Paula Ardans

Basic Handgun Safety Clearing and Loading your Firearm Stance, Grip, Trigger Control, Sight Alignment Dealing with Firearm/Ammunition Malfunctions and Operator Error

We strive to help you excel in both your knowledge and accuracy with your personal handgun. Our goal is to guide you as you reach your potential, as well as provide you with a safe and enjoyable experience.

Great class for a friendly, "Learn Together" experience! Do you have a firearm in your home? Are children in the home? Do you know how to properly and safely handle and unload a gun if the owner of the gun is not available? I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "My husband knows how to use the gun, I don't need to." And let's compare this to how many possibilities an unwelcome intruder or an unexpected violent encounter occurs when the husband or other trained person is not with you, or is injured and unable to continue protecting you. Do you go shopping alone? Get your hair or nails done without your spouse? Maybe even grocery shopping alone or filling up your gas tank? In this class we encourage you to invite a small group of friends or family to take a short, introductory course on Universal Firearm Safety Rules and Safe Handling and Clearing of a Firearm. We will include the proper storing of firearms and ammunition and the laws written to keep firearms out of the reach of children. We use a plastic, (not real) practice pistol for you to experience the feel of a Proper Grip, Trigger Control, Sight Alignment, Shooting Stance, and general safe handling of a firearm. We do all of this in the comfort of your home or can arrange the use of a classroom at the GunSTAR Training Center. Snacks provided by the Hostess are always welcome! The Hostess receives free registration as a thank you for hosting the event. Please contact Gunstar at 870-504-1498 if you are interested in hosting this class.

When you finish this training, you will have enhanced your knowledge of safe firearm handling, and be better prepared to meet a threat. We will cover concealed carry and open carry. You will have the opportunity to learn basic handgun safety and fundamentals, home defense, and legal use of force.

There are literally tens of thousands of cases every year where bystanders make the difference between life and death simply by bridging the gap between the start of the incident and the arrival of EMS on the scene. This course is designed to give you the practical knowledge to know what the next steps should be after calling 911.

LEARN HOW TO DEFENSIVELY SHOOT AND BE PREPARED TO MEET THE THREAT! Although we hope to never be in this situation and we take all steps necessary to avoid this and be situationally aware, but it is also important that you are tactically prepared. You and your family are worth it! Paula Ardans, USCCA, NRA CERTIFIED FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR, and USCCA Training Counselor, is offering this course to you.

Learn the difference between Defensive Shooting versus Marksmanship. Knowing how to effectively use sight alignment ,flash picture sight and point/instinctive shooting can determine your ability to shoot defensively.

Great opportunity to become familiar with your firearm and learn the mechanics of operating it safely. Learn how to handle a misfire, or malfunction due to firearm or operator error. Be prepared, be safe.

Great opportunity to learn about the proper actions to take legally and physically if you are involved in a violent encounter. Learn how to prepare for the threat and handle the aftermath. Making the wrong decisions at this crucial time can result in unexpected consequences that can greatly effect you both personally and financially. USCCA Instructors can help you prepare you for a better outcome.

This class provides you with an opportunity to increase your knowledge and skills in the use of your personal firearm in a safe and well structured training environment. Learning to properly use the firearm you own, with an experienced instructor, is vital to the safe operation of the firearm. This class is designed to allow you to work on those skills specifically needed for you to expand your ability, confidence and accuracy when handling a firearm. In this class will you will be taught how to properly handle an unexpected firearm , ammunition or operator malfunction. The instructor will also check your stance, grip, sighting, trigger control, and general handling of the firearm to determine your best outcome. You will receive coaching, through various drills, at the firing range to enhance your shot placement for a tighter grouping of your shots. Let's see you make that goal!

This course is an introduction to basic handgun safety for beginners as well as techniques for precision shooting all levels. Safe handling of firearms including handgun/operator malfunction. We will focus on Federal and Arkansas Laws regarding the legal carry of a handgun. This class is intended for all levels of proficiency. Beginners are welcome as well as the more experienced shooter.

This course will give you the training to shoot with accuracy on a B27 target within the 7 line. You will also learn to shoot in a 9 inch circle in 6 inch groupings. To further your accuracy you will practice drills shooting into 2 inch circles. Instructor will assist in spotting your shooting and helping you to master this shooting with accuracy.

Basic Handgun Safety Clearing and Loading your Firearm Stance, Grip, Trigger Control, Sight Alignment Dealing with Firearm/Ammunition Malfunctions and Operator Error

We strive to help you excel in both your knowledge and accuracy with your personal handgun. Our goal is to guide you as you reach your potential, as well as provide you with a safe and enjoyable experience.

Learn the essential skills you need to avoid a confrontation from an unwelcome source. Be situationally aware of your surroundings at all times. In this class you will develop a plan to appropriately react physically, tactically, verbally, and legally to an unwanted and possibly dangerous encounter.

Is it ok to fire a warning shot? What if they started it first? Is it legal to brush your shirt aside to show your firearm and intimidate a potential threat? Or touch the handle of your firearm while it's still in your holster, just to back them off? Understanding the Law as it applies to gun use and ownership is crucial in keeping your assets and personal lifestyle intact. Not knowing the laws as they apply to you in either Permitless, (Constitutional Carry) and/or Concealed Carry Handgun Licensing, can make you vulnerable to unwanted consequences. Where you are permitted to carry a firearm has both Federal and State restrictions that apply to everyone . In this class you will also learn when it is a "Must" vs a "Can" or"Should" I shoot.
We use video scenarios in our lessons that demonstrate simulated incidents which allow the students to brainstorm together on how they would handle the incident. The video then plays out the scenario based on your choice and you get to see the consequences of your choice. It then plays again to demonstrate alternative choices. We debrief after each scenario and the possible legal repercussions. What a great opportunity to think ahead and prepare for a real life encounter.

Great class for a friendly, "Learn Together" experience! Do you have a firearm in your home? Are children in the home? Do you know how to properly and safely handle and unload a gun if the owner of the gun is not available? I can't tell you how many times I've heard, "My husband knows how to use the gun, I don't need to." And let's compare this to how many possibilities an unwelcome intruder or an unexpected violent encounter occurs when the husband or other trained person is not with you, or is injured and unable to continue protecting you. Do you go shopping alone? Get your hair or nails done without your spouse? Maybe even grocery shopping alone or filling up your gas tank? In this class we encourage you to invite a small group of friends or family to take a short, introductory course on Universal Firearm Safety Rules and Safe Handling and Clearing of a Firearm. We will include the proper storing of firearms and ammunition and the laws written to keep firearms out of the reach of children. We use a plastic, (not real) practice pistol for you to experience the feel of a Proper Grip, Trigger Control, Sight Alignment, Shooting Stance, and general safe handling of a firearm. We do all of this in the comfort of your home or can arrange the use of a classroom at the GunSTAR Training Center. Snacks provided by the Hostess are always welcome! The Hostess receives free registration as a thank you for hosting the event. Please contact Gunstar at 870-504-1498 if you are interested in hosting this class.

By taking this class you will receive the USCCA Instructor Certification to teach Basic Handgun Safety and Fundamentals, Concealed Carry and Home Defense, Situational Awareness, and much more.. Included in this package is the Instructor Binder, a 7 lesson Power Point presentation for you to keep,10 student books (regularly $35) a thorough 7 Lesson elearning portion to be completed before class, 16hrs classroom instruction with an experienced Training Counselor including Live Fire exercises to prepare you to Instruct and manage a Safe Live Fire range for your students, an Instructor polo shirt and cap with USCCA instructor patch, and 2 essential posters to use in your instruction. As a USCCA Instructor you can even teach mini lessons to groups of students on one of the 7 areas from the course you will be qualified in, and thus expand your ability to meet the various needs of your audience and income potential as an instructor. With this Instructor Certification you can also go on to do more eLearning and order a Toolkit to teach in areas such as Real Estate Safety, Countering the Mass Shooter, First Aid Fundamentals, Trauma Wound Care, Women Handgun Instruction, Youth and Gun Safety, and much more. It is important to note that the marksmanship portion of the class is required and you must qualify on a 9" circle with 80% on 4yds, 15 shots, 7yds, 15 shots, 10 yds, 10 shots, and 15yds, 10 shots. If this is not met along with the rest of the class curriculum you will not pass the Instructor Qualification.

By taking this class you will receive the USCCA Instructor Certification that certifies you to teach Basic Handgun Safety and Fundamentals, Concealed Carry and Home Defense, Situational Awareness, and much more.. Included in this package is the Instructor Binder, a 7 lesson Power Point presentation for you to keep,10 student books (regularly $35) a thorough 7 Lesson eLearning portion to be completed before class, 16hrs classroom instruction with an experienced Training Counselor, including Live Fire exercises, to prepare you to Instruct and manage a Safe Live Fire range for your students, an Instructor polo shirt and cap with USCCA instructor patch, and 2 essential posters to use in your instruction. As a USCCA Instructor you will be prepared to teach mini lessons to groups of students on one of the 7 areas from the course you will be qualified in, and thus expand your ability to meet the various needs of your audience and enhance your income potential as an instructor. With this Instructor Certification you may also choose to pursue more eLearning and possibly order other Toolkits to instruct in areas such as Real Estate Safety, Countering the Mass Shooter, First Aid Fundamentals, Trauma Wound Care, Women Handgun Instruction, Youth and Gun Safety, and much more. It is important to note that the marksmanship portion of the class is required and you must qualify on a 9" circle with 80% on 4yds, 15 shots, 7yds, 15 shots, 10 yds, 10 shots, and 15yds, 10 shots. If this is not met along with the rest of the class curriculum you will not pass the Instructor Qualification. It is also important to understand you must be at least 21 years of age to qualify as a USCCA Instructor. We will ask to see your ID at the beginning of the training.

REGISTRATION OPENS SOON! KEEP CHECKING THIS SITE FOR THE UPCOMING DATES AND SPECIFIC LOCATION. Are you ready to step into your strength, armed with the mindset and skill to navigate any threat with confidence and knowledge? Join us for an unforgettable all-women retreat. Relax with new friends in a charming cabin in the woods of Arkansas, nestled in the tranquility of the forest, surrounded by the beauty of nature, this special weekend retreat experience promises not only growth and learning but also rest, transformation, and connection.

Our weekend retreat is thoughtfully crafted for women of all skill levels who want to deepen their understanding of firearm safety and self-defense in a welcoming, supportive environment. With only 10 students and a team of five nationally certified female instructors, you'll benefit from an exceptional student-to-instructor ratio, allowing for personalized attention and guidance, and a wealth of experience and expertise to ensure that you receive the best training possible.

You will be spending time on the range, building your skills with gentle guidance, while also forming lasting friendships in small group sessions. You'll engage in a variety of hands-on drills, classroom sessions featuring insightful videos and slides, and interactive role-playing simulations that prepare you for real-life scenarios. Whether it’s addressing a threat or managing a malfunctioning firearm, you will learn effective strategies to handle any situation with confidence.

In addition to empowering training sessions and building a community with like-minded women, this all-inclusive retreat includes delicious meals and cozy, cute cabins — each fully stocked with bedding, towels, fridge, microwave, and a Keurig coffee maker. Cabin accommodations sleep 2–3 students, creating the perfect environment to connect and form lasting friendships with your roommate(s). Feel free to bring your favorite snacks to keep in your cabin, and don’t forget a refillable water bottle to stay refreshed at our "Go and Glow Hydration Station," featuring fruit-infused water all weekend long! We'll also gather around the campfire to share stories, laughter, and of course — s'mores.

This unique event in Searcy County features an all-female instructor staff committed to empowering women through firearms training. Our Christ-centered approach includes a special devotional Sunday morning session led by Pastor Granny, one of our instructors, exploring the strength and resilience of women in the Bible who stood firm in the face of battle, providing you with spiritual encouragement and strength.

It's not necessary for you to own a handgun to attend. If you don't own a handgun, a student gun will be provided at the range. Please don't purchase a handgun if you don't have one. You'll learn at the retreat how to select one that best fits you.

This is more than just a training weekend — It’s a chance to feel renewed with a sense of peace and purpose, strengthen your skills, and ready yourself to protect your loved ones with confidence. Whether you come solo or with a friend, you’ll be welcomed into a community of women of all ages who lift each other up in different walks of life.

We can’t wait to pamper you with a weekend of transformation, encouragement, and sisterhood!

Register now to secure your seat for your special weekend getaway! Only 10 spots available -- make sure you're one of them!

Cancellation Policy: Due to the requirement for prepay from the facility for lodging and catering, and the booking of instructors, there will be no refunds. If your slot can be filled by another registered student in time for the start of the retreat, we would be in a position to offer a refund at that time.