style ear protection
IFAK and/or tourniquet is REQUIRED
Knee pads
Some courses with range permission will have a low light teaching block on night 1
A weapon mounted light is highly recommended
A cleaning kit and tools that are compatible with the system(s)
Each student should have a minimum of 5 working magazines for the rifle
REGISTRATION POLICIES & TERMS
STRICT NO VIDEO POLICY! YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE COURSE!
Refunds will be issued if Sentinel Concepts cancels the course – No Exceptions.
If you can not attend the class you registered for due to work, family, or medical reasons we will make all attempts to get you into a class within one calendar year of the original class date.
Range fees due at time of class, range costs are $30 per day. Please be prepared to pay these fees during sign in on day one.

RangeMaster - Tom Givens - Instructor Development Course
2025-04-04 08:00 - 2025-04-06 17:00
Rangemaster Three-Day Firearms Instructor
Development & Certification Course
This is an intensive full three-day (24 hours total) course that teaches candidates:
modern adult learning theory;
preparation, delivery, and documentation of training;
development of training aids, including power points and others;
coaching methodologies, diagnosing and correcting shooters’
errors;
modern, effective gunhandling techniques, designed to work
under stress;
proper handling/operation of a variety of handgun types; and
effective, efficient combat marksmanship techniques.
The course time is divided about equally between classroom sessions and range firing, and each student will fire approximately 850 rounds of ammunition. Students will act as coaches for other students, and each will be coached extensively in turn. Students also receive a 250 page training manual, which is a valuable information and reference resource. To graduate from this course, students must pass a shooting qualification and pass a written examination.
This course satisfies the training requirements for the Oklahoma CLEET regulations to become an OK SDA Instructor; for a state firearms instructor license in South Carolina by SLED; for 24 hours of continuing education credit in South Carolina by SCCJA; for 24 hours training credit by Georgia POST ; for handgun instructor license from Tennessee Dept of Safety; is accepted by the Arkansas State Police for licensing as a state instructor; and it is accepted for 24 hours of in-service LE training in Florida and for signing off on Florida CWL applicants.
For this course, students will need:
A serviceable sidearm, revolver or semiauto, of at least .38 Special or 9X19mm caliber (.38 Special, 9mm, .357 SIG, .40 S&W, .45 Auto);
A serviceable uniform duty or concealed carry holster, worn on the belt, of leather or kydex construction, with a covered trigger guard;
At least three magazines or speedloaders (more is better);
850 rounds of ammunition for the sidearm
For further information or answers to questions, please contact
Tom Givens, rangemaster.tom@gmail.com
Refunds are available until 30 days prior to class date. NO refunds less than 30 days before class.

Presscheck Consulting - Chuck Pressburg - No Fail Pistol
2025-04-10 08:00 - 2025-04-11 17:00
The Presscheck No-Fail Pistol Course (2 Days) is designed to equip patrol and tactical officers with the skills to make high risk / high reward pistol shots in critical situations.

This 20-hour course stresses the importance of being able to place accurate hits on small, moving, and limited exposure critical areas of the human body to instantly cease all motor function or cause rapid unconsciousness, usually resulting in death.

Range Fee – Bring cash

There is a $30/student/day range fee ($60 total for this course)

Packing list can be downloaded from Presscheck event page.

Presscheck Consulting - Chuck Pressburg - No Fail Rifle
2025-04-12 08:00 - 2025-04-13 17:00
The Presscheck Intermediate Assault Rifle Course (2 Days) is designed to equip patrol and tactical officers with the skills to apply accurate rifle fire in critical situations at varying distances and from various positions.

This 20-hour course stresses the importance of applying offset and holds at various distances and angles to ensure proper point of impact. Varying techniques of supporting the rifle to mitigate recoil and stabilize the reticle for proper shot placement will be used.

Range Fee – Bring cash

There is a $30/student/day range fee ($60 total for this course)

Packing/Equipment list can be downloaded on the Presscheck event page

Tactical Anatomy Systems LLC - Dr. James Williams - Shooting with XRay Vision Instructor
2025-05-17 08:00 - 2025-05-18 17:00
This 2-day class is an intensive course in the study of the terminal effects of gunshot wounds, designed for the law enforcement and civilian firearms instructor. Participants who successfully complete the course will be authorized to teach the Tactical Anatomy Systems course Shooting With Xray Vision and use the Tactical Anatomy trademark in their courses.
Many so-called “instructor course” offerings actually do little more than run participants through the same material that they will be teaching to students, with no actual training in how to design a course of study or teach the material. This class is different in that participants will be given the course of study materials, but also the hows, whys, and wherefores that will enable you to teach this material effectively to your own students.
Blocks of instruction include (but are not limited to): historical realities of police shootings and police firearms training; realities of actual gunfights/OISs; terminal ballistics and effects; mechanisms of gunshot wounding and incapacitation; vital human anatomy and physiology as it applies to gunshot wounding; 3-dimensional visualization of human target anatomy; and how to teach these concepts to your students.
60% of this course takes place in the classroom, then practical exercises are used to “hard wire” the learning for each participant. We will do demonstrations of bullet performance in ballistic gelatin, and participants will engage in both live fire and computer simulation exercises that will not only give participants a better idea of how this all works, but will also provide them with materials they can use to teach their own students.
Class will be held at Mead Hall Range at McCloud, OK, on May 4-5, 2024. Registrants will receive email instructions on providing credentials for the class after full payment has been received, and upon confirmation a full course outline will be provided.
Co-instructors for this class are Chuck Haggard and David Maglio. Both of these gentlemen retired from active law enforcement roles recently, and both are very active in firearms instruction through their own training organizations.

Agile Training and Consulting - Chuck Haggard - Close Quarters Handgun
2025-05-24 08:00 - 17:30
This class covers material that I have taught over the past couple of decades to both police officers and concealed carry people and has been proven multiple times on the street in real world encounters.
Note; this is not a basic handgun class.
We will explore the following subjects;
The use of a concealed carry handgun or police service pistol in the MUC (managing unknown contacts) environment, the criminal assault paradigm, tactics, techniques, and issues with defensive use and deployment of handguns at contact/near contact and very close ranges
Considerations in drawing a handgun at contact and near contact ranges, entangled in-fight weapons access issues, and drawing/firing from non-standard positions
Efficient draw stroke. Close quarters shooting techniques. Grip, trigger control, recoil control, Weapon retention and disarming/deflection. Striking with pistols
Working around bystanders or family members in close quarters, and the “down-range” friendlies problem,
Handgun retention and disarming, when to draw your handgun and when to go hands on in a close quarters attack, effectively using the pistol as an impact weapon in extremis,
Wound ballistics, ammunition selection and “Tactical Anatomy”,
Reloads and malfunction clearances
Student requirements:
A reliable/serviceable handgun; service-sized pistols 9mm/.40S&W/.45ACP, etc. are preferred. However, smaller concealed carry or back-up pistols may be used as a primary, or brought to class as an extra pistol and their use discussed and worked on.
A quality strong side or appendix carry outside or inside the waistband holster from which the shooter can safely draw and re-holster with one hand. A police or security duty type belt rig would also be acceptable.
Soft clip-on or nylon type holsters, or holsters that collapse and disallow re-holstering with one hand, or shoulder holsters, are unsuitable and unsafe for this type of training.
Please do not bring a Serpa holster unless you are required by agency policy to carry one
350 rounds of ammunition is needed for this class (if you like to shoot, you might want to bring more, but 350 will get you by…)
I can provide dummy ammunition in 9mm, .40S&W and .45ACP for use in some of the drills we will be conducting. If you are carrying a caliber different than one of these please bring at least six dummy rounds in the correct caliber with you.
Eye and hearing protection; active type shooting muffs are highly suggested so that range commands can be clearly heard. Ball cap or other hat/cap with a bill.
I will be providing dummy handguns for some of the training in this class. I have several Glock 17/22 sized dummy guns and other types of handguns. However, if a student has a dummy gun of their own that they use for training then feel free to bring that to class.
Mead Hall has an excellent range and classroom facility, but is a ways out of town and there are no close places to eat. Please bring water and food/snacks for lunch.
Questions ref the class can be directed to chuck@agiletactical.com
I have covered the event fees in the tuition, however the host range has a $30 cash range fee due at the begining of class

Agile Training and Consulting- Chuck Haggard- OC Instructor
2025-05-25 08:00 - 18:00
This is an instructor level course primarily geared towards covering the subject of less than lethal options for everyday people, CCW carriers, or even on duty/off duty cops.
This course will cover the subject of less than deadly force defensive tools and tactics, and options, with an emphasis on OC spray as a defensive tool.
Also addressed are how to avoid becoming a crime victim, tactics of the street criminal, the MUC paradigm (Managing Unknown Contact) and where less than lethal weapons come into play to avoid becoming a victim of violent crime, de-escalation tactics, verbal agility, transitioning to deadly force (if appropriate), product selection, interactive student scenario drilling of skills.
This class is suitable for anyone wanting to take a deep dive into the subject of avoiding being the victim of a “street crime”, or folks who are CCW or firearms instructors and who want to expand their knowledge base beyond the gun.
This class will run approximately 9 hours, depending on student numbers, due to the extensive amount of drilling and material presented.
Students will need to bring a dummy pistol and holster (if they are a CCW carrier, instructor, etc.) in order to fully participate in all of the drills. Otherwise only note taking materials are required.
There is no use of live OC in this course, all drills will be completed with inert OC trainers.
Mead Hall has an excellent and comfortable classroom, however it is a ways from town or any place to eat. Please bring water and food/snacks with you for lunch.
I have covered the event fees in the tuition, however the host range has a $30 cash range fee due at the start of class.
Questions can be directed to chuck@agiletactical.com

Palisade Training Group - Retention Distance Defensive Pistol
2025-06-07 09:00 - 17:00
Retention-Distance Defensive Pistol Skills may come into play when a weaker person is physically attacked by a larger, stronger, or more physically skilled violent criminal attacker or an attacker armed with a knife or a blunt object like a claw hammer at distances in which there is a high probability that even if the defender is armed they may be injured or killed. Personal weapons such as hands, fists, and feet, knives or other cutting instruments, and blunt objects such as hammers are frequently the weapons of choice used against females at contact distances. Most armed defenders have never contemplated the need for retention shooting techniques and skills and are likely far more vulnerable to being injured or worse in a deadly force encounter than they may be aware of.
This seven-hour clinic was expressly designed for dealing with attacks in which the assailant did not use a firearm normally employed at typical stand-off distances, and focuses on methods of using a handgun at contact distances in order to increase the odds that they can force a break in contact between them and the attacker. Palisade Training Group lead instructor Steve Moses is a former deputy constable as well as a Texas-licensed Level 4 Personal Protection Officer with experience in executive and dignitary close-protection who has studied under Tom Givens, Craig Douglas, Cecil Burch, Tim Bulot, Jerry Wetzel, Paul Sharp, Chuck Haggard, and other nationally-known weapons and tactics instructors. Moses is also a Combatives University and Relson Gracie Jiu Jitsu brown belt and a Tae Kwon Do black belt.
​
Required Equipment

Concealed carry pistol, two magazines, and rigid concealment holster (no offset from body)
200 rounds of factory ammunition
Cover garment (highly recommended but not required)
Eye and ear protection
Lawn chair (recommended but not required)
Closed collar shirt and cap with brim

Class size is limited to 12 students.

John Holschen - Applied Defensive Handgun Skills
2025-06-14 08:00 - 2025-06-15 17:00
Marksmanship and gun-handing are important foundational skills for armed self-defense. It is however, a common opinion among people with multiple exposures to lethal encounters that these skills are not the most significant predictor of successful outcomes. This class will focus on the rest of the story. Specifically, we will work to increase your abilities and effectiveness in the critical areas of mental preparation, decision making, tactics and the appropriate application of deadly force.
The objective of this class is to develop fighting skills. The specific focus is the application of those skills when using a handgun in self-defense.
Skills trained include:
1) Visual perception, cognition, and decision-making, resulting in rapid application of the correct level of force.
2) Flash assessment of multiple-subjects and the environment, leading to informed movement to manage the background, foreground and multiple threats.
3) Optimized movement off the X while drawing and engaging.
4) Optimized movement to rapid assumption of cover/concealment while drawing and engaging.
5) All of the above executed under realistic time constraints. Typically, 3-5 seconds.
During the course you will perform over 90 individually instructor-observed and critiqued drills using the “Building Shooters NURO System” to train both the neural circuitry and the physical actions relevant to self-defense situations. This will allow you to repetitively exercise your visual system, tactically relevant information processing system and physical skills in order to ingrain optimized patterns of performance for use-of-force encounters.
This is not an entry level class. All students must be able to reflexively present their firearm at speed, from a holster, without flagging themselves and re-holster with the same constraint. We will not have time in class to conduct remediation in this area. Observed safety issues will result in the student being given the option to continue training with a “Blue Gun” in place of their firearm, or to withdraw from the class without a refund. If this causes you concern, please do not sign up for this class.

Equipment List:
Ammunition
Most drills do not have a specific number of rounds fired. Ammo usage will be dependent on the student’s speed of perception, reaction, and firing. 500 rounds will be sufficient for most shooters; but if you believe that you shoot (and think) significantly faster than the average shooter, feel free to bring more.

Firearm and Support Gear
This class is oriented to self-defense related skills. You should use your every-day-carry firearm and equipment including concealment garments (You must however work from a holster positioned at or near your belt line.)
Law enforcement and military students may choose either on-duty firearm/equipment or off-duty/concealment firearm and equipment.
“Serpa” type holsters or any holster that requires use of the trigger finger to release the firearm are not allowed.
Holsters that do not retain their shape when the gun is withdrawn are not allowed.
If you have any doubt about your equipment, please contact me in advance to discuss it. tbsh@westcoastarmorynorth.com

Additional Equipment
Clothing appropriate to the climate.
Hydration and snacks.
You may want to have a folding chair on the range.

Instructor – John Holschen
John has many years of service in the U.S. Special Operations community as an operator and a trainer. As a civilian trainer he has worked to convert his specialized skills in the areas of weapons and combative techniques into useful defensive curricula for private citizens. He is certified as a Firearms Instructor by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, the United States Department of State, and the National Rifle Association.
The American Tactical Shooters Association has recognized John as a “Master Instructor” and “Master Tactician”. He is a multi-time winner of the “National Tactical Invitational” and has placed in the top five finishers in that event each year that he has participated (9 times.)
Tuition $550, Range Fee $60 (Class is limited to 12 students.)

Lone Star Medics - Caleb Causey - Med Preparedness
2025-06-21 08:00 - 17:00
You are on your own… plan for it.
This one-day course provides students with the medical knowledge, skills, and resources to be better prepared for various unfortunate events in their community. Over the years it has become more and more apparent that even brief, let alone long-term breakdowns in government ran infrastructure/systems can leave communities and individual families to fend for themselves. Some of those affected systems may include EMS or entire hospitals in some regions. Which means basic medical care is the responsibility of each neighborhood or household. The “Med Prep” course prepares students for such scenarios.
Subjects covered
– Establishing immediate medical response teams
duties/responsibilities at individual, family, neighborhood level
– Developing a field aid station or field clinic (aka “first aid” station)
– Medical equipment selection, maintenance, and resupply
level I-IV med kits
trauma; tactical/field/clinical
diagnostic
monitoring
wound management
chronic treatment planning
– Cross-training and introduction to teaching methods
– Home pharmacy; building and maintaining your preparedness “medicine cabinet”
– Field hygiene and preventive medicine
– Non-emergency medical… emergencies
labor & delivery
mortuary affairs
dental
tummy aches
coughs & sniffles
sprains & strains
itchy rashes
– Building medical caches
– Adaptive transportation/EVAC planning
– Mental Health/Wellness
– Complementary and Alternative Medicine (because at this point, why not)

Pistol-Training.com - Simon Golob - On Demand Performance Pistol
2025-10-11 08:00 - 2025-10-12 17:00
Pistol-Training.com’s flagship course, On-Demand Performance (ODP) is a 2-day class that focuses equally on technical excellence and cold performance. Cold performance is performance without any kind of warmup and is the only kind of performance that matters for most law enforcement and civilians. ODP offers daily/weekly/monthly training practices to build your cold ability and allow you to perform as well as possible. Students are tested to determine their current ability, and training is tailored to individual needs. The prerequisites for the class include the ability to draw and re-holster safely and students must pass a pre-test of five shots on a 3×5 card at 5 yards, with no time limit. The course requires a minimum of 1000 rounds of quality training ammo for your pistol and 4 magazines. Red dots or irons are equally welcome. Holsters may be duty holsters, IWB or OWB, strong-side or appendix however, unconcealed gun/holster combos are highly discouraged. Students also have the opportunity to test for the FAST coin if they wish.
Requirements:

Mentally and physically sound

1000 rounds (minimum)

Concealed pistol/holster (9mm or larger unless discussed in advance)

4 magazines and 1 magazine pouch (minimum)

Ability to draw and reholster safely as well as hit a 3×5 card at 5 yards every time

Weather-appropriate clothing and comfort/sustainment items

Completed waiver

FAQ:
Q: If I bring more than 1000 rounds of ammo will I be able to shoot more?
A: Yes! Some drills allow for more flexibility than others but much of the shooting will be at your own pace. Which also means that some people will shoot a little less than others.
Q: Why do you prefer to train with concealed guns instead of open carry holsters?
A: Anyone who is serious about carrying a pistol must be able to shoot effectively from concealment. Training from concealment strongly carries over to open carry, but the opposite is simply not true.
Q: If I can’t meet the prerequisites what will happen?
A: If you are unsafe, you will be unable to continue training. Safety requirements will be clearly laid out at the beginning of the day and you will have the chance to practice them. If you can’t hit a 3×5 card at 5 yards, you don’t yet have the skill needed to take advantage of this training. You are welcome to stay and shoot, but we will not take class time away from the students who do meet the requirements in order to try and get you up to speed. A second attempt to pass the test may be given as appropriate.

Pistol-Training.com - Simon Golob - On Demand Performance Rifle
2025-10-13 08:00 - 17:00
A one-day course meant to be added at the end of a standard ODP pistol class, ODP Rifle focuses on fast and accurate employment of the modern carbine. Range and student dependant, we will employ the carbine out to 100 yards, focusing on 50 yards and closer. Building on many of the concepts taught in ODP Pistol, ODP Rifle will teach you to use the carbine as fast and accurately as possible while focusing on cold performance. Any modern carbine is welcome, but 5.56’s with 14.5-16″ barrels are most appropriate. Full tactical gear is not needed, but some way to carry spare ammo is desirable. Your back pocket will do if need be. You will need a minimum of 3 magazines and 500 rounds, plus support gear for your optics and rifle. Students are expected to know how to function their weapon and arrive with a zero’d carbine. We will break down all of the fundamentals, but a basic working knowledge of your carbine is required.

Those attending On Demand Performance Pistol please contact us for a discount code for Rifle
FAQ:
Q: If I bring more ammo will I be able to shoot more?
A: Yes! Some drills allow for more flexibility than others but much of the shooting will be at your own pace. Which also means that some people will shoot a little less than others.
Q: Why do you prefer to train with concealed guns instead of open carry holsters?
A: Anyone who is serious about carrying a pistol must be able to shoot effectively from concealment. Training from concealment strongly carries over to open carry, but the opposite is simply not true.
Q: If I can’t meet the prerequisites what will happen?
A: If you are unsafe, you will be unable to continue training. Safety requirements will be clearly laid out at the beginning of the day and you will have the chance to practice them. If you can’t hit a 3×5 card at 5 yards, you don’t yet have the skill needed to take advantage of this training. You are welcome to stay and shoot, but we will not take class time away from the students who do meet the requirements in order to try and get you up to speed. A second attempt to pass the test may be given as appropriate.
Q: Can I bring a 300 whatever instead of a 5.56?
A: If you want to, you are welcome to.
Q: Do I need an optic for either pistol or carbine?
A: No, iron sights are just fine, but there are some real benefits to optics that we will take advantage of in class if you do have them.

Two Pillars Training - John Hearne - Who Wins Lecture + Cognitive Pistol
2025-11-07
This discounted ticket includes all three days of training scheduled near Oklahoma City, OK. Friday is the full eight-hour presentation of “Who Wins, Who Loses, & Why” – the best summary of human performance under life and death stress, delivered in plain English with clear “action items” to make the abstract into the practical.
Saturday and Sunday are the two-day version of Cognitive Pistol w/ Tactical Anatomy. This is isn’t a shooting course but a thinking course that seemlessly integrates current motor learning theory and other human factors research into a very different class. For instance, almost all start signals are visual instead of the traditional beep of the shot timer. Drills are not repeated and changed regularly to make sure that mere rote learning isn’t occurring. The two-day version also includes square range drills to develop the skills by yourself, the use of anatomically correct 3-d reactive targets, and deliberate training to stop the shooting process.
Pre-Requisites: Students need to already be competent and safe gun handlers. They must be able to load/unload, present/reholster safely, perform reloads, reduce malfunctions, etc. Shooters lacking this ability will be dismissed from class.
While anyone capable of safely running their handgun will benefit from the class, the most benefit will be achieved by those who can already shoot well. Since accurate shooting will be emphasized – the ability to place 5 rounds in a 5” circle from five yards in less than five seconds from concealment or duty gear is the strongly recommended standard. If you have any doubts whether this is the class for you, please e-mail me at info@twopillarstraining.com.
Facility Fees: $90 cash (30/day) due at signin
Reviews:
Link

Register

Two Pillars Training - John Hearne - Who Wins, Who Loses and Why (Lecture Only)
2025-11-07 09:00 - 18:00
Human performance under stress isn’t a new topic. What makes this critically acclaimed presentation different is the recency of the research and the presenter’s background. Some of the previous works in this area are over 25 years old and don’t reflect the most recent discoveries in the field. This presentation uses the latest findings from a wide variety of fields to offer the best understanding of the topic currently available. In addition to new research, considerable time is spent debunking erroneous myths that have been circulated for years. Attendees are given a “to do” list of proven practices to improve their own ability to perform in critical circumstances.
John Hearne brings the unique perspective of someone who has been a sworn peace officer since 1992, a successful competitive shooter, and a firearms instructor since 2001. His background helps translate the current research into clear, easily understood material with practical ways to implement it and improve performance.
Topics covered in the presentation include:
• Origins of Human Instincts and Their Implications
• How the Human Brain Functions
• Emotional Control in High Stress Environments
• Common Misconceptions Addressed
o Heart Rate as Destiny
o Task Complexity Relevancy
o Myth: Natural Responses Are Better
o Startle Reflex Realities
o The Innate Hesitation to Kill?
o Front Sight Focus – Is It Possible
o Debunking Hick’s Law
o The Truth About Fine and Gross Motor Skills
• Why Recency Matters
• Search for the Perfect Combative Substitute
• Other Relevant Research
o Not Getting Shot by First Responders
o Trigger Realities and Negligent Discharges
o Value of Physical Fitness
o Understanding Eye Dominance
• Relevant Standards
• Best Ways to Practice & Train

Attendees will receive a detailed copy of the notes for future reference.
Length:
8-9 hours with a working lunch
Intended Audience
This presentation is beneficial to anyone who must perform in high stress environments or train others to do so. There is a focus towards those interested in self-defense, but anyone who needs to understand a person’s response to stress will benefit from attending.
Facility Fee: $30 cash due at signin
Link to Past Course Reviews
https://twopillarstraining.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/course-reviews-2024_08-08.pdf

Two Pillars Training - John Hearne - Cognitive Pistol and Tactical Anatomy - Pistol only
2025-11-08 08:30 - 2025-11-09 18:00
Think of this course as the “finishing school” for the well-prepared gunman. This is an intermediate to advanced shooting class which focuses on subjects not covered in typical shooting classes.
Typically, we only worry about speed and accuracy.This class adds decision making to the equation. A major goal is to place the shooter under increasing amounts of “cognitive load” and see how well learned their skills really are. Almost every shot will be fired based on a visual start signal, as opposed to the traditional beep of a range timer, and most shots will have an element of decision making associated with them.
A major teaching tool in this process is the use of tactical anatomy. Tactical anatomy teaches the shooter how to place the most effective fight stopping hits under the reality of three-dimensional targets. The class will feature anatomically correct, three-dimensional targets that must be engaged correctly and under realistic time limits.
The two-day version of this class features new drills and emphasizes traditional square range drills that force the shooter to think with the pistol in the hand. Other topics include how to engage moving targets and includes the use of moving steel targets. This class will include the use of three-dimensional shooting scenarios with both moving and stationary targets to replicate complex, real-world problems.
Pre-Requisites:
THIS IS NOT A BASIC CLASS. Students need to already be competent and safe gunhandlers. They must be able to load/unload, present/reholster safely, perform reloads, reduce malfunctions, etc. If you have any doubts about whether you meet these standards, please contact us at info@twopillarstraining.com.
While anyone capable of safely running their handgun will benefit from the class, the most benefit will be achieved by those who can already shoot well. Since accurate shooting will be emphasized – the ability to place 5 rounds in a 5” circle from five yards in less than five seconds from concealment is the recommended standard.
Round Count:
Minimum round count is ~600 rounds. Some portions of the course allow for extra shooting based on the student’s interest, ability, and ammunition availability. Up to 650 rounds could be fired in the course but are not required.
Range Fees:
$60 due at signin
Equipment:
Students will need at least one reliable, zeroed pistol with at least three magazines as well as standard safety equipment (safety glasses, hearing protection, and a brimmed hat). Holsters must be high quality and non-collapsing. Appendix carry is welcome provided safe holstering practices are followed. While not required, a ready way to carry two spare magazines is strongly recommended.
Past Reviews:Link

Lone Star Medics - Caleb Causey - Medicine X
2025-11-15 08:00 - 2025-11-16 17:00
Some are calling it “Ambush Medicine”! What it’s called is not as important as what you’ll learn over the next two days. The next 16 hours will be spent 90% of the time on the range… shooting, moving, communicating and slappin’ tourniquets on.
Each student will learn how and more importantly when to care for the injured during and immediately following a violent attack. This will be a fast-paced and physically demanding course. Students will apply the lessons learned during multiple live-fire scenarios involving one-person, two-person, and four-person teams. Students will be provided multiple tactical medical products during class and scenarios in order to conduct their own personal testing and evaluation of the products. These live-fire scenarios will require students to maximize both their rifle and pistol.
Some of the subjects covered:
– Principles of tactical medicine
– Patient movement techniques for short and long distances
– Medical contingency planning
– Wound patterns of violent attacks
– Rapid trauma assessments
– Modern hemorrhage control techniques
– Thoracic injuries and treatments, blunt and penetrating injuries
– Thermal burns and blast injuries
– Identify and treat for shock
– Medical equipment selection
– Casualty collection points
– Evacuation considerations
Prerequisites:
Each student must fall into one of the following categories in order to participate in any “Medicine X” coursework:
1. Be current military or law enforcement.
OR
2. Must have already completed formal defensive firearms training from an approved instructor/company. You may be asked to provide proof of training with application.
AND
4. Must be 18 years or older and legally allowed to own/possess a firearm.
OR
3. NON-Shooting students may attend and participate in the class, however they will not be allowed to handle any firearm at any time during class/scenarios. These non-shooting participants must be 18 years of age or older and accompanied with another student who meets one of the above prerequisites that is enrolled in the same class. (Basically, if your buddy is into shooting and you’re not, you can still come take the class together. You just can’t handle a firearm.)
Note: There is a $30/day/person facility fee due at signin the first day of class.

Cougar Mountain Solutions - Erick Gelhaus - West Coast Reactive Shotgun
2025-12-05 09:00 - 18:00
This one-day class will cover the shotgun from nomenclature to manipulations and – ultimately – using it defensively in your home or business.
By the end of the class, you’ll have the skills needed to manipulate your shotgun and keep it loaded to the extent that you will have the bandwidth necessary to solve a judgmental shooting problem.

Subjects:
Practical Safety & Human Factors
Loading, Unloading;
Reloading and continuity of fire;
Patterning;
Capability of this platform;
Appropriate Accessories;
Movement;
Using Cover;
Practical Application;
Judgment and decision-making;

This class is suitable for a shooter who is new to the shotgun as well as experienced shotgunners.
While I’ll never discourage you from having your handgun with you, the emphasis of this class is on using your shotgun.

Range Fees: $30 a day, payable to the host range

Ammunition:
125 rounds of training birdshot or buckshot;
25 rounds of quality defensive buckshot (#1B or 00B);
NO Steel Shot!

Equipment Needs
12ga or 20ga Shotgun with sights – bead, traditional, or optics;
Eye & ear protection;
A way(s) to carry extra ammunition – a receiver or buttstock mounted shell holder, belt loops, or dump pouch;
Clothing appropriate to the weather, sunscreen;
Please bring your lunch, scooby snacks, caffeine, and – of course – water. We will break, but the less time we spend on lunch, the more time we can spend on the range;
Note-taking material;

Course cost is $250 plus a $30 facility fee that is due at signin.

About Erick Gelhaus
What differentiates CMS and Erick Gelhaus from the other competent, talented instructors out there? Why take a class from CMS? Good questions. Quite simply, Gelhaus brings real experience from both the academic and practical application worlds to the classroom.

After lengthy careers in the military and law enforcement, Erick’s grad school coursework focused on communicating about use-of-force issues. He is a well-published author, with articles appearing in numerous print magazines and several online publications.
​
Gelhaus has taught the defensive use of firearms and tactics in the private sector – for Gunsite, Aimpoint, and others – to vetted citizens, peace officers, and service members since for more than 20 years.

Cougar Mountain Solutions - Erick Gelhaus -West Coast Proactive Shotgun
2025-12-06 11:00 - 20:30
After reviewing nomenclature and relevant modifications, this problem-solving-centric class focuses on using the shotgun within practical and Constitutional confines. The curriculum covers manipulating the weapon, loading & unloading, single and multiple threat engagements, use of cover, close-range engagements, single projectile considerations, and working around vehicles while understanding and accepting the platform’s limitations when dealing with the armed and violent.
This session will include a Low-Light / White Light segment.

EXPECTATIONS AND OUTCOMES
Upon completing this course, the student will have the mechanical skills to employ the shotgun during encounters with armed and violent subjects on foot, in a structure, or around a vehicle.
SUBJECTS:
Practical Safety & Human Factors;
Manipulations and Continuity of fire;
Patterning, Zeroing;
Exploiting the platform’s capabilities;
Appropriate accessories;
Movement & Positions;
Practical Application;
Judgment and decision-making;

REQUIREMENTS

14″ to 21″ shotgun w/sling, viable sights, weapon-mounted light;

Support equipment, including extra ammunition carriers;

Handgun & magazines;

Eye & ear protection;

Weather-appropriate clothing;

Note taking material;

Optional – elbow & knee pads, soft armor;

Ammunition
150 rounds of training birdshot or buckshot;
25 rounds of quality defensive buckshot (#1B or 00B);
15 slugs;
NO Steel Shot!

SCHEDULE

Course cost is $250 plus a $30 facility fee due at signin.

About Erick Gelhaus:

What differentiates CMS and Erick Gelhaus from the other competent, talented instructors out there? Why take a class from CMS? Good questions. Quite simply, Gelhaus brings real experience from both the academic and practical application worlds to the classroom.

After lengthy careers in the military and law enforcement, Erick’s grad school coursework focused on communicating about use-of-force issues. He is a well-published author, with articles appearing in numerous print magazines and several online publications.
​
Gelhaus has taught the defensive use of firearms and tactics in the private sector – for Gunsite, Aimpoint, and others – to vetted citizens, peace officers, and service members since for more than 20 years.

Cougar Mountain Solutions - Erick Gelhaus - Pistol Mounted Optics
2025-12-07 09:00 - 18:00
This one-day class focuses on the practical application of your optic and pistol. It covers distance, movement, multiple targets, and more (regardless of your job).

TOPICS COVERED
We are long past optics being novel. This session addresses their application with likely challenges. Topics include:

Verification of zero;

Working from the ready and the holster

Movement before and after shooting;

Shifting visual attention;

Multiple target engagements and moving targets (if the range supports it);

Broken & blocked optics;

Engagement at distance;

Judgment and decision-making will also be addressed.

EXPECTATIONS AND OUTCOMES
By sessions’ end, you’ll have experienced and gained comfort with using the optic from near-contact to the range’s allowable distance, with movement, and engaging multiple targets from both the ready and your holster.

ABILITY REQUIREMENTS
Experience with your pistol-mounted optic, including acquiring the dot under time constraints, and accuracy sufficient to shoot Dyal’s 5 Yard Round-Up clean with a 3 second par time for each stage. Additionally, the completion of a defensive handgun class that includes holster work/reloads/stoppages as well as an understanding of applying the 4 Safety Rules practically while working around your firearm while not hazarding your neighbor.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Note-taking material;

Eye and ear protection;

A pistol with an optic (loaners MAY be available with enough notice) and three magazines;

Appropriate holster and mag pouches;

Appropriate belt;

Extra battery and tool to change it;

Adjustment tool for the optic;

Please bring your lunch, Scooby snacks, caffeine, and—of course—water. We will break, but the less time we devote to lunch, the more time we can spend on your dot;

Appropriate range attire for the weather conditions;

Ammunition: 250 rounds of reliable pistol ammunition

Course cost is $250 plus a $30 facility fee that is due at signin.

About Erick Gelhaus:
What differentiates CMS and Erick Gelhaus from the other competent, talented instructors out there? Why take a class from CMS? Good questions. Quite simply, Gelhaus brings real experience from both the academic and practical application worlds to the classroom.

After lengthy careers in the military and law enforcement, Erick’s grad school coursework focused on communicating about use-of-force issues. He is a well-published author, with articles appearing in numerous print magazines and several online publications.
​
Gelhaus has taught the defensive use of firearms and tactics in the private sector – for Gunsite, Aimpoint, and others – to vetted citizens, peace officers, and service members since for more than 20 years.

DTI -Vicki Farnam - FlexCCarry Solutions Instructor Course
2026-03-13 08:00 - 2026-03-15 17:00
FlexCCarry℠ Solutions Instructor Course
3 Day Class
Taught By Vicki Farnam
DTI for WomenDTI, LLC
A combination of interactive lecture/discussion and range live-fire

Learn gun-handling safety skills for Flex concealed carry with a Flex carry bag
Learn the difference between a holster and a storage container
Learn principles of Flex carry, understand them and practice them
Learn the steps of the draw from a concealed carry bag
Learn how the different styles of holster pockets function and how the steps of the draw apply to each of them
Learn the steps of reupholstering into a Flex carry bag
Learn to draw and achieve on-demand accuracy
Learn that consistently competent gun-handling skills are mandatory
Strengthen and enhance your own handgun carry skills
Learn and experience the differences between Flex concealed carry and on-body concealed carry
Learn that speed is relative
Learn if you have to fire through the bag you have let your potential assailant get too close
Build precise communication skills for teaching women
Expand your knowledge of handgun operating systems
Learn to teach and apply these fundamental Flex concealed carry skills and knowledge to personal protection

Shivworks - Craig Douglas - ECQC
2026-04-10 18:00 - 2026-04-12 20:00
Extreme Close Quarters Concepts – Meadhall Range Oklahoma
You do not need any prior experience with martial arts or you must only be able to safely draw, fire, and holster your pistol.

Your training scenarios will be recorded, and the video will be made available for your future review to help you develop your training.
You will also be granted 3 months of access to our online community, where we post lots of additional content.

Topics
Criminal Assault Paradigm: the reality of violent crimes against people and the trends commonly observed
Managing Unknown Contacts: a template for improving social literacy and navigating public space
Adapted presentation: functionalizing the pistol draw stroke for real-world space
Thumb Pectoral Index: Proper pistol retention, shooting, and diminishment
Appropriate Extension: Avoiding an unnecessary weapon retention problem
Grounded Weapon Fights: An efficient template to get to your feet, a weapon, or something between the two
Weapon Retention, Recovery, Disarm: Splitting attention and the impact of conversation on motor-skill, in-holster/out-of-holster gun problems
Full Spectrum Evolution: realistic problem solving with the possibility of multiple threats

Extreme Close Quarter Concepts (ECQC) course is the flagship Shivworks Course and takes place over 2.5 days with a total of 24 training hours. Instruction is given on functional handgun skills from zero to five feet, a unique problem requiring an interdisciplinary approach. Provided is a template for what we feel are the best practices between verbal and physical skills to avoid, stabilize, and resolve a life-threatening situation within the context of the criminal assault paradigm while armed. After developing new skills, everyone validates the skills through an unscripted evolution. Evolutions are competitive, non-consensual force-on-force experiences using marking cartridges and protective equipment.
You do not need any martial arts or combative experience to attend this course. You only need the ability to safely deploy your handgun from the holster.
**The first four hours of day two and three are live fire training. You can train from concealment or overtly outside the waistband; neither choice will impact the quality of your training experience. You must be able to safely and competently deploy/shoot/manipulate your firearm. This is not a pistol 101 course, and a lack of basic weapons handling skills will result in you being asked to step off the firing line. **
Please bring the following items with you to class:

Quality holster
Handgun, 220 rounds of ammunition
Safety glass, ear protection
Comfortable clothes
Mouthpiece and cup

All times are local for the training location.
There is a $75.00 range fee for the weekend, due in cash on Friday evening. Please have that ready to remit before we start class.
Location:
Here is the location for the class. It is outdoors plan accordingly. We will be at the location all weekend.
Meadhall Range: 2181 Blackberry Dr, McLoud, OK 74851
Visit Shivworks.com for MORE INFORMATION, click HERE
***Cancellations***
A Shivworks course is a significant investment of time and money – not only for the participant but also for the hosts and the instructors. Courses fill up quickly, and unexpected cancellations significantly strain our niche, bespoke program. Therefore, we have a strict refund policy for every course. If you have enrolled in a class and are unable to attend, please contact us immediately.
**Payment installment option – You may provide a deposit to secure your spot and split the cost into two payments; however, the deposit is non-refundable. **The final payment is due one day prior to the start of the course. **
More than 30 Days Before Class
If a student cancels more than 30 days before a class, that student’s tuition will be refunded in full.
30 Days Before Class
If a student cancels anywhere between 10 and thirty days before class, that student’s tuition is not refundable. However, the tuition can be applied to another Shivworks class. This tuition credit must be used within 18 months of the original class date, or it is forfeited.
10 days Before Class
If a student cancels ten days (or less) before a class, that student’s tuition is forfeited and cannot be applied to any other class.

Shivworks Cancellations
If
Craig Douglas
has to cancel a class for any reason, all students enrolled in that class will receive full refunds.

Presscheck Consulting - Chuck Pressburg - No Fail Pistol
2026-04-17 08:00 - 2026-04-18 17:00
*A BONUS one-day Precision Performance Pistol will be held on Sunday, April 19 for all No Fail Pistol alumni.

The Presscheck No-Fail Pistol Course (2 Days) is designed to equip patrol and tactical officers with the skills to make high risk / high reward pistol shots in critical situations.

This is a CLEET approved course.

This 20-hour course stresses the importance of being able to place accurate hits on small, moving, and limited exposure critical areas of the human body to instantly cease all motor function or cause rapid unconsciousness, usually resulting in death.

Range Fee – Bring cash

There is a $30/student/day range fee ($60 total for this course)

Host POC: Bill Armstrong bill.armstrong@meadhallrange.com

About Cancellations/Refunds. Before registering, please understand that you are signing up for a non-refundable course. With the rare exception of LEO’s getting scheduled extra shifts/OT, there are NO REFUNDS OF COURSE FEES.

Presscheck Consulting - Chuck Pressburg - Precision Performance
2026-04-19 08:00 - 17:00
Precision Performance Pistol course is a one-day, intermediate to advanced course only available to graduates of No Fail Pistol or Hostage Rescue Handgun.

Precision Performance dedicates a full training day to focus on the more practical application of precision shooting. The curriculum consists of drills and stages which are mostly shot on steel, when available, and focus on Target to Target transitions, High difficulty/High Consequence/low percentage precision shots on the move, and throttle control on practical targets like a Bianchi plate rack.

Precision Performance attempts to maintain the same high degree of accountability as No Fail Pistol and Hostage Rescue Handgun, but in a more relaxed setting of peer-reviewed friendly competition to force the shooter to remain constantly aware of hit probability, while executing at speed.

Different scoring systems will be utilized to expose our tendency to shoot a pace instead of what the gun is telling us. Scoring penalties for missing, coupled with distance and shot difficulty, ensure that you cannot miss fast enough to win.

Pre-Requisite: Successful completion of No Fail Pistol or Hostage Rescue Handgun. DO NOT register for this class if you have not completed No Fail Pistol or Hostage Rescue Handgun. You may register for this course if you are also attending No Fail Pistol the same weekend as Precision Performance. If you register, and will not have taken No Fail Pistol prior to course, you will not be able to attend and NO refund will be issued.

Range Fee – Bring cash

There is a $30/student/day range fee ($30 total for this course)

Host POC: Bill Armstrong bill.armstrong@meadhallrange.com

About Cancellations/Refunds. Before registering, please understand that you are signing up for a non-refundable course. With the rare exception of LEO’s getting scheduled extra shifts/OT, there are NO REFUNDS OF COURSE FEES.

Sentinel Concepts - Steve Fisher - Critical Carbine
2026-05-30 08:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00
This 2 day course expands on the 1 day version of the Carbine Diagnostic course to include more drills and skills on use of the carbine. Including positional work, shooting on the move, and various other exercises to get the shooter to explore the capabilities and abilities of the gear they chose and themselves.
THIS COURSE WILL THOROUGHLY COVER
Safety brief & medical plan
Different optics and accessories
Effective shooting stance
Proper weapon grip
Recoil control
Timed graded quals and drills
Sight picture red dots and LPVO optics
Proper zero and confirmation of them. (range dependent on distance)
Use of the sling for supported shooting
Use of body supported shooting positions
Trigger control
Reloads
Malfunctions clearing
Different shooting positions
Carbine ready positions
and more…
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
A functional and practical carbine (AK variants and AR type pistols allowed)
If available, a spare carbine is also an excellent idea
Ammunition: 400 rounds minimum for 1 day courses. 800 rounds minimum for 2 day courses. (extra is always a good thing)
Electronic hearing protection is preferred
Wrap around style eye protection
A billed ball cap
Sling (optional)
IFAK and/or tourniquet is REQUIRED
Food and water/energy drinks for the day plan on staying at the range to eat we do not take hour lunch breaks 30 min max given some locations do not have food close by
PLEASE ARRIVE TO CLASS WITH MAGAZINES ALREADY LOADED.
Individual first aid kit and tourniquet
REGISTRATION POLICIES & TERMS
STRICT NO VIDEO POLICY! YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE COURSE!
Refunds will be issued if Sentinel Concepts cancels the course – No Exceptions.
If you can not attend the class you registered for due to work, family, or medical reasons we will make all attempts to get you into a class within one calendar year of the original class date.
Range fees due at time of class, range costs are typically $25 to $50 per day based on host. Please be prepared to pay these fees day of.
Course Enrollment MinimumsEnrollment minimums must be met no later than 3 weeks prior to the class start date.
Cancellation NoticesPlease be sure to check your email, including your spam/junk folders, within that time frame for any notifications about cancellations.
UpdatesStay updated by checking our social media accounts, or feel free to reach out to Steve via email for any questions.

Citizens Safety Academy - CSA Gateway Instructor Certification
2026-06-06 08:00 - 2026-06-07 18:00
Course Overview
This course teaches experienced shooters how to teach a basic defense-oriented pistol curriculum in the paradigm of “gateway instruction” developed by Citizens Safety Academy.
Course Details
There are many instructor certification courses available, but most suffer from at least one of three common shortcomings. First, they often spend too much time on shooting and not enough time on teaching how to teach. Second, they often focus on teaching intermediate-level shooters without enough attention paid to the nuances of managing a class full of brand-new, first-time shooters. Third, many instructor courses tend to ignore the cultural and demographic dynamics of today’s market of firearms trainees.
With the recent explosion of gun purchases by urbanites, millennials, trauma victims, and others who don’t fit the traditional stereotypes of gun ownership, firearms trainers must adapt to the rapidly-evolving 21st Century market. CSA developed what we call the “gateway” instructional model in an effort to fill those gaps in the training community.
Instructor candidates will learn and demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises during the course (including leading a line of live-fire shooters through a course of fire). Candidates will also have to pass an instructor certification examination and a shooting qualification course of fire. The course also includes an Instructor’s Guide that participants can take home with them for future reference.
Topics Covered
Every class is a little different, so we often have to make adjustments based on time and facility constraints; but our standard Gateway Instructor curriculum includes the following:

Adult learning theory
Effective communication skills / public speaking
Depoliticizing instruction, content, and facilities
Designing and using effective training aids
Connecting with inexperienced, fearful, and non-traditional students
Making classroom lectures interactive and engaging
Effective use of multi-media in the modern classroom
Concepts from the pivotal text, “Telling Ain’t Training,” by Keeps and Stolovitch
Classroom management
Range management
Teaching basic principles of lawful defensive force
Managing students with past trauma or emotional triggers
Effective assessment / written examination design
How to control and command a firing line
The “Less is More” principle
Effective range commands
Student-centric range exercises
Differentiating between skill drills and performance drills
Managing students with physical limitations or disabilities
Teaching both left- and right-handed students
Managing firing lines with revolvers and semi-autos of different action types
Effective use of assistant instructors
Safety protocols and emergency procedures
And much more!

Prerequisites
Instructor candidates must possess and demonstrate a solid background in firearm safety and shooting skills acquired through previous firearm training and/or previous shooting experience. Candidates will be required to demonstrate how to safely handle, load, and unload both a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol.
What is “gateway instruction”?
When we say “gateway instruction,” we mean true entry-level content, designed for students who overcome boundaries, obstacles, social disincentives, or other adverse odds to learn to shoot for the first time. We have found that many “beginner” classes on the market today are often weighed down by assumptions and misperceptions about what new shooters typically bring to the table. These classes often take for granted that every student has the same opinion about guns, everyone has the same understanding of gun safety, and everyone generally understands how guns work and what they’re used for. But that’s not the case.
At CSA, we take a different approach. Gateway instruction levels the playing field by allowing all students to enter the firearms training world without any pressure to know more than they know or to be someone other than who they are. One of the many benefits of this teaching technique (and the reason we call it “gateway instruction”) is that it increases the chances of students investing in more training and becoming members of the training community rather than just visitors or sightseers. We hope to be an “on-ramp” for those who might otherwise see themselves as outsiders to the gun world.

Sentinel Concepts - Steve Fisher - Critical Handgun
2026-10-24 08:00 - 17:00
THIS CLASS WILL THOROUGHLY COVER
Safety Plan
Medical Brief
Effective shooting positions / ready positions
Importance of Grip
Recoil control
One handed shooting
Distance shooting
Movement Drills
Positional shooting
Multiple target drills
(Irons & RDS) use
Reloads
Malfunctions
Timed graded drills
and more…
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
A functional firearm chambered in any centerfire caliber based on the course you have selected carbine or pistol
Ammunition: 400 rounds minimum for 1 day courses. 800 rounds minimum for 2 day courses. (extra is always a good thing)
Quality holster and belt for handgun courses
Magazine pouch and or pockets are suitable
6 magazines minimum for handgun courses (students with single stack pistols should have twice that)
Electronic hearing protection is preferred
Knee pads
Spare batteries for lights, lasers, optics, and ear pro
Food and water/energy drinks for the day plan on staying at the range to eat we do not take hour lunch breaks 30 min max given some locations do not have food close by
PLEASE ARRIVE TO CLASS WITH MAGAZINES ALREADY LOADED.
IFAK and/or tourniquet is REQUIRED
Black sharpie marker
Nice to have list: Chair, sunshade canopy, table, bug spray, sun block
REGISTRATION POLICIES & TERMS
STRICT NO VIDEO POLICY! YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE COURSE!
Refunds will be issued if Sentinel Concepts cancels the course – No Exceptions.
If you can not attend the class you registered for due to work, family, or medical reasons we will make all attempts to get you into a class within one calendar year of the original class date.
Range fees due at time of class, range costs are typically $25 to $50 per day based on host. Please be prepared to pay these fees day of.
Course Enrollment MinimumsEnrollment minimums must be met no later than 3 weeks prior to the class start date.
Cancellation NoticesPlease be sure to check your email, including your spam/junk folders, within that time frame for any notifications about cancellations.
UpdatesStay updated by checking our social media accounts, or feel free to reach out to Steve via email for any questions.

Sentinel Concepts - Steve Fisher - Critical Shotgun
2026-10-25 08:00 - 17:00
This course pick up where practical shotgun ended. We will explore the use of slugs and proper zeros of irons and red dots sights, and extend range use of buckshot. As well as shooting on the move and alternate firing positions and target transitions and shooting on the move.
THE CLASS WILL THOROUGHLY COVER
Safety brief & medical plan
Use of barricades
Different optics and accessories
Effective shooting stance
Recoil control
Sight picture using magnified and or electronic optics
Proper zero and confirmation of them. (Range dependent on distance)
Use of the sling for supported shooting
Use of body supported shooting positions
Trigger control
Different shooting moment drills
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
A functional and practical shotgun chambered in 12 or 20 gauge
Hearing protection, electronic is preferred
Wrap around style eye protection
IFAK and/or tourniquet
If available, a spare weapon system is also an excellent idea
A sling (optional)
Properly fitted shooting gloves
A minimum of 150 rounds of birdshot (no steel shot), 50 rounds of buckshot, and 35 slugs
A cleaning kit and tools that are compatible with the weapon system(s)
Handheld flashlight and or weapons mounted light
A black sharpie marker
Individual first aid kit and tourniquet
REGISTRATION POLICIES & TERMS
STRICT NO VIDEO POLICY! YOU WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE COURSE!
Refunds will be issued if Sentinel Concepts cancels the course – No Exceptions.
If you can not attend the class you registered for due to work, family, or medical reasons we will make all attempts to get you into a class within one calendar year of the original class date.
Range fees due at time of class, range costs are typically $25 to $50 per day based on host. Please be prepared to pay these fees day of.
Course Enrollment MinimumsEnrollment minimums must be met no later than 3 weeks prior to the class start date.
Cancellation NoticesPlease be sure to check your email, including your spam/junk folders, within that time frame for any notifications about cancellations.
UpdatesStay updated by checking our social media accounts, or feel free to reach out to Steve via email for any questions.
