Question 1

Who should take the Basic Handgun Training course?

Accepted Answer

Anyone new to firearms or wanting to establish proper fundamentals. Whether you're considering firearm ownership, recently purchased your first handgun, or want to improve your basic skills, this course is designed for beginners with little to no shooting experience. We welcome complete novices—our instructors will teach you everything from the ground up.

Question 2

What firearms are covered in the course?

Accepted Answer

We focus on semi-automatic handguns in common calibers (9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP). Most participants use rentals from our range, though you can bring your own if it meets safety standards. Your instructor will help you select the best rental firearm for your size and shooting style.

Question 3

Do I need to bring my own handgun?

Accepted Answer

No. We offer affordable handgun rentals through Hangtown Range. Many students choose to rent first to see what they're comfortable with before purchasing their own. If you do bring your own handgun, it must be unloaded, cased, and presented at the start of class for our instructor's safety check.

Question 4

What's the cost, and does ammunition come with the class?

Accepted Answer

Pricing includes range fees, but ammunition must be purchased separately. Our shop carries bulk ammunition at competitive prices, so you can stock up before or after class.

Question 5

Do I need to pass a background check to take the course?

Accepted Answer

No background check is required to take a training class.

Question 6

What's included in the course fee?

Accepted Answer

Course fees include range rental, instructor time, and access to all training materials. Rentals and ammunition are separate costs. We provide targets and one-on-one feedback throughout the class.

Question 7

What if I've shot before—is this course still useful?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Even experienced shooters benefit from formalizing fundamentals with a qualified instructor. Many find that old habits can be corrected, and structured training improves accuracy and efficiency. We'll assess your baseline and tailor instruction to your skill level.

Question 8

How many students are in a typical class?

Accepted Answer

We keep classes small for personalized attention—typically 2–8 students per instructor. This ensures everyone gets adequate range time and one-on-one feedback. Larger groups can arrange private instruction.

Question 9

What should I bring to the class?

Accepted Answer

Bring valid ID, money for rentals/ammo, eye and ear protection (or rent them from us), and comfortable clothing you can move in. Avoid loose sleeves and dangling jewelry. Bring a notebook if you like to take notes. Everything else—guns, targets, safety equipment—is available at the range.

Question 10

Is there a minimum age requirement?

Accepted Answer

Students must be 21+ to participate in our Basic Handgun Training.

Basic Handgun Training

Why Train?

Requirements

Pricing