The goal of all SMFTS classes is to instill in the students the necessary knowledge, skill and attitude for them to handle handguns safely, responsibly and effectively but safety is the primary consideration in all firearms training.  It will be the first thing that we teach and it will be stressed at all stages of training both in the classroom and on the range. 

No live ammunition is permitted in the classroom or on the range for that matter until it is issued to the student by the instructor.

For NRA courses students will receive a student packet before the start of instruction that includes an NRA manual covering the material to be taught, a certificate of completion and other useful material related to the class. 

We urge students to bring a pen or pencil and notebook.

We provide electronic Ear Defenders (makes communication easier on the range) and eye protection.

Our classes rely on Total Participant Involvement wherever possible because involved students are receptive students. 

With most topics we watch a short video and then proceed with a lecture/discussion or a hands on exercise. 

As with most types of training students are going to have to acquire basic knowledge about handguns.  We will accomplish that using a minimal amount of lecture, relying on guided group discussion where possible. 

Developing skills with the handgun will be developed primarily via hands on practice.  Everything the student is required to do will be explained and demonstrated before hands on practice begins and each student will master each skill before proceeding. 

All skills required for live fire on the range will be practiced in the classroom by dry firing (without live ammunition) before going to the range.

We recommend for participants in First Steps and Basic Pistol Shooting classes and for the SMFTS Basic Pistol Course that students use pistols provided by SMFTS.  There are two reasons for this.  First our pistols for these courses are either .22 rimfire pistols or are centerfire pistols fitted with .22 rimfire conversion kits.  The recoil and report of .22 rimfire ammunition is considerably less than it is for centerfire ammunition.  Reduced recoil and noise eases the learning process for beginning shooters.  The second reason is that our pistols are equipped with Crimson Trace laser grips.  We do not use the lasers to replace the requirement to use the iron sights that come with the pistols but we do use them to ensure that students understand what a correct sight picture looks like.  We also use the lasers to demonstrate the effect of trigger control on the placement of the shot and to minimize problems the student may have that are related to trigger control

In all cases when students opt to use their own handguns in the class they are asked to bring  the firearm manual with them and will be responsible for providing their own professionally manufactured ammunition.  No hand loaded ammunition is allowed.  If students do being their own handgun to class the first thing they must do on arrival is to have the instructor verify that the gun is unloaded and that no ammunition is brought into the classroom.

NRA First Steps Pistol Orientation and Basic Pistol Shooting Courses and the SMFTS Basic Pistol Course students who use our .22 rimfire pistols during training may transition to centerfire at the completion of the scheduled course.  They may use their own personal firearm or one of ours and there will be no charge for the instructor's time.  Ammunition and range expenses for this transition shooting are the responsibility of the student.

Students who attend classes other than the basic ones must bring with them their own pistol with at least two operable magazines or speedloaders and magazine/speedloader pouch, ammo and a strong side hip holster.  All classes except for the basic courses will involve a lot of repetitive gun handling drills both dry fire and live fire.  It might be a good idea to bring a light utility glove or shooting glove at least for the weak hand and a set of knee pads.

Range fees are included in the cost of these classes.