Jim Gorges
Instructor # 2462033 | American Freedom Defense
Certified with the USCCA since 11/7/2021
Certification Renewal Date 11/7/2026
USCCA Certifications
- Concealed Carry & Home Defense
- Countering the Mass Shooter
My Biography
Jim is the primary instructor, owner, operator for American Freedom Defense, LLC. He retired from law enforcement in 2021 after 20 years of service, 12 of which he was an Undersheriff/Captain for Idaho County. He is a POST certified instructor and holds several LEO instructor certificates. Jim uses his instructor skills along with his real life experiences to train both civilians and LEO’s at AFD. In 2007, Jim was attacked in his home which resulted in a gun fight with the suspect while his 5 and 7-year-old children were in the same room. Jim was shot once in the arm and returned fire with two rounds which put the suspect to the ground, ending the battle. Jim credits his trainers for the successful outcome of this engagement. Amy is the primary instructor for beginner classes and women only classes. Amy is an NRA certified instructor. She is the assistant instructor for Jim at all AFD classes. Jim Gorges Jim’s Experience Instructor for AFD, 8 years Law Enforcement, 20 years Idaho County Undersheriff, 12 years Firearms instructor, 15 years Tactical team commander, 12 years Jim’s Certifications USCCA Instructor for CCHD Peace Officer Standards and Training Certificates: Firearms Instructor Patrol Rifle (Carbine) Instructor Combat Firearms Instructor Defensive Tactics/Arrest Techniques Instructor Peace Officer, Advanced Certificate Phoenix RBT Solutions, LLC Certificate: Ultimate Training Munitions Instructor Amy's Certifcations: USCCA Instructor for CCHD NRA Basic Pistol NRA CCW NRA Refuse to be a Victim
Current Classes Available
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Learn the two fundementals of marksmanship that must be in place to hit your desired target area. Learn how to collect data from any misses and correct it, These classes will substantially increase your accuracy and speed regardless of your skill level.
Improve your recoil management skills in this course. The better we can manage our recoil resulting in a faster our follow up shots will be when when we link consecutive shots together.
This course give you the necessary training and state training form to apply for your Idaho enhanced CWP. This cours will cover Safety, Marksmanship, pistol manipulation, Use of Force and Liability / legal, mental conditioning, speed reloads, clearing type 1 malfunctions, and point shooting or instinctive shooting
This class focuses on sight acquisition upon presentationfrom the holster, or re-presentation on the target after reloading or fixing a malfunction. We will learn how to slow down the extension to allow us to clean up our presentation upon extension upon our desired target area. Once sight alighnment is cleaned up, we will add speed. We will work on adding speed on the first round out of the holster. At the end of this class most students find their full speed extension produces an accurate faster first shot.
This class focuses on the reality of concealed carry and addresses some of the restrictions and considerations of concealed carry in colder climate and low light conditions such as:
- Bulky clothing - How does it affect access to our gun and how much does it slow us down?
- Lighting - What artificial light source do you carry and does it work?
- Accuracy- Is our concealed choice practical, and what are the limitations?
- Can we work our gun effctively with gloves?
- How does the cold and dark affect our vision and response time?
Idaho Enhanced CWP / USCCA CCW and home defense course.
This is force on force scenario based training with our UTM (Ultimate Training Munition) training systems. The focus of this course is threat assessment and the apropriate use of force. Other considerations are: De escalation, pre assualt indicators, and prevention.
Pistol / Rifle deployment focuses on deploying the right gun, at the right time, for the right reason in a deadly use of force situation. Some of the considerations covered will be: Deploying from your vehicle, house, engaging through windows, and windshields, over penatration, and confined spaces,
Women only in this Intro to Handguns course, with instructor Amy Gorges. This class is very basic and is designed to make you feel comfortable with pistols. This class consist of 3 hours of classroom and 1 hour of range time. This class will cover: Safety Marksmanship Pistol manipulation/handling Basic pistol care and storage Detailed explanation of revolver and semi-auto pistol functions Ammo specifications Beginner live fire
In this course we will cover:
*Handgun 2 (Finding your balance of accuracy and speed) Course Outline: • Identifying the 2 fundamentals that are required for an accurate shot placement • Acceptable sight package • Trigger control • How to apply the remaining fundamentals to link accurate shots together • Add speed to consecutive shots to match your skill level • Judging the target size relative to the distance and applying the appropriate technique • Speed reloads
Handgun 3 will cover: Handgun 3 Course description: • Type 1 and Type 2 and Type 3 malfunctions • Off hand shooting • One handed strong hand shooting • One hand Off hand shooting • Kneeling and seated shooting positions • Movement platform • CQB concepts • Threat assessment
Handgun 5 will cover:
H-5 Course description This course is all reality-based training using our UTM (Ultimate Training Munitions) This training is as real as it gets in is designed for those wanting to take their training to another level. In this course we will cover: • Force on target in and around structures • Threat assessment • Force on role player threat assessment • Force on force Scenario based training • Mental conditioning • Safe and efficient threat engagement in public environments • Crossfire considerations
Our introductory carbine class teaches you the fundamentals of using a carbine and how to use it in conjunction with your handgun. AFD’s Handgun 1 or safety orientation are prerequisites for this class.
Carbine 1 will cover: Nomenclature of your carbine Sighting in your carbine Carbine safety Basic operation of your carbine Appropriate use a carbine Tactical considerations Using a carbine alongside a pistol Mental Conditioning Speed Reloads
Equipment Needed for Classes: • A carbine (semi-automatic) rifle, • 200 rounds of rifle Ammo • 50 rounds of pistol ammo • A sling • At least one extra rifle magazine • A pistol • At least one extra pistol magazine • A holster for the pistol • Electronic hearing • Eye protection • Close toed shoes. Gun rentals are available upon request. Ammo, and range gear are available to rent or purchase at the AFD classroom. Please order prior to class day.
Carbine 2 Course description
Carbine manipulation Target acquisition Transitioning from rifle to pistol Reloads (Tactical and speed) Moving and shooting Pivot threat assessment to side, and rear Clearing Type 1, 2, and 3 malfunctions
Equipment Needed for Classes: • A carbine (semi-automatic) rifle, • 200 rounds of rifle Ammo • 50 rounds of pistol ammo • A sling • At least one extra rifle magazine • A pistol • At least one extra pistol magazine • A holster for the pistol • Electronic hearing protection • Eye protection • Close toed shoes. Optional equipment • Knee pads • Elbow pads • Gloves Gun rentals are available upon request. Ammo, and range gear are available to rent or purchase at the AFD classroom. Please order prior to class day.
Carbine 3 Outline
In Carbine 3, we teach you advanced skills for confidently running your carbine in a variety of environments and scenarios. In our most advanced carbine class, we cover:
• Carbine weapon retention • Compromised shooting positions • Off side shooting • Use of barricades • Bounding overwatch • Room movement with a carbine
Equipment Needed for Classes: • A carbine (semi-automatic) rifle, • 200 rounds of rifle Ammo • 50 rounds of pistol ammo • A sling • At least one extra rifle magazine • A pistol • At least one extra pistol magazine • A holster for the pistol • Electronic hearing • Eye protection • Close toed shoes.
Gun rentals are available upon request. Ammo, and range gear are available to rent or purchase at the AFD classroom. Please order prior to class day.
Countering the Mass Shooter Threat In this course we will break down statistics of mass killers' motives, rounds fired, what guns are typically used, rates of fire, typical environment they choose and more. These statistics from USCCA’s “Countering Mass Shooter threats” by Michael Martin will give us a better understanding of what drives these killers so we can counter them quickly. USCCA analyzes data gathered from 48 mass shootings that have occurred since Columbine to determine what can be learned from these tragedies, including whether a reduction in magazine capacity or the banning of any class of firearm, would have changed the outcome. AFD Instructor Jim Gorges is a certified USCCA Instructor for Countering a Mass Shooter. This class is a combination of presentation and practical training. We will be using AFD’s UTM (Ultimate Training Munitions) for reality-based training. Teaching students about interrupting the OODA Loop of the shooter and other tactics. This is as real as it gets. All equipment and UTM Man Marker Rounds will be provided. Students will not need any of their own ammunition or their guns.
This personal defense course is designed for intermediate to advanced handgun shooters. Little time will be spent on basic fundamentals and weapon handling. Students should have a basic understanding of safe weapon handling before attending this class. Some of the subjects covered in this class are:
We will focus on techniques including draw, reloads, weapon retention, movement shooting, fighting multiple assailants, mental conditioning in an extremely close quarters and confined space. We will include other technique considerations when presenting your firearm isn’t practical or accessible.
Students will need:
*Handgun (semi auto or revolver)
*Holster
*Extra magazines
*Eye and ear protection
*Proper clothing for the range
This women's only training is always on the second Friday of every month instructed by Amy Gorges.
Each month we focus on a different training topic. If you are on our email list you will receive the training topic for that month a few weeks before class date. You can also email us to get the training topic for that month.
Prerequisite for this class is an prior AFD class or an AFD safety orientation
Each month we focus on a different training topic. If you are on our email list you will receive the training topic for that month a few weeks before class date.You can also email us to get the training topic for that month.
This F.A.S.T (Fundamentals of accuracy and speed techniques) is designed for the basic to intermediate shooter who would like to begin to learn the balance of accuracy and speed.
AFD’s competition shooter Tyler Stephens will be instructing this course. Each month we will be holding monthly refresher trainings on Sundays to be scheduled. Some of the topic covered in this course are:
Hitting your desired target area based on the target size relative to the distance Choosing the appropriate sight package Controlling your trigger for consecutive shot strings Recoil management Transitioning to multiple target techniques Seeing faster Efficiency of motion For this course you will need:
A semi auto pistol
A quality holster
2 spare magazines
Magazine holders
USCCA Protector academy level 1, 2, and 3 and AFD Personal Assessment Course
12:00 to 4:00 – Friday Nov. 25th Cost = $100
During this 4 hour course students will shoot courses of fire, each with an emphasis on a particular skill set. Skill set focus ranges from accuracy to speed, moving platform, tactics and more.
These courses of fire are designed to give the shooter an assessment of what skill level they are at for a given skill. The instructors will give you feedback and considerations to work on as you train.
Some courses are no time limit, whereas some are with aggressive time restraints and varying degrees of accuracy requirements.
You can attend any or all the courses. The registration fee is a flat fee for 1 or all the courses of fire. The schedule for the day is as follows:
USCCA Protector academy qualifications 12:00 to 12:30- USCCA Level 1
12:30- 1:15- USCCA Level 2
1:15-2:00 USCCA Level 3
Concealed Carry Training:
This course will focus on handgun training using your concealed carry gun, and holster as you normally carry every day. Students are encouraged to bring only what they carry on their body day in and day out. This will give students a good evaluation of what works well and what doesn’t work with your current choice in handgun, holster, and gear. Other considerations are cold weather clothing, low light conditions, maneuverability, and other restrictions.
AFD’s Binden Aiming target acquisition course:
This class is developed by AFD from the Binden Aiming concept fundamentals. Through research and testing, we have expanded the Binden Aiming concept to optics. In this course you will learn how to develop an aiming concept using both your dominate and non-dominate eyes. You will learn how to maximize your efficiency with both eyes open and target focus, whether or not you are currently shooting with both eyes open. Learn how to get your brain to see 1 image of the target scene produced from both eyes without needing to search for your optic.
We will also work on the “Train Fast” method of training. We will work on conditioning ourselves to get up on target with efficiency of motion, see the target scene immediately and eliminate the need to “over confirm” our sights.
Students registering for this class should have the 6 steps of marksmanship in place. It will be especially important for students to have trigger control in place. If you need training on trigger control, AFD’s handgun 2 class should be taken prior to this class.
Equipment list:
handgun with Optic Holster
200 rounds of ammunition
Spare Mags Elecrtronic hearing protection
Normal range gear
AFD Instructor Conrad Banez will be teaching Stop the Bleed course on Oct. 1st from 8 to 11 am.
This course will focus on:
The immediate safe response to bleeding. Donning of personal protective equipment to protect oneself from exposure to blood borne pathogens. Types of bleed kits to have in the car, house, bug-out bag & EDC). How to recognize life threatening bleeding situations. Take appropriate steps to control bleeds until help arrives. Proper techniques to apply pressure Proper techniques to apply dressing Proper techniques to apply tourniquets
American Freedom Defense instructor Conrad Banez will provide American Red Cross training in advanced life saving skills to everyday, always ready citizens.
The purpose of the American Red Cross CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers program is to train professional-level rescuers to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in adults, children and infants until more advanced medical personnel arrive on scene.
The intent of AFD offering this course is train individuals with a high moral standard to respond to emergencies. This program combines discussions, video and hands-on training. Real-world rescue scenarios to reinforce decision-making skills.
Topics include:
Primary assessment
Breathing emergencies/Choking (incl. conscious and unconscious)
Ventilations (incl. use of CPR breathing barriers and use of BVMs)
CPR (incl. one- and two-rescuer)
AED deployment
Optional: training in Stop The Bleed techniques
Lunch will be provided for you as with all AFD classes.
About Instructor Conrad Banez:
Conrad Banez is a certifiedinstructor with the USCCA (United States Concealed Carry Association) withAmerican Freedom Defense. Conrad is passionate about training and drives toprovide invaluable training that will enhance the quality of life we treasuremost, our family and friends.
Conrad has been aninstructor in multiple disciplines for approximately 20 years including
· Army Special Operations Arctic Warfare soldier (2nd RBT-detachment& 3rd ASOS)
· Occupational Safety & Health in the construction and health industries
· Red Cross Instructor for Emergency Medical Responders & Rescue
· ALICE/ALERRT/DHS Instructor specializing in active shooterresponse planning in multiple industries
· FEMA instructor for various natural disaster planning
Conrad specializes in advising and training corporations andacademia facilities in emergency preparedness and planning to protect its mosttreasured asset…you.
Prior to Conrad’s careerboom in Occupational Safety and Health, he joined the United States Armystraight after high school and served approximately six years before beinghonorably discharged. His journey through the military afforded him invaluableweapons and survival training in extreme cold weather, desert and mountainoperations and tactics. Conrad then worked in the private military securitysector for a brief stint prior to 9/11 with Blackwater and Wackenhut Group (nowG4S).
Due to a rapidly growingfamily and injuries that Conrad sustained in the military and as a privatemilitary security contractor (PMSC), he ventured off to pursue a career incommercial diving and became a diver medic.
Conrad’s training andexperience as an Army soldier, PMSC and a deep sea commercial diver, providedhim the skill set that prepared him for an enriched career as a safetyprofessional in the construction and medical industry where his passion forteaching took off.
His desire to teachindividuals, families, communities and businesses how to manage personal andprofessional risk exposure stems from his oath to defend this nation fromenemies foreign and domestic.
Conrad’s Certifications:
· USCCA Concealed Carry & Home Defense Fundamentals Instructor
· USCCA Countering the Mass Shooter Instructor
· Red Cross Emergency Medical Response Instructor
· Stop The Bleed Instructor
· ALICE Instructor
· OSHA Instructor
Low light level 1 This course teaches the fundamentals of operating a handgun in low light conditions. 50% of this training will be indoors. Topics covered will include: • Low light engagement statistics • The human eye’s ability to adapt to low light conditions. • Disadvantages and advantages of low light conditions • How to use advantages to leverage against our aggressor • How to minimize disadvantages (Do’s and Don’ts in low light conditions • Weapon mounted light Vs. handheld flashlight pros and cons • Handgun mounted light hold techniques. • Aligning your light source with your muzzle. • Live fire practical training
Pistol low light level 2 AFD’s low light level 2 covers intermediate tactics in low light conditions. There are specific challenges in low light conditions that can put us at a disadvantage. This course covers how to use those disadvantages to our advantage to leverage against our attacker. Topics covered include: • The “Splash and Move” technique. • The importance of keeping off the X. • Low light press checks, and making ready • Low Light reloads • Low light malfunctions • Low light cover tactics • Low light threat assessment practical training
Pistol low light advanced tactics level 3 AFD’s advanced low light course is reality-based training. Our UTM (Ultimate Training Munition) systems will be used exclusively. UTM training system is “as real as it gets”. Force on target, force on role player, and force on force will be a part if this course. Some of the topics covered in this course will be: • Low light threat assessment with living breathing targets • Low light movement • Low light room clearing • Gaining compliance from the aggressor • Creating a home protection plan • Getting ourselves and family to a position of advantage
Real Estate Agent Safety AFD is offering the USCCA Real Estate Agent Safety seminar and training. Join the next presentation at AFD on Wed Feb. 7th 5:30 to 6:30 by registering on our website, (afdidaho.com) or you can schedule a private training at AFD or your office. Classes reserved at AFD will include AFD’s social hour with free drinks and snacks. This seminar is designed to give agents an overview of vulnerabilities. After gaining the knowledge covered in this presentation, agencies can choose to schedule specific reality-based training. This 1-hour presentation outlines areas of concern for real estate agents. Topics covered in this seminar are: 1) Why are real estate agents at risk? 2) Situational awareness 3) How stress affects the body 4) Mindset and defensive strategies 5) Defensive options 6) Statistical areas of vulnerability 7) Threat indicators 8) Pre assault indicators 9) Proactive measures to interrupt the attack cycle 10) Mindset and defensive strategies 11) Ingress and egress to and from properties 12) Meeting parameters 13) Developing Standard Operating Procedures To schedule your Real Estate Safety training by emailing us at training@afdidaho.com or calling 208-935-5734.
Pistol/Rifle UTM/Simunition reality based use of force training:
In this training we will focus on threat assessment and the legal use of deadly force.
Other considerations will be:
• Pre- assault indicators
• Changing the aggressor’s behavior using the least amount of force necessary.
• Being mentally prepared to use deadly force with 100% commitment and without hesitation.
• De-escalating when the aggressor has changed his / her behavior.
We will use SIRT training pistols and UTM (Ultimate Training Munitions) for this entire training (No live fire) Students will need their AR rifles to convert to UTMs, a light jacket, heavy pants, and gloves. AFD will supply all other equipment needed.
UTM training allows force on force training. What is normally a paper or stationary target on the range becomes a living, breathing person that can move, talk, and interact with you creating a rapidly evolving situation as it is in the real world. UTM scenario-based training is “as real as it gets”.
Date Night: $200 per couple
Learn new skills to help protect what's yours! Class is from 1:00 to 5:00 pm. Followed by a catered dinner and drinks. Train with your favorite partner- your spouse. He/she is your best option for help in a home defense situation. Quality time together, including handgun training and dinner in a relaxing environment adds up to a fun date night!
Dinner catered by AFD Chef, Dan Enmonds.
If you or your spouse has not trained at AFD, a 2 hour safety orientation to can be done prior to class at 11:30 as an option at checkout. Or, the safety orientation can be scheduled anytime at your convenience prior to class for $25 each.
The cost for this event is $200 per couple ($250 with safety orientation)
Equipment Needed for Classes:
Handgun (either revolver or semi-automatic)
Ammo
At least one extra magazine (unless it’s a revolver)
Hearing and eye protection
Close toed shoes
A holster that fits securely on your body and a belt.
Gun rentals, ammo and all gear are available right here at AFD to rent or purchase.
Registration can be cancelled up to 2 weeks prior to class for a full refund. After that date your registration fee is non-refundable.
Unused registration fees will be transferred to our youth fund.
Handgun Level 5 (H-5) – Advanced Defensive Skills
This course builds on your foundation and prepares you for responsible defensive shooting in real-world environments.
You’ll develop both mindset and skill through:
Threat Assessment – Identify and respond to potential threats with clarity Compromised Positions – Shoot effectively from non-ideal positions Mental Conditioning – Improve focus and decision-making under pressure Public Environment Engagement – Apply safe, accountable shooting practices around others Cover & Concealment – Use available protection while managing exposure Room Movement – Move safely and efficiently through interior spaces This course emphasizes control, awareness, and responsible application—not just shooting ability.
Designed for experienced shooters ready to train with greater purpose and accountability.
Not every situation allows you to barricade and wait for law enforcement. If a loved one may be in danger inside your home, you may be forced to move through the structure to locate them or stop an immediate threat.
This hands-on course teaches the principles of defensive room clearing, dynamic movement, and direct-to-threat tactics using realistic scenarios and practical application.
Students will begin by learning the fundamentals of slow, deliberate room clearing—the most technical and demanding method of moving through a structure. You'll learn how to prioritize areas of concern, safely negotiate hallways, doorways, intersections, and corners, recognize danger areas, and minimize unnecessary exposure while maintaining a clear objective.
As scenarios evolve, you'll learn when your objective should change. A methodical search may quickly become a direct movement to a known threat or an urgent rescue of a family member. Through guided drills, you'll develop the decision-making skills necessary to adapt to changing circumstances.
Throughout the class, you'll practice:
Principles of safe and deliberate room clearing Dynamic entry techniques for locating a loved one or unknown threat Direct-to-threat movement when the threat or victim's location is known Priorities of work Managing corners, hallways, and fatal funnels Maintaining a clear objective while adapting to changing situations
This course is instructed by Jim Gorges, using the most up-to-date tactics and proceedures.
Lt. Col. Dave Grossman – Two-Day Special Event Cottonwood, Idaho Train with One of the World's Leading Authorities on Combat Psychology, Human Performance, and Survival Under Extreme Stress
AFD Firearms Training is honored to host Lt. Col. Dave Grossman, internationally recognized author of On Combat and On Killing, for an exclusive two-day event that will challenge the way you think about violence, preparation, leadership, and protecting those you love.
Whether you are a responsible armed citizen, law enforcement officer, military member, first responder, security professional, church leader, or simply someone committed to protecting your family, this is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the most influential instructors in the world.
This event features two outstanding presentations that can be attended individually or together for the complete experience.
AFD founder Jim Gorges credits Lt. Col. Dave Grossman's mindset training with helping him prevail during a 2007 armed home invasion after being shot by an intruder while defending his family with his young children just feet away.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE OCTOBER 1ST
Friday, November 13 (The Angelus Center 122 Substation Rd. Cottonwood) (REGISTRATION DEADLINE October 1st) The Bulletproof Mind
8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Violence places extraordinary demands on the human mind and body. Success is determined long before the moment of crisis.
In this powerful full-day presentation, Lt. Col. Grossman explains the psychology and physiology of combat, how stress affects decision-making, and how proper preparation dramatically improves performance when lives are on the line.
Topics Include: Mental preparation before violence occurs The psychology and physiology of combat Decision-making under extreme stress Performance under pressure Building resilience before, during, and after critical incidents Lessons learned from military, law enforcement, and first responders Developing the mindset necessary to prevail when seconds matter
Whether your goal is personal protection, professional development, or leadership under pressure, this presentation provides knowledge that applies far beyond the battlefield.
Saturday, November 14 (The Angelus Center 122 Substation Rd. Cottonwood) (REGISTRATION DEADLINE October 1st) House of Worship Security
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Churches have become increasingly vulnerable to violence, making preparation more important than ever.
This faith-centered presentation equips pastors, church leaders, greeters, volunteers, and security teams with practical strategies to help protect their congregation while preserving a welcoming environment.
Topics Include: Building an effective church security ministry Recognizing and preventing violence before it begins Emergency planning and response Active killer response considerations Biblical principles of protection and stewardship Leadership during critical incidents
Whether your church has an established safety team or is just beginning to discuss security, this presentation provides practical guidance that can be implemented immediately.
Reality Pistol 4: Dynamic Movement
Premium Applied Defense Training with UTM Force-on-Force Training
Includes all required training munitions
(same Reality Series introduction)
Our Reality Series doesn’t just grade your shooting. It grades your decisions.
Traditional range training develops marksmanship and firearm handling skills. Reality-based UTM Force-on-Force training transforms those skills into confident performance under pressure. Like a boxer progressing from shadowboxing and heavy bag work to stepping into the ring, responsible defenders must test their training against thinking, reacting opponents. Step into our ring and discover how your training performs when it matters most.
The environment is no longer predictable.
No more static lanes. No more predictable outcomes. Real people. Real decisions. Real consequences. Limited to 8 students
As situations become more complex, your ability to solve problems becomes more important than your ability to shoot accurately.
Reality Pistol IV places students into increasingly dynamic scenarios where movement, communication, malfunction management, and decision-making must occur simultaneously against live role players.
Every scenario is designed to expose weaknesses while building confidence under stress.
Skills Developed
Type I, II, and III malfunction clearances One-handed firearm manipulation Strong-hand and support-hand operation Engaging threats from multiple directions Seated and unconventional shooting positions Action vs. reaction principles Shooting while moving Expect uncertainty.
Expect pressure.
Expect to improve.
Tuition:
Regular: $150
Silver: $100 (1/2 price + $50 Munitions)
Gold: $50 (Munitions only)
Includes required training munitions
Pistol level 2 — Marksmanship Focused
Build on Your Existing Skills
You know how to safely operate your pistol. Now it’s time to learn how to shoot it accurately—and begin adding speed without sacrificing accuracy.
Learn how to "Operate the trigger as many times as necessary without interference in the stability of the muzzle outside the target area" The concept is simple, but difficult to accmoplish. In this course, you will earn how to accomplish and retain this skill.
This class is designed for men, women, and youth age 12 and older who already understand the basic functions and safe operation of their handgun and want to take their shooting skills to the next level.
Students will move beyond the basic fundamentals and focus on developing the two essential building blocks of effective defensive shooting: accuracy and speed. Through structured, hands-on range training, students will work to improve precision, consistency, shot placement, and the ability to increase speed while maintaining control and accuracy.
Accuracy and speed are foundational skills for defensive shooting. Once these skills are developed, they can be combined with defensive skills and eventually advanced tactics. Regardless of the level of training, accuracy and speed should always remain present.
This class is taught by AFD Instructor Jim Gorges and provides the foundation necessary for students who want to continue progressing into defensive pistol and tactical training.
Topics include:
Refining fundamental marksmanship skills Improving accuracy and shot placement Building consistency and precision Developing speed while maintaining accuracy Trigger control and sight management Target size relitive to the distance skills Structured drills designed to measure and improve performance Beginning to integrate speed and accuracy Building the marksmanship foundation for defensive and tactical training
Prerequisite: Students should already understand the basic functions and safe operation of their handgun.
Open to men, women, and youth age 12 and older.
Defensive Handgun
Take Your Skills From the Range to Personal Defense
Instructors: Jim & Amy Gorges, AFD Firearms Training
Accuracy and speed are the foundation. Now it’s time to put those skills into a defensive context.
This class is designed to take the handgun skills you already have and begin merging them with defensive tactics focused on personal protection. Students will work through practical defensive shooting concepts that require them to apply accuracy, speed, movement, and handgun manipulation while considering the realities of a defensive encounter.
This class is a natural progression for students who have completed Pistol Level 2, but Pistol Level 2 is not required to attend. If you already have a solid understanding of your handgun and its basic operation, you can enroll in Defensive Handgun as a stand-alone class.
Students will work on skills including shooting from different positions, one-handed shooting, movement, malfunction response, and beginning defensive concepts such as threat assessment and close-quarters considerations.
The goal is not simply to shoot faster or more accurately. It is to begin learning how to apply those skills when the circumstances are no longer static.
Topics include:
Applying accuracy and speed in defensive situations Strong-hand and support-hand shooting One-handed shooting Kneeling and seated shooting positions The importance of movement Movement and positioning concepts Integrating marksmanship with defensive tactics
This class provides the foundation for continuing into more advanced defensive and tactical training.
Prerequisite: Students must have a working knowledge of their handgun and basic handgun safety and operation. Pistol Level 2 is recommended but not required.
Open to men, women, and youth age 12 and older.
Necessary Gear:
Handgun Brimmed hat (Baseball style cap) 100 rounds of ammunition At least one extra magazine (unless it’s a revolver) Electronic ear muffs Safety glasses (Prescription Eye glasses are fine) Close toed shoes A holster that fits securely on your waistband A belt proper clothing for an outdoor covered range; we transition from indoor classroom to outdoor range during the day.


