Defensive Pistol Skills 3 (NRA CCW)

Course Description: This course provides additional instruction in the fundamentals of defensive handgunning similar to first-level courses taught at the major shooting academies. This course is part of the core curriculum of the 40 hour Defensive Pistol Skills Program.

For 2020 the class has been updated to include some modules of the NRA's CCW course, and an NRA CCW module-specific certificate will be issued to those that attend and pass the NRA CCW qualification course of fire.

DPS 3 includes a graded shooting test that evaluates students' ability to perform the skills taught in the three Defensive Pistol Skills courses, and the NRA CCW class shooting and written tests.

Topics: review of gun safety and skills learned in Defensive Pistol Skills 1 and 2, drawing from concealment while moving to cover, engaging multiple targets, shooting from awkward positions and other defensive handgunning skills.

Length: five hours

For prices and upcoming course dates, check the schedule page.

Prerequisites: Completion of Defensive Pistol Skills 1 and 2, day 1 of the NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home course, or equivalent required. Defensive Pistol Skills 2 includes a graduation test that students must pass in order to be eligible to take DPS-3. Proof of similar training can be submitted to meet the pre-reqs.

Those taking the course to meet NRA CCW instructor eligibility requirements but have had no prior training in drawing from concealment should strongly consider getting some instruction in holster skills prior to attending DPS-3.

Required Equipment: A centerfire handgun, belt holster, a minimum of 2 spare magazines or speedloaders, magazine/speedloader carriers, eye and ear protection, a baseball cap (to deflect spent brass and keep the sun out of your eyes) and a minimum of 300 rounds of ammunition.

Optional Equipment: See the general policies page for suggestions on food, drink, clothing, etc.

Taught by: Karl Rehn

Facility: A-Zone Range

Additional information: 2020 update: the new NRA CCW course is broken up into modules and we have incorporated some of those modules into the DPS-3 course.