Introduction to Range Use – Handgun
Gain Knowledge. Develop Skills. Build Confidence.
What’s Happening in This Photo?
The participant is practicing slide manipulation using snap caps, which eject as the handgun is cycled. The instructor uses a chamber indicator as a pointer to identify the open chamber and explain what the student should observe. This patient, step-by-step approach helps new students become comfortable operating the slide and verifying that a handgun is unloaded.
A welcoming, safety-first introduction for new handgun students and those who want to strengthen their fundamental firearm-handling skills. Through classroom instruction, hands-on practice with training handguns, coached skill development, and introductory live fire, you learn how to handle and operate a handgun safely and confidently.
No previous experience or handgun ownership is required. AFT provides training handguns and .22 caliber handguns for classroom handling, dry-fire practice, and live fire.
Course at a Glance
- Format: Four 2-hour sessions
- Total instruction: 8 hours
- Experience required: None
- Handgun required: No
- Live fire: Included during Session IV
- Classroom handguns: Provided by AFT
- Instructor .22 ammunition: You purchase the required ammunition if using an AFT handgun
- Certificate: Provided upon successful completion
Planning to Apply for an Oregon Concealed Handgun License?
Upon successful completion, you receive an AFT certificate that satisfies Oregon’s handgun-competency training requirement for a concealed handgun license. The county sheriff determines whether applicants meet all licensing requirements.
What You Will Develop
By the end of the course, you will have practiced how to:
- Apply AFT’s safe gun-handling rules
- Identify the primary parts and controls of a handgun
- Verify that a handgun is unloaded
- Establish a stable stance and effective grip
- Evaluate handgun fit and holster fit
- Perform the self-defense draw technique using a training handgun
- Load, unload, and reload a handgun safely
- Perform a handgun function test
- Recognize and respond to common malfunctions
- Perform simple barrel cleaning
- Discuss the importance of having a home-defense plan suited to individual and family needs
- Follow range commands and proper range etiquette
- Participate safely and confidently in introductory live fire
Your Four-Session Learning Experience
Each two-hour session builds upon the knowledge and skills developed during the previous session.
Session I – Classroom Foundations
- AFT’s safe gun-handling rules
- Primary handgun parts, controls, and operation
- Verifying that a handgun is unloaded
- Handgun fit and holster fit
- Grip and stance fundamentals
Session II – Instructor Bay
- Review of safe handling, grip, and stance
- Introduction to the self-defense draw technique
- Step-by-step draw practice using training handguns
- Safe return of the training handgun to the holster
- Coached repetition and skill development
Session III – Classroom Preparation
- Ammunition fundamentals
- Personal protective equipment
- Safe loading, unloading, and reloading using snap caps
- Handgun function testing
- Recognition and response to common malfunctions
- Simple barrel cleaning
- Discussion of home-defense scenarios and the importance of having a plan
- Preparation for introductory live fire
Session IV – Instructor Bay and Live Fire
- Range orientation and safety briefing
- Range commands and proper range etiquette
- Coached loading, unloading, and reloading
- Introductory live-fire practice
- Safe application of grip, stance, and handgun operation
- Review and recommended next steps
What You Will Need
Handgun
- You do not need to own or bring a handgun to participate in or complete this course.
- AFT provides training handguns for classroom handling and dry-fire practice.
- AFT also provides .22 caliber handguns for introductory live fire.
- If you already own a handgun, wait for instructor guidance before bringing it to class.
- New students are encouraged to complete the course before purchasing a handgun so fit, operation, and intended use can be considered.
Ammunition
- If you use an AFT .22 caliber handgun, you will need to purchase the required ammunition.
- Approximately 50 rounds of instructor-approved .22 LR ammunition are required for live fire.
- Do not purchase ammunition until AFT provides the course-specific supplies list or confirms that it is suitable.
Personal Protective Equipment
You receive an illustrated supplies list before live fire, including guidance for selecting:
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- Appropriate clothing
- Closed-toe footwear
If you have questions about fit or suitability, contact AFT before purchasing unfamiliar equipment.
Is This Course Right for You?
This course is designed for:
- First-time handgun students
- Students who do not yet own a handgun
- Returning shooters who want to rebuild safe, reliable fundamentals
- Handgun owners who want help evaluating handgun fit and holster fit
- Students preparing to continue into AFT’s self-defense handgun courses
- Students seeking structured classroom instruction before introductory live fire
Age Requirements
- Standard minimum age: 18
- Students ages 16-17 may participate when an adult family member is enrolled in the same course.
Oregon Concealed Handgun License
If you successfully complete the course, you receive an AFT certificate of completion. Because the course includes handgun-safety instruction taught by a certified instructor, the certificate satisfies Oregon’s handgun-competency training requirement for a concealed handgun license.
The county sheriff determines whether an applicant meets all licensing requirements. Confirm current requirements with the sheriff’s office in the county where you reside.
AFT provides firearms training, not legal advice.
“By the time we started using live ammunition, I felt comfortable, safe and aware. David is a thorough, thoughtful trainer.”
— Dana M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous handgun experience?
No. This course is designed for first-time students as well as returning shooters who want to strengthen their safety and handling fundamentals.
Do I need to own a handgun?
No. AFT provides training handguns for classroom handling and dry-fire practice, along with .22 caliber handguns for introductory live fire.
Will I participate in live fire?
Yes. Introductory live fire occurs during Session IV after you have developed the necessary classroom knowledge and safe handling skills.
What do I need to bring?
AFT provides a course-specific supplies list with images and recommendations before the appropriate session. Review that list and contact AFT if you have additional questions.
After completing this course, what additional training is available?
After completion, you may:
- Continue into AFT’s Beginner Self-Defense-Handgun course
- Repeat the introductory course to reinforce your skills
- Broaden your firearm knowledge and skills through AFT’s rifle or shotgun courses of study
You also receive a certificate of completion that satisfies Oregon’s handgun-competency training requirement for a concealed handgun license, subject to county approval.
The AFT Approach
We inspire confidence through education – not fear through marketing.
AFT combines clear classroom instruction with patient, hands-on training. You do more than hear or read about safe handgun handling – you practice each skill step by step using training handguns before progressing to live fire.
Skills are reinforced through coached repetition to help develop safe, consistent muscle memory, while instruction is adapted to your experience and learning needs.
Ready to begin?
AFT provides firearms training, not legal advice. Always follow applicable laws and the rules of the range where you train.
Course at a Glance
- Format: Four 2-hour sessions
- Total instruction: 8 hours
- Experience required: None
- Handgun required: No
- Live fire: Included during Session IV
- Classroom handguns: Provided by AFT
- Instructor .22 ammunition: You purchase the required ammunition if using an AFT handgun
- Certificate: Provided upon successful completion
Planning to Apply for an Oregon Concealed Handgun License?
Upon successful completion, you receive an AFT certificate that satisfies Oregon’s handgun-competency training requirement for a concealed handgun license. The county sheriff determines whether applicants meet all licensing requirements.
What You Will Develop
By the end of the course, you will have practiced how to:
- Apply AFT’s safe gun-handling rules
- Identify the primary parts and controls of a handgun
- Verify that a handgun is unloaded
- Establish a stable stance and effective grip
- Evaluate handgun fit and holster fit
- Perform the self-defense draw technique using a training handgun
- Load, unload, and reload a handgun safely
- Perform a handgun function test
- Recognize and respond to common malfunctions
- Perform simple barrel cleaning
- Discuss the importance of having a home-defense plan suited to individual and family needs
- Follow range commands and proper range etiquette
- Participate safely and confidently in introductory live fire
Your Four-Session Learning Experience
Each two-hour session builds upon the knowledge and skills developed during the previous session.
Session I – Classroom Foundations
- AFT’s safe gun-handling rules
- Primary handgun parts, controls, and operation
- Verifying that a handgun is unloaded
- Handgun fit and holster fit
- Grip and stance fundamentals
Session II – Instructor Bay
- Review of safe handling, grip, and stance
- Introduction to the self-defense draw technique
- Step-by-step draw practice using training handguns
- Safe return of the training handgun to the holster
- Coached repetition and skill development
Session III – Classroom Preparation
- Ammunition fundamentals
- Personal protective equipment
- Safe loading, unloading, and reloading using snap caps
- Handgun function testing
- Recognition and response to common malfunctions
- Simple barrel cleaning
- Discussion of home-defense scenarios and the importance of having a plan
- Preparation for introductory live fire
Session IV – Instructor Bay and Live Fire
- Range orientation and safety briefing
- Range commands and proper range etiquette
- Coached loading, unloading, and reloading
- Introductory live-fire practice
- Safe application of grip, stance, and handgun operation
- Review and recommended next steps
What You Will Need
Handgun
- You do not need to own or bring a handgun to participate in or complete this course.
- AFT provides training handguns for classroom handling and dry-fire practice.
- AFT also provides .22 caliber handguns for introductory live fire.
- If you already own a handgun, wait for instructor guidance before bringing it to class.
- New students are encouraged to complete the course before purchasing a handgun so fit, operation, and intended use can be considered.
Ammunition
- If you use an AFT .22 caliber handgun, you will need to purchase the required ammunition.
- Approximately 50 rounds of instructor-approved .22 LR ammunition are required for live fire.
- Do not purchase ammunition until AFT provides the course-specific supplies list or confirms that it is suitable.
Personal Protective Equipment
You receive an illustrated supplies list before live fire, including guidance for selecting:
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- Appropriate clothing
- Closed-toe footwear
If you have questions about fit or suitability, contact AFT before purchasing unfamiliar equipment.
Is This Course Right for You?
This course is designed for:
- First-time handgun students
- Students who do not yet own a handgun
- Returning shooters who want to rebuild safe, reliable fundamentals
- Handgun owners who want help evaluating handgun fit and holster fit
- Students preparing to continue into AFT’s self-defense handgun courses
- Students seeking structured classroom instruction before introductory live fire
Age Requirements
- Standard minimum age: 18
- Students ages 16-17 may participate when an adult family member is enrolled in the same course.
Oregon Concealed Handgun License
If you successfully complete the course, you receive an AFT certificate of completion. Because the course includes handgun-safety instruction taught by a certified instructor, the certificate satisfies Oregon’s handgun-competency training requirement for a concealed handgun license.
The county sheriff determines whether an applicant meets all licensing requirements. Confirm current requirements with the sheriff’s office in the county where you reside.
AFT provides firearms training, not legal advice.
“By the time we started using live ammunition, I felt comfortable, safe and aware. David is a thorough, thoughtful trainer.”
— Dana M.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous handgun experience?
No. This course is designed for first-time students as well as returning shooters who want to strengthen their safety and handling fundamentals.
Do I need to own a handgun?
No. AFT provides training handguns for classroom handling and dry-fire practice, along with .22 caliber handguns for introductory live fire.
Will I participate in live fire?
Yes. Introductory live fire occurs during Session IV after you have developed the necessary classroom knowledge and safe handling skills.
What do I need to bring?
AFT provides a course-specific supplies list with images and recommendations before the appropriate session. Review that list and contact AFT if you have additional questions.
After completing this course, what additional training is available?
After completion, you may:
- Continue into AFT’s Beginner Self-Defense-Handgun course
- Repeat the introductory course to reinforce your skills
- Broaden your firearm knowledge and skills through AFT’s rifle or shotgun courses of study
You also receive a certificate of completion that satisfies Oregon’s handgun-competency training requirement for a concealed handgun license, subject to county approval.
The AFT Approach
We inspire confidence through education – not fear through marketing.
AFT combines clear classroom instruction with patient, hands-on training. You do more than hear or read about safe handgun handling – you practice each skill step by step using training handguns before progressing to live fire.
Skills are reinforced through coached repetition to help develop safe, consistent muscle memory, while instruction is adapted to your experience and learning needs.
Ready to begin?
AFT provides firearms training, not legal advice. Always follow applicable laws and the rules of the range where you train.