Firearms training works best with a plan. Follow these steps from your first class to advanced courses, and use the after action review to lock in what you learn.
Step 1: Know why you are training
Self defense, a concealed carry permit, competition, hunting or duty use. The goal decides the class, the gear and the instructor.
Step 2: Pick a school and an instructor
Start with the Firearm Schools guide for civilian, law enforcement and military programs, then read up on the Firearm Instructors who teach them.
Step 3: Show up ready
A missing holster or a dead set of ear muffs can cost half a day of training. The Training Gear page covers gear, mindset and paperwork.
Step 4: Take the class, then write the after action
Right after class, answer the four questions while the day is fresh: what was planned, what happened, why there was a gap, and what to do next time. What is an after action review?
Step 5: Learn from other students
The Course List holds over 50 after action reports going back to 2006. Read the reports for the class you are considering before you sign up.
Keep training
Skills fade without practice. Book the next class before the last one fades, and test your knowledge between range trips at Tactical Quiz.com.
Site guide
Plan Your Training
- How to Choose a Training Class: What to look for in a course and an instructor.
- Training Schools: Respected schools, what they teach and where.
- Training Schools Map: Every school on one interactive map.
- Firearm Instructors: The trainers behind modern firearms instruction.
Train and Practice
- Training Gear: What to bring to class.
- Firearm Safety Rules: The four rules and range etiquette.
- Practice Drills: 14 standard drills with par times.
Learn From Every Class
- What Is an After Action Review: Why reviewing each class matters.
- Write Your After Action Report: A copy-ready template.
- Training Log: The After Action.net class log, 2006 to 2018, and how to start your own.
History and Reference
- Firearm Schools: Civilian, police and military programs.
- Firearm Training Timeline: Key moments in training history.
- Training Glossary: Common training terms, A to Z.