ABOUT THIS COURSE

Practical Pistol Dynamics (Level 1 Pistol) is a professionally-instructed immersive training program that is designed to benefit both the newer shooter as well as the experienced shooter who seeks improved understanding and proficiency in defensive shooting concepts and techniques while learning new concepts, techniques, and methodologies that are contextually relevant to likely self-defense scenarios.

SCIENCE-BACKED TRAINING FOR MAXIMUM PERFORMANCE

This course goes beyond traditional firearms training. It is built on proven human-performance research to ensure effective skill development. By integrating evidence-based training methodologies and andragogical best practices, this program is structured to maximize learning efficiency, as well as the retention and real-world application of critical motor skills.

EXPERT INSTRUCTION

All training programs are led by certified law enforcement firearms instructors with specialized tactical shooting instruction ratings. Our cadre of instructors brings extensive operational experience, curriculum development expertise, and a deep understanding of how people learn under stress and ambiguity, drawn from backgrounds in educational psychology and neuroscience. That means they do more than teach range techniques. They build training that sticks, improves performance, and helps students carry what they learn on the range into real-world operational environments.

ITINERARY & LEARNING MODULE OVERVIEW

The three (3) days preceding the day of the class:

Three (3) daily priming modules are delivered via email each day, with supplemental reading and video content delivered via email.
- Time requirement: 10 mins per day

NOTE: Students who enroll/register within this three-day window will receive the priming modules in one email.

Day of Class: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM:

Complete paperwork, equipment check, and equipment distribution, range safety briefing, range instructions and commands briefing, followed by a discussion regarding the debunking of firearms training myths.

Day of Class: 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Live fire range instruction and drills.

Day of Class: 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Lunch. Lunch options will be discussed via secondary email.

Day of Class: 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM:

Live fire range instruction and drills.

Day of Class: 4:00 PM to 4:30 PM:

Program debrief, pack-up and clean up.

Range and live-fire instruction includes (but is not limited to):

Debunking Firearms Training Myths – Addressing common misconceptions and misinformation
Fundamentals of Motor Learning – Building a solid foundation for skill acquisition, retention, and transfer
Initial Assessment Course of Fire – Evaluating baseline proficiency and areas for improvement
Target Diagnostics – Analyzing shot placement to identify and correct shooting errors
Diagnostic Cause/Effect/Consequence/(Re)Action Matrix™
Remediation Techniques – Diagnosing and correcting shooter-specific errors
Combat Grip Perfection – Enhancing weapon control through haptic and tactile perception
Trigger Management Essentials – Mastering trigger control for maximum precision
Ammunition Management Principles – Effective strategies for effective stress-based performance
Administrative Loading & Press Checks – Ensuring readiness with proper loading procedures
Combat Reloading – Executing efficient emergency reloads under time and environmental constraints
Pre-engagement Repositioning - Enhancing survivability through time-specific lateral movements
Stoppage and Malfunction Diagnostics - efficiently identifying and correcting failures in weapon function
Post-Engagement Status Checks – reassessing threats, weapon condition, injuries, surroundings, and communication needs after a defensive engagement

Practical Pistol Dynamics student targets after four (4) hours of class participation.

Black/red reactive targets 3" diameter; Black square target 2" diameter.

These targets aren’t anomalies, and they weren’t shot by pros. These are beginner averages.

WHAT YOUR PROGRAM TUITION INCLUDES

Your program tuition INCLUDES all classroom and range instruction, targets, and temporary access to the Critical Dynamics™ online Learning Management System or LMS. A registration link will be provided to you upon your program tuition payment through which you may create a student account and profile within the Critical Dynamics™ LMS.

The tuition does NOT include the use of any Critical Dynamics™ live-fire loaner weapons or live-fire ammunition.

No firearm or ammunition? No problem! See the "Equipment Requirements" section below.

PREREQUISITES:

At a minimum, students must be able to demonstrate their understanding of basic firearms safety and handling concepts.

Completion of a basic pistol course (such as the NRA First Steps Pistol, Basic Pistol Course, or the MA LTC course) or some other basic firearms familiarization program is preferred but not required.

We maintain a consistent zero-tolerance policy regarding unsafe firearm handling.

For the safety of our staff and participants, be advised that any instance of unsafe firearm handling will result in immediate expulsion from the training without exception and without a refund.

USING THE SCIENCE OF HUMAN PERFORMANCE TO BUILD BETTER SHOOTERS™

Critical Dynamics™ integrates the latest clinical and academic research on human learning and performance with evidence-based andragogical best practices to shape every training curriculum we offer. Our courses employ advanced instructional strategies and educational sciences concepts, designed to strengthen recognition-primed and adaptive decision-making skills and enhance retention of materials learned and transfer to domains outside of the training arena.

Key concepts are strategically introduced before training and reinforced throughout the sessions, optimizing retention and consolidating knowledge into long-term procedural memory. This approach enhances the transfer of learned skills to real-world, high-stakes situations while maximizing motor learning and adaptive decision-making development.

At Critical Dynamics™, our mission is to elevate the standards of use-of-force training by applying cutting-edge research to improve safety, effectiveness, and legal defensibility for both law enforcement officers and responsible armed citizens.

EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS

1. Semi-automatic Pistol chambered in one of the following calibers: .380acp, 9mm, 10mm, .40 S&W, .357SIG, .45acp, or .45 GAP. It is HIGHLY recommended that students bring and train with the firearm that they plan to use or carry for defensive purposes.

*Loaner firearms are available with prior notification.

2. Sturdy Waist Holster is required. IWBs (In-waistband holsters) are permitted, provided that they have rigid, non-collapsible sidewalls and support easy one-handed re-holstering.

ABSOLUTELY NO: cross-draw rigs, shoulder holsters, drop-leg (thigh) holsters, or ankle holsters.

*A limited number of loaner holsters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

3. Ammunition: 200 rounds

Ammunition should be factory-manufactured. Reloads are strongly discouraged.

*Ammunition IS available for purchase on a "pay-for-what-you-shoot' basis.

4. Snap-Caps (Inert or "Dummy Rounds"): Students should bring a MINIMUM of four (4) snap-caps or dummy rounds PER MAGAZINE. (2 magazines = 8 snap-caps, 3 magazines = 12 snap-caps, etc.)

These may be purchased from retail outlets like Bass Pro Shops or your local firearms retailer or may be purchased directly from Critical Dynamics at significant savings (approximately 50%) under retail pricing. You will be given the option to purchase directly from Critical Dynamics™ upon completion of your class registration.)

ABSOLUTELY NO: Non-commercially-manufactured dummy or inert rounds made from reloading components.

5. Magazines: bring a MINIMUM of two (2) magazines. Three magazines are ideal. It is recommended that students have magazine holders/pouches.

6. Magazine holder or magazine pouch: Open, friction-lock-styled single or double holders are recommended over those with velcro or snap closures.

*A limited number of magazine holders are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

7. Eye Protection, Ear Protection, and Baseball Style Cap: Sunglasses may be worn in conjunction with a baseball cap with the bill worn forward. Safety glasses must be of the wrap-around type or employ side panels. If wearing prescription glasses, they must be covered with safety glasses unless they meet the above requirements. Earplugs or earmuffs (preferred), and it is highly recommended that a baseball cap with a bill to deflect ejected brass be worn.

8. Appropriate Clothing: Students should bring appropriate clothing to participate in the classroom portion of the training. Students should bring appropriate clothing and footwear to participate in the range exercises consistent with prevailing weather and temperature conditions. Range exercises will be conducted in inclement weather unless a safety hazard exists.

NOTE: Sandals, flip-flops, or any other type of open-toed shoes are NOT range-appropriate.

ABSOLUTELY NO: Camouflage fatigues, flak jackets, tactical vests*, or bright red shirts/outerwear. (Red is reserved for members of the training cadre and range safety officers.)

* Law enforcement officers and licensed armed private security officers are permitted to wear tactical vests if they are department/agency issued and/or approved.

9. Note-Taking Material: Pen and a full-sized notebook for note-taking in the classroom. A jumbo permanent marker for use on the range is also highly recommended.

A roll of painter's tape or masking tape is very handy as well!

10. Adult-sized T-Shirt: We will conduct several range activities that will incorporate a t-shirt. The t-shirt WILL get destroyed, so do not bring anything that you'd hate to see get wrecked.

11. 3M Nexcare Cushioning Waterproof Tape: Although not mandatory, this product is highly recommended for people who have sensitive hands and fingers, who use lots of sunscreen, or for people whose hands tend to sweat heavily. We recommend a roll of 1.5” or 2” tape for general range use.

12. Water and Electrolyte Drink Powder: Water alone is generally insufficient during prolonged or physically demanding training. Electrolytes, particularly sodium and magnesium, help support the electrical signaling required for normal brain, nerve, and muscle function, so students should begin hydrating with electrolytes the day before training and continue throughout the training day.

For a more in-depth discussion of hydration and electrolyte balance during firearms training and other defensive tactics activities, we encourage you to read Keith Hanson’s Officer.com article on proper fluid and electrolyte management. We also recommend using high-quality electrolyte supplements such as Liquid IV or DripDrop to support optimal training performance.

FAQs

Q: Is there a minimum age requirement to participate?
A: As a general rule, participants must be at least sixteen (16) years of age or older. Exceptions may be made for younger participants who are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Please note that some states statutorily establish a 'minimum age' for the carrying or possession of a firearm. In those states, the minimum age for entry into classes held in that state shall be set at that respective state's minimum age to carry or possess a firearm. Again, exceptions may be made in cases where a minor participant is under the direct participatory supervision of a parent or legal guardian.

Further, participants must not be a 'prohibited person' under applicable federal and state guidelines.

Q: Is ID required?
A: Yes. Participants must show valid state or federal identification.

Q: Can I update my registration information?
A: You may update your registration information directly through the registration portal.

Q: What do I need to bring to this training?
A: Please see "Equipment Requirements" above.

Q: I do not have everything that is specified in the "Equipment Requirements" section. What do I do?
A: Easy! Give us a call at (877) 486-8724 (877-GUN-TRAIN) and let us know what you need. We have extras of pretty much everything (including firearms, holsters, magazine pouches, eye protection, hearing protection, etc.) available as loaners for students.

Q: If I have any questions that are not answered on this page, who can I contact?
A: Please feel free to contact the training team directly by calling (877) 486-8724 (877-GUN-TRAIN) with any questions you may have regarding this program.

ABOUT YOUR LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Keith Hanson is a career law enforcement professional with extensive experience across operational and instructional domains, specializing in firearms instruction, tactical operations training, and counterterrorism tactics. With a strong background in neuroscience and psychology, Keith is a co-creator and senior program architect of NeuralTac™, which combines neuroscience, combat psychology, neuropsychology, kinesiology, and educational sciences, drawing from the latest research in human performance, to produce advanced high-liability instructional frameworks for law enforcement agencies, contract security firms, and other armed professionals. It also aims to develop and foster advanced-level master trainers within those organizations. Additionally, as a certified force science analyst and certified cognitive/forensic interviewer, Keith serves as a court-recognized expert witness on use-of-force matters and provides consultation on legal strategies. He is a featured contributing writer with Officer Media Group and Officer.com (https://www.officer.com/55363165/) and is the author of "Unlocking the Brain Code: Exposing the Limits of Traditional Firearms Instruction and High-Liability Training Through Neuroscience, Psychology, and Human Performance Research."

Practical Pistol Dynamics (Candia NH) 08-01

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