General Course Description

USCCA’s “Women’s Handgun & Self-Defense Fundamentals” is a welcoming and engaging training guide created by a woman for women who are seeking to begin, improve upon, or add to their firearms skills. The full curriculum has three distinct modules (Women's Basic Pistol, Women's Intermediate Pistol, and Women's Defensive Pistol). It's designed to reach students who are brand new to firearms and those who are ready to learn more about defensive shooting.

Level 3: Defensive Handgun

What We'll Cover in This Course

In this class, we're offering the Defensive module only. That's "Level 3" of the three-part WHSDF curriculum. The defensive module includes the following possible topics, time permitting (note that we're offering an abbreviated version of this course, so we'll shorten some topics in the interest of time):

• Universal Safety Rules (review from Levels 1 and 2)
• Defensive mindset
• Use of force principles
• Cover and concealment
• Voice commands
• Drawing from a holster
• Drawing from a bag
• Reloading (review from Level 2)
• Fundamentals of marksmanship (review from Levels 1 and 2)
• Defensive accuracy
• Dry-fire exercises (review)
• Defensive live-fire exercises, to include :

• Drawing from the holster
• Shooting from retention
• The side-step (getting "off the X")
• Shooting from kneeling
• Introduction to shooting timers
• Acclimating to various environmental stimuli
• Emergency reloading
• And lots more!
• NOTE: Our primary focus will be learning to safely draw from the holster and re-holster a handgun. We'll run through those skills dry and live until everyone is safe and comfortable. All other topics will be covered as time permits, based on the pacing of the class.

Equipment List (Level 3: Defensive)

For the Defensive module, please bring the following:

• Reliable defensive pistol (please contact us if you don't have one)
• 50 rounds of ammunition
• A quality defensive holster (holster must fully cover the trigger and must not collapse when the gun is removed)
• ALLOWED: Strong-side hip or appendix holsters only please (no small-of-the-back, ankle, etc.)
• NOT ALLOWED: Any holsters that require pushing a button to release the gun (Blackhawk Serpa models, etc.)
• A concealment garment (closed front like a t-shirt or pullover; or open-front like a blazer or cardigan; or both)
• At least one extra magazine (or speedloader, for the revolver shooters)
• A method of storing the extra magazine on your person (mag pouch, pocket, etc.)
• Water, snacks, medication, and anything else to keep yourself comfortable
• Note-taking materials
• A positive attitude
• An open mind
• A great big smile

If you have a concealed carry permit, feel free to come to class with your firearm in your holster. If not (or if you're not comfortable carrying yet), just bring the firearm enclosed in a gun case or range bag. Thanks!

Kudos to A Girl and A Gun

We're offering this drastically-discounted course in conjunction with the A Girl and a Gun Women's Shooting League. Special thanks to the Middle Tennessee Chapter for hosting us. If you're not a member, please consider joining!

Want to Get a Head Start?

For those who like to prepare in advance, check out our online self-study course called Defensive Handgun Overview. It's available on CSA's Online Training Hub. The online class is not a mandatory prerequisite, but it's a great supplement to Women's Defensive Pistol for those who want a quick primer that they can breeze through from the comfort of their homes before attending the live-fire course.