Basic Pistol classes starting in South Dakota soon

After spending nearly a year looking for a host range we’ve finally found a range to host the classes that’s withing a reasonable driving distance of Sioux Falls. We’ll be teaching classes out at the Beacon Hill Club in Brookings; because of the time of the year there are only going to be a couple of classes, one in September and one in October. I’m working on getting the dates ironed out right now, but once I do I’ll have links posted to the signup page for each class.

Photo by Shawn Knight
Photo by Shawn Knight

Initially, I’m going to offer one class: Basic Pistol/Defensive Pistol 101. This is an entry level class for people looking to improve their skill with a concealed carry or home defense handgun. What will be covered in the class: the fundamentals of marksmanship, drawing from open and concealed holsters, reloading from open and concealed pouches, multiple shots on a single target and target transitions. Classes will be for a single, 8-9 hour day and will consume 300-400 rounds of pistol ammo. This is a shooting class, and will focus solely on manipulation and working the gun faster and more accurately.

What a student will need:

  • A functioning handgun (pistol or revolver)
  • Sufficient magazines or speedloaders to carry 30 rounds to the line
  • Earpro/eyepro, hats are optional but encouraged
  • Weather appropriate clothing
  • Ample water
  • Note taking device
  • 300-400 rounds of ammo
  • A holster that allows you to safely re-holster one handed (IWB or OWB)
  • Sufficient magazine pouches or speedloader holders
  • Concealment garment

A note on food – we will have a lunch break, however the range is a decent drive from any sort of fast food. I strongly recommend bringing a sack lunch, as well as de-lead wipes. Total cost for the full day class will be $150, which includes a $10 range use fee that goes directly to Beacon Hill.

If you’re interested in classes coming to Sioux Falls, shoot me an email at [email protected] to get on the mailing list for more information. I should be posting class dates and signups soon.

6 Comments

  1. Sufficient mag pouches to carry all 30 rds at once, or your actual load out of a spare mag/speedloader or two?

    1. A shooter with a Glock 17, a mag in the gun, and a single mag pouch with a reload in it would meet the requirements.

      1. Revolver guy would need 4 or 5 reloads plus the gun depending on capacity, most single-stack carriers would need 3 or 4 extra mags. For good or ill, I only carry two reloads typically: 25 rounds total with my Commander, two reloads with a revolver.

        Throwing an extra pouch on is no big deal and a few extra speed strips in the back pocket isn’t a huge burden so I guess the actual question is: is the course of fire planned such that all 30 rounds should be “quick reload accessible” or just “present?”

  2. Any chance you may expand your service area? Say the
    Grand Forks or Fargo areas next year?

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