Level 1 - Basic Pistol - Jacksonville, FL - 7/18/2025

GORUCK BASIC PISTOL - LEVEL 1

Basic Pistol is our most popular firearm course and is meant to be an introductory course for new shooters. We begin with the basic safety lessons and dry firing. This course FOCUSES ON MARKSMANSHIP AND SAFETY.
 
All GORUCK Firearms Courses and Events utilize scenario based training which is incorporated into dry practice prior to any live fire. All participants will practice target identification and discrimination, movement, weapons manipulation, and other dynamic drills with the cadre and others. These drills will be facilitated with inert weapons enabling a safe and realistic training environment. Both pistols and rifles will be rendered inert with barrel/chamber blocking plugs. Further, each student must fully participate in dry practice prior to commencing live fire.

 
MINIMUM ENTRY FIREARM REQUIREMENTS

None. This course is open to all levels as an introduction to safe and proficient firearms training for beginners or a fundamentals refresher for those with some previous experience. Remember, muscle memory is perishable.  

PHYSICAL CAPABILITIES

In an effort to put participants in the right mindset we perform short duration physical stressors throughout the training day. All courses develop skill sets that would be utilized in a high stress, worst case scenario. This is simulated in training by elevating the heart rate through movements such as sprints, burpees, pushups and other exercises.    

WHAT WE’LL COVER/WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• Situational awareness
• Fundamentals of marksmanship
• Concealed carry weapon deployment and strategies
• Verbal challenges
• Fire sets/rhythm drills
• Multiple threats
• Malfunction clearing
• Closing distance
• Threat neutralization
• Discretional fire
• Specific skills and drills for red dot/reflex type optics
• Diagnostic shooting evaluation

 
WHAT TO BRING

• Full size 9mm or larger caliber pistol (Glock 17 or equivalent) or compact pistol (Glock 19 or equivalent, no back up guns or revolvers). May not use smaller caliber due to use of 9mm barrel plugs in class and qualification consistency. 
• Eye Protection (sunglasses are acceptable)
• Electronic Hearing Protection
• Sturdy Belt (non-cloth, must be able to hold up the weight of a pistol and magazine holder)
• 3 magazines (10 round minimum)
• Magazine Holster
• Holster (duty or concealed)
• 350 Rounds
• 9mm Barrel Safety Plug
• Gloves
• Face Mask (Optional)
• Hand Sanitizer/Wipes - 1 bottle Purell, 1 package of baby wipes (or equivalent)
• Long Pants
• Closed-toed shoes (MACV-1 Boots recommended)
• Photo ID
• Water, food, snacks (for duration of course)

RECOMMENDED ITEMS

• Sunscreen
• Magazine Speed Loader
• Gun Oil
• Tac Hat
• Additional range/firearms gear (there is always a GRT in need)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Firearms Training utilizes semiautomatic pistols, however, we offer custom classes on any and all small arms. Full-Frame pistols are recommended. Sub-Compact pistols are not recommended.
• SERPA-style holsters not authorized. Due to the nature of the training offered and the repetitive drawing and holstering of firearms, SERPA style holsters are not authorized for GORUCK Firearms training courses. If you do not have an alternative holster available, one may be provided with advanced notice.
• Keep firearms in vehicles. Please take care that when arriving at training sites, participants are not to remove from their vehicles or otherwise handle firearms until instructed to do so by the event cadre. In an effort to enforce good firearms safety and best practices, we would ask that firearms remain in vehicles until specifically told to bring them out.
• Shooters who display weapons proficiency will be challenged by the Cadre to increase their skill level by various methods. This will not have an impact on the overall conduct of the class.