WOMENS DEFENSIVE HANDGUN COURSE
- Tues, Aug. 18, 2026
11:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Tues, Aug. 18, 2026
- $90
- In-Class Time1 Hour(s)
- Range Time2 Hour(s)
What You'll Learn
Women’s Defensive Pistol
Women’s Defensive Pistol is Part Two of our three-part women’s handgun training series:
- Women’s Basic Handgun Fundamentals
- Women’s Defensive Pistol
- Women’s Advanced Defensive Handgun
This course builds upon the safety, firearm-handling, and marksmanship skills taught in Women’s Basic Handgun Fundamentals. It is designed for women who are ready to move beyond basic target shooting and begin developing the practical skills needed to carry and use a handgun responsibly for personal protection.
Students will train in a supportive group environment under the supervision of a USCCA Certified Instructor. The course combines classroom education with supervised live-fire exercises focused on defensive handgun use, concealed carry considerations, situational awareness, and responsible decision-making.
Classroom instruction will cover:
- Developing situational awareness
- Recognizing and avoiding potential threats
- Concealed-carry methods and considerations
- Selecting a defensive handgun and holster
- Responsible firearm storage and transportation
- Understanding the defensive mindset
- Avoidance, de-escalation, and escape
- The legal and personal responsibilities associated with self-defense
- Developing a realistic personal-protection plan
During the live-fire portion, students will receive hands-on instruction covering:
- Reviewing safe firearm handling and basic marksmanship
- Safely presenting the handgun from a holster
- Establishing a consistent defensive grip
- Defensive shooting positions
- Recoil control and follow-up shots
- Reloading and basic malfunction clearing
- Shooting from practical defensive distances
- Movement and the proper use of cover
- Defensive accuracy and decision-making drills
Prerequisite: Students should successfully complete Women’s Basic Handgun Fundamentals or receive instructor approval before registering. Students must already demonstrate safe handgun handling and a basic understanding of handgun operation.
Students are encouraged to bring the handgun and holster they intend to carry. However, firearm ownership is not required to attend.
Firearms will be available to rent for students who need one or who would like to try another handgun option. Students needing a rental firearm should contact the instructor before class to reserve one and confirm ammunition and holster requirements.
By the end of the course, students should have a stronger understanding of concealed carry, defensive handgun use, situational awareness, and the responsibilities that come with carrying a firearm for personal protection.
Successful completion prepares students to continue into Part Three: Women’s Advanced Defensive Handgun.
Cancellation Policy: Students are required to cancel at least 48 hours in advance of a class date in order to receive a full refund. Classes cancelled less than 48 hours before the class will not be refunded.
What We'll Teach
Intermediate
In this module, Beth Alcazar expands on the building blocks outlined in Women’s Basic Pistol, with a detailed and visual explanation of the differences, the pros, and the cons of semi-automatics and revolvers; and even how these firearms can malfunction (and the procedures for correcting those malfunctions). Alcazar then introduces the student to holster options for concealed carry, and what every woman (and man) should know about establishing boundaries using the “color codes of awareness.” This lesson is summarized with a number of on and off the range exercises, allowing the student to put these intermediate skills to practice.
Additional Notes from Your Instructor
Ammo is available for purchase at the range. Eye protection and ear protection also available to buy or rent at the range. Firearms are available for rental at the range Only need to bring one firearm but can bring multiple.
Live, Self-Defense Lessons For Everyone
Parents, Teachers, Concerned Citizens, Business Professionals, Churchgoers, and anyone who wants to keep themselves and others safe
What to Bring
- Ammunition
- Close-toed Shoes
- Handgun
- Water / Beverage
- Pen & Notebook
- Extra Magazines
- Speed Loader
- Eye & Ear Protection
- Revolver
What is Provided
- Targets
- Snap Caps
Training Powered By:
We Educate. We Train. We Save Lives.
- Ongoing training to keep your family safe
- Next steps you can take in your training to ensure you are prepared
- Plus: Live Q&A with USCCA-Certified Instructors