More students begin their handgun training here than in any other course we offer. The Essential Handgun Skills Course is built for new, returning, and self-taught shooters who want clear professional instruction without pressure or judgment.

During this focused two-hour course, you will work directly with Curtis R. Harwell to develop safe firearm handling, proper grip, stable stance, sight alignment, trigger control, and practical accuracy. You will leave with corrected habits, a clear practice plan, and the dependable foundation needed to continue training responsibly.

This course focuses on the skills every responsible handgun owner must understand and perform correctly:

• Firearm safety and responsible handling
• Safe loading, unloading, and basic handgun operation
• Handgun and ammunition fundamentals
• Proper grip, stance, sight alignment, and sight picture
• Trigger control and practical accuracy
• Identifying and correcting common shooting errors
• Safe storage, maintenance, and at-home practice methods

Every skill is demonstrated, practiced, and corrected through direct hands-on coaching.

The Essential Handgun Skills Course is designed for:

• First-time handgun owners
• New shooters with little or no formal training
• Returning shooters who need to rebuild their fundamentals
• Self-taught shooters who want professional correction
• Gun owners who lack confidence, consistency, or accuracy

You do not need previous shooting experience. You only need a willingness to learn, follow safety instructions, and practice correctly.

• A semi-automatic pistol or revolver
• 50–100 rounds of the correct ammunition
• Required magazines or speedloaders
• Eye and ear protection
• A suitable holster if instructed

If you are uncertain whether your handgun or equipment is appropriate, contact us before your class.

Students are not handed instructions and left to figure everything out alone.

Curtis R. Harwell watches how you handle and operate your handgun, identifies the habits limiting your performance, and provides corrections you can understand and apply immediately.

Your training includes:

• Direct, hands-on professional coaching
• A private outdoor shooting range
• A focused and supportive learning environment
• Instruction adapted to your experience and ability
• Clear corrections without pressure or embarrassment
• A practical plan for continued improvement

We do not simply teach people how to shoot.

We prepare responsible citizens.

Safe and dependable handgun skills are not developed by accident. They are built through correct instruction, purposeful practice, and professional correction.

Reserve your Essential Handgun Skills Course and begin building the safety, control, accuracy, and confidence every responsible handgun owner needs.

Training appointments are available within our 8:30 AM–5:15 PM operating day, Monday through Sunday, except scheduled CWP Saturdays.