BEGINNING SELF-DEFENSE – HANDGUN

Move. Move. Move.

Movement provides time. Time provides options.

Build upon the safe-handling foundation developed during Introduction to Range Use – Handgun. Through progressive instruction, coached practice, teamwork, controlled scenarios, and low-light exercises, you will develop practical skills involving purposeful movement, communication, cover, and responsible decision-making.

AFT students practicing communication, teamwork, and coordinated movement during Beginning Self-Defense – Handgun training
What’s Happening in This Photo?

During Session III, a two-person team responds to multiple simulated threats. Students may invite a trusted guest with whom they regularly spend time so they can practice together. The contact person communicates with the identified threat while the cover person maintains contact, scans for additional dangers, identifies a safe escape route, and initiates movement when conditions change. This exercise develops communication, shared awareness, and coordinated disengagement. No live ammunition is used.

Registration and Payment

Thank you for your interest in Arnold Firearms Training.

Here’s what’s next:

  1. Submit the Course Interest & Availability form.
  2. A member of the AFT team will contact you using the information you provided.
  3. During a brief, informal survey, we will confirm that this is the right course for you.
  4. Once confirmed, AFT will provide your secure payment link.
Submit Course Interest Form

Training begins with training handguns, advances to snap caps, and progresses to coached live fire during Sessions I and II. Sessions III and IV are conducted without live ammunition.

You do not need to own a handgun. Students who have not yet selected a suitable handgun are encouraged to use AFT equipment.

Check Course Interest and Availability

Course at a Glance

FORMAT & READINESS
✓ Four two-hour sessions
✓ Eight hours of instruction
✓ Introduction to Range Use – Handgun or comparable competence required
View the IRU – Handgun Course
✓ Coached live fire during Sessions I and II

SUPPORT & FLEXIBILITY
✓ No live ammunition during Sessions III or IV
✓ AFT handguns, holsters, and snap caps available
✓ Trusted guest encouraged for Session III
✓ Flexible scheduling for Sessions II, III, and IV

Is This Course Right for You?

Beginning Self-Defense – Handgun is designed for students who already demonstrate safe handgun handling and want to develop practical personal-defense skills. This course may be a good fit if you are looking to:

✓ Improve situational awareness and threat recognition
✓ Use purposeful movement to create time and options
✓ Practice verbal commands and communication
✓ Learn to use adequate cover effectively

✓ Develop primary- and support-hand skills
✓ Practice responsible decision-making through controlled scenarios
✓ Learn teamwork and low-light safety principles

AFT emphasizes preparation, avoidance, communication, and safe disengagement—not fear-based training.

Your Four-Session Learning Experience

Each session builds upon the safe-handling foundation developed during Introduction to Range Use – Handgun. Select a session to see the details.

Commands, Manipulation, and Live Fire

✓ Review of AFT’s safety rules and awareness checks
✓ Close-quarters commands and purposeful movement
✓ Hand transfers and support-hand operation
✓ Reloading from behind cover
✓ Progressive practice using training handguns, snap caps, and coached live fire
✓ Scanning and box breathing

What You Will Need

AFT provides a detailed, illustrated supplies list before training. Review that list before purchasing unfamiliar equipment, and contact AFT if you have questions about fit or suitability. Select a heading below for details.

✓ One unloaded handgun transported in a secure, locked, hard-sided case
✓ Compatible, caliber-specific snap caps
✓ Instructor-approved ammunition for Sessions I and II
✓ A properly fitted holster and sturdy belt

Age Requirements

✓ Standard minimum age: 18
✓ Students ages 16–17 may participate when an adult family member is enrolled in the same course

Frequently Asked Questions

Prerequisite: Complete Introduction to Range Use – Handgun or demonstrate comparable competence.
Need a handgun? No—AFT handguns, holsters, and snap caps are available.
Live fire? Yes, during Sessions I and II only.
Bring a guest? A trusted guest is encouraged for Session III.
Scheduling: Four two-hour sessions; Sessions II–IV offer flexible scheduling.

Take the Next Step

Ready to build upon your safe-handling foundation?

Check Course Interest and Availability

Course activities may be modified at the instructor’s discretion to support safety, student readiness, range requirements, and training conditions.

Recognizing and using a location or object that provides meaningful protection while maintaining safe firearm handling.