Tactical Hand Gun 101 - by Randy Cain. May 24-26 (three days), in Pittsburgh.

[PeteG]

On Memorial Day weekend Randy Cain will be conducting his "Tactical Handgun 101" course just outside Pittsburgh.

This is the most popular 3-day course offered by Mr. Cain at his school, Cumberland Tactics. The comprehensive curriculum encompasses all elements of basic pistol craft, including a base in the fundamentals of marksmanship, tactical manipulation, the draw-stroke, malfunction clearance, weapon retention, shooting on the move, moving targets, alternate tactical body positions, low-light shooting, and mental conditioning. Other topics include basic one-man tactics, working with a partner. This course is appropriate for beginners, and is also well recommended as a refresher for those with experience. This is not simply a one-day seminar that barely scratches the surface; there is time to let things sink in.

Cumberland Tactics does not regard this course as merely a *basic class*. Mr. Cain begins with the fundamentals, and increases the technical difficulty of each drill builds in a logical sequence over the duration of the course. He makes every effort to analyze, diagnose, and correct even the slightest quirk in each individual's shooting technique.

Although most training of this type is limited to shooting on flat paper targets under static range conditions, in this course a variety of three-dimensional target systems are employed, which move in a more realistic manner. The 3-D aspect of the targets require surgical shooting on vital target areas as they move, change positions, or charge at the shooter. This is simultaneous with movement by the shooter as he/she changes the target angles, attempts to get away from the attacker, or moves to cover/concealment. All these exercises are to help the student apply the basics, and become comfortable with dynamic movement by both the shooter and the target.

The cost is $650 plus a range fee. The range fee at this location is $75 ($25 a day for three days). The tuition covers instruction, targets and range supplies. Students to provide their own firearm, ammunition, personal gear and meals.

A deposit of one-half the course fee is payable upon enrollment. The balance of the Tuition is due when you show up for the class. If you must cancel out of a class, please notify Randy Cain as soon as possible. Due to course demand and the difficulty of filling canceled course slots on short notice, course deposits are non-refundable. For cancellations received 30 days or more prior to class start date, you can apply your deposit to any Cumberland Tactics course within 12 months of the date of the cancelled class. Less than 30 days* notice will forfeit your deposit. Should the course cancel for any reason, your tuition will be refunded in full.

The course format is approximately three hours of lectures, and 20 hours of live-fire exercises. Each student will need 600 rounds of hand gun ammunition.

The Rangemaster will be Randy Cain. Mr. Cain is the Director of Cumberland Tactics, Inc. He has nearly three decades of professional firearms training experience, and holds a very rare "Instructor Certification" with Yavapai Firearms Academy. He has been a Rangemaster at the prestigious Gunsite Academy in Arizona, and has assisted Jeff Cooper in the highly acclaimed "Masters Series" classes at Gunsite. Mr. Cain is a registered NRA Police Firearms Instructor, has served as a police officer, a SWAT team member and Training Officer. He is also a graduate of the FBI Advanced SWAT School, and a member of the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors (IALEFI). More information is available at www.guntactics.com.

Philosophy of Training: *We believe that fundamentals are the cornerstone of survival. The *advanced* techniques may only exist when built on a foundation of good, rock-solid basics. The 'Combat Triad' consisting of Marksmanship, Gun handling, and Mindset must be automatic in order to remain mentally engaged with a changing environment. When facing a violent attacker, it's safe to assume that the brain will have more than enough to keep it occupied. The 'reflex response' must be programmed through repetition of the basics. Ironically, it is usually only the truly 'advanced' student who fully appreciates the importance of continuous refocus on the basics.* -- Randy Cain.

Enrollment will be limited to 20 students. The last day to enroll is Friday, April 27, 2024.

Tjere are no prerequsites. It is, however, expected students will have a basic familiarity with firearms.


It is the policy of the FIRE Institute (not necessarily Randy Cain) not to provide training involving live fire to anyone under the age of 18, or who cannot demonstrate they have no criminal history. In order to attend this course, you must have one of the following forms of proof of no criminal history: (1) A valid Pennsylvania license to carry a handgun concealed or in a motor vehicle; (2) a valid carry permit from another state; (3) a current license to practice a profession which requires a clean criminal history (e.g., license to practice law, license to practice medicine, nursing license); or (4) a letter from your local police department or Sheriff attesting that a criminal history background check was performed on you. (Those background checks cost under $20, but may take a week or more to get back, so don*t wait until the last minute.) The Executive Director of the FIRE Institute is the final arbiter whether a credential is sufficient.
TO ENROLL: Go to www.cumberlandtactics.com

FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COURSE: Contact Randy Cain directly at randycain@centerfire.net.

Equipment Requirements:

There is certain equipment which is REQUIRED in every course. One may not proceed in the course without the following:

* Ear protection and Eye protection.
* Cap or hat with baseball-style bill. This is to prevent ejected brass from another shooter's pistol from falling between your eyewear and your eye, burning you. It is important gear.
* Firearm, clean and zeroed.
* A good quality holster which is worn on the dominant hand (*strong hand*) side of the shooter, and attaches firmly to a belt. (You must wear a belt in this course.) The holster must cover the entire trigger and trigger guard on the weapon when the weapon is in the holster, and must remain open when the weapon is removed from the holster. No shoulder holsters allowed.
* At least three magazines (or speed loaders for revolvers). We prefer you have three, in case one malfunctions during the course.
* Magazine holster or pouch which is worn on your belt, on your support hand ("weak hand") side. BDU pockets do not work well.
* 600 Rounds of "Ball" Ammunition. We recommend students use one brand of ammunition throughout the course. While *match grade* or *carry* ammunition is not necessary (and would be a waste of money), we do suggest students avoid the very cheapest ammunition and reloads. Your investment in this course does justify the use of reasonably consistent ammunition. No incendiary, tracer, armor piercing, or other exotic ammunition is permitted.
There is other equipment that is not required, but which we know from experience will enhance your experience of the course. We therefore recommend you bring the following:
* Soft drinks or water to drink while down on the range. There is no water on the range itself, and the Club house is too far to run back and forth. No alcohol of any kind is to be consumed within eight hours of the start of any course session or at any time during the course.
* A bag lunch if you don*t care to go out for lunch. There are no food vendors on the club grounds, but there are several fast-food dining establishments within 10 minutes of the Club.
* Back-up handgun. A second handgun is also a good idea, if you own or can borrow one. Firearms do break, and we cannot stop the course to make repairs. Even if we had time, parts may not be available, and many repairs cannot be accomplished in the field.
* Gloves (either shooting gloves or light work gloves).
* Wear substantial shoes and "work clothes" or fatigues. You will be on the ground and get dusty or muddy.


This course is sponsored by the FIRE Institute as a public service.