Our 1 day Intro to Pistol Optics (previously named Intro to the Red Dot) is for "Pistol Optics beginners" and the newer shooter. If we could sum this classes focus & goals up into one paragraph it would be "This 8 hour class is designed to introduce you to Pistol Optics, Pro & Cons of this style sighting system, and “find the dot” with efficiency in a repeatable draw.".
FUNDAMENTALS are the key to everything! Our 1 day Intro to Pistol Optics is designed to introduce you to the pistol optic mounted sighting System, defensive shooting and help improve your skills. In this class you will learn the importance of stance, grip, Red Dot sights, follow through and trigger through dry practice and live fire. We will introduce "presenting from a holster" and practice drawing during dry fire/ live fire.
The ability to present your firearm and make accurate hits sooner is the focus for this 1 day class. The fundamentals will be explored in a series diagnostic drills focused around the process of drawing the firearm efficiently. These drills will help create essential skills and solid fundamentals for the continued improvement of your Red Dot shooting competency.
The way we aim our firearm is an area that sees constant improvement. Over a decade ago rifle optics went through significant changes with the introduction of red dot sights. These sights offered a tremendous advantage in speed, accuracy, and application. Unfortunately, back then, optics for pistols were not as easy to set up or robust enough for every day use.
Times have changed and now most companies offer pistols ready to accept red dot sights straight from the factory. We now have a wide selection of red dot sights that are ready for every day carry.
Pistol Optic sights offer a number of advantages for the pistol shooter.
The most important is "target focus" which allows the shooter to clearly see the target with a red dot superimposed on it.
Secondly, the red dot is simpler to understand. With pistol optics you are only "placing a dot" on the target. With iron sights you have three planes of focus which is obviously not as simple when compared.
Next, you have the ease when dealing with certain vision issues during shooting and it is found to be easier when dealing with difficult positions.
Last, is the ability to "track" in recoil and transitions. That bright red paintbrush of the red dot optic is hard to miss.
All of these factors are significant advantages for the shooter but IT WILL require an understanding of the red dot sighting system.
The following subjects above and below will be covered:
Finding the dot during the draw
Repeatable draws and reference points
Target focus and using stereoscopic vision
Ammo makes a difference
Proper settings for the brightness of the red dot sight
Wet optics and downed optic drills
Skill Level:
This class will require you to have safe gun handling skills
You need to be able to follow directions from our coaches
You need to have a basic understanding of your firearms and have used it during practice sessions.
Cancellation Policy: We offer no refunds. If you have to cancel, we invite you to attend another class within a 12 month period of that class.
Closing: We will finish classes with a few words from your coaches, Certificates of Participation (or emailed), and hand out White Ant Rank Patches.
TOP SHOT: Our Top Shot Award (and prize) will be given out to the person that shoots the highest score on the "end of day" test. This is a HUGE accomplishment that should not go unnoticed. CONGRATS!
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED AWARD: Our Challenge Accepted Award goes out too the person that faced their fears, changed their mindset, and worked their bums off to accept the challenge of working through obstacles. The person that earns this award will also receive a "one on one" consultation with Tom Kelly of Dark Star Gear. You will discuss your current gear, goals and ways to improve your shooting journey. This consult will include up to $250 GIFT CERTIFICATE. This GC will be "spent" according to your gear "needs" after your consultation. Thank you Dark Star Gear!
HOSTED: 1 Day Intro to Pistol Optics is very popular to host on the Friday BEFORE another 2 Day class.
9am-6:00pm (arrive 8:30am)
You will register/pay for courses online through the SCHEDULE page. Keep the receipt, payment is your first confirmation. Your second and official confirmation from me will arrive via email about a week prior to class (check your SPAM). Please arrive to class 30 minutes early to complete waivers and registration.
Please understand that in this one day class our "Ant Rank Challenges" do not apply but you will receive a WHITE ANT RANK PATCH (when applicable). There will be a scored TOP SHOT and other challenges. Your Certificate of Participation will be handed out or emailed.
GEAR LIST:
Red Dot Sights/Pistol Optics ONLY
Pistol w/holster (strong side, inside, outside waistband or appendix is fine)
You can RENT a H&K VP9 with a Holosun pistol optic aka a Red Dot. We have red and green available.
Holsters that collapse (leather, soft, etc.) when drawn will NOT be allowed on our range. NO SERPA HOLSTERS will be allowed on our range. Please make note that if you show up with any of the above, we will ask you to CHANGE so you can comply with our range rules. THIS IS WHY!
Duty belt/rig is APPROVED
Don't forget your LockedIn Grip Liquid Shooting Sports Chalk.
Concealment garment is NOT required but strongly encouraged. Please make note, there is NO concealment with DUTY RIG.
There is a $20-25 CASH per day "range/facility" fee. This will depend on the location. Just bring $25 cash per day so you are covered. We will collect this when you finish registration the morning of class.
1 day course: 400 rounds of factory loaded ammunition
ALWAYS bring an additional 100 round to ANY course you attend. You never know when you will need it
Magazine pouch (if none don’t worry pockets work well)
A sturdy belt for the holster and magazine pouches (try your gear on prior to class)
Extra magazines: Double Stack x 3 mags and Single stack x 4 or more mags
