Shooting in a self-defense context is about more than speed and accuracy; it's about preparing for the realities of using a firearm in dynamic, high-stress, life-threatening situations where the bodies startle and fight or flight responses are in full effect and the cognitive processing needed to make critical, split second decisions is put the the extreme test.
Most shooting classes focus on bullseye shooting or competition skills, which often lack this context, or they emphasize military tactics that do not translate well to civilian situations. Typical approaches require significant long-term commitments and a substantial financial investment in ammunition to master.
We are different. Our class focuses on practical and efficient approaches that build competency with the least amount of time, effort, and energy. This approach, called "Intuitive Defensive Shooting" (IDS), is taught by certified instructors across the United States and Europe. IDS forms the basis of the USCCA defensive training program, has been successfully integrated into various military and law enforcement training programs, and is the most efficient way for anyone interested in defensive firearms skills to develop their abilities. Our instructors are officially certified and recognized by I.C.E Training that created this program.
Whether you're new to defensive firearms training or looking to sharpen your skills, our experienced instructors provide a supportive environment to help you build confidence and competence. You'll leave with a clear understanding of defensive shooting fundamentals and a plan to continue developing your abilities on your own.
Key Learning Objectives
The fundamentals of stance, grip, and trigger control in a self-defense context: Build a solid foundation for safe and effective firearm use.
Learn how to draw from a holster and get defensive-accurate hits: Balance speed and precision under a variety of circumstances.
Leverage your body's natural “fight or flight” reactions: Train realistically to prepare for defensive firearm use.
Deal with multiple threats: Develop strategies and techniques for managing multiple attackers.
Incorporate lateral movement, cognitive processing, and situational assessment into your training: Enhance your ability to think and act dynamically under pressure.
Practice emergency reloads during an incident: Gain confidence in maintaining readiness during critical moments.
Engage in live-fire drills and simulations: Build new skills and evaluate progress in realistic scenarios.
Receive individualized guidance on post-class practice: Learn how to continue skill development within your budget and schedule.
Cost
This class is offered at a flat rate of $250 for a comprehensive full-day session.
Classes run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with breaks for lunch and rest.
If the class fills up, we encourage you to join the waitlist. Additional classes may be added upon request, and we can also travel to your state to teach this class if needed. Please contact us to discuss scheduling options.
How to Sign Up
To secure your spot in one of the scheduled classes:
Register as soon as registration opens to guarantee availability.
If the class is full, join the waitlist for future opportunities or to request additional sessions.
Members of The Liberal Gun Club can use their discount code to receive special savings on this course.
Ready to Get Started?
Join us in 2025 to take the next step in mastering defensive shooting. This class will equip you with the skills, mindset, and confidence to respond effectively in critical situations. Don’t miss your chance to train with us—spaces are limited!
Time
Students should arrive between 8:30 and 9:00am and be ready to attend the required safety briefing at 9:00 AM sharp. If you are late and miss any of the safety briefing you will not be allowed to participate. We will end roughy at 5pm.
Location
The class will take place on the "Action Range" at Maynard Rod and Gun Club at 45 Old Mill Rd, Maynard, MA 01754. See the image below for exact location of the action range on the property
Parking
When you arrive, you have two options:
Park in the "General Parking" and walk the blue line to the action range.
Drive the orange line and park at the Action Range parking. Please note, parking at the Action Range is limited and requires driving across the line of fire of the trap range. As shooting is not allowed at Maynard Rod and Gun before 9:30am this will be fine on arrival, but for departure you would likely have to drive through the red line area which crosses the trap line of fire. It is possible to verify the range is not in use but no guarantee can be made. Safest bet is to park in General Parking and walk your gear to the Action Range area.
Please give yourself ample time to park, find the Action Range, and be ready to go by 9:00 for the safety briefing
Because this is a shooting class, it can only be taught in person. PDT offers these classes regularly in states where IDS Certified instructors live but also regularly travel to teach these in many states. Contact us to explore options to have Defensive Shooting classes in your area.
Those who are interested in concealed carry or preparing for home defense with a pistol. What are the skills you need that might be different than what you learned in other contexts? How are they different than bullseye or competition shooting skills?
Those interested in expanding their skills in defensive use of firearms but find other options too intimidating.
Those who concealed carry or who are considering it but have not invested in any training beyond what was required to get their permits.
Experienced concealed carrying gun owners who have taken other defensive trainings looking to learn new methods and approaches to improve their skills, expand their perspectives and enhance their training routines
Firearms instructors looking to learn more about Intuitive Defensive Shooting and Counter Ambush Methodology and how it may differ from their own appraoch.
Gear Requirements
The following is the required gear for this course:
A semi-automatic, modern, striker-fired, full-size or compact handgun that is cleaned, lubricated and in good working order. Examples: Glock 19, 17, 34, 43x, 48, Springfield XD, Smith & Wesson M&P, M&P Shield or Shield Plus, HK VP 9, VP30, FNS-9, FNS-509, Sig Sauer P320, P365, 365X or XL, Macro. Your sights or optics must be zeroed in prior to the class. There will be no time to make adjustments once we begin. (expect to do a lot of shooting at ~5 yards)
Eye and ear protection. Electronic ear protection highly recommend so you can clearly hear the instructor on the range.
Good quality belt suitable for supporting repeated draw from a holster
A OWB holster for your firearm that completely covers the trigger guard with kydex. Bring your actual carry gear as well. See the FAQ.
Magazine carrier that can withstand heavy use (optional, you can use your pants pocket too)
300 rounds (or more) of ammunition (preferably 9mm but .380, .40, .45 ACP are also acceptable)
3 magazines for double stack firearms of 10 rounds, 5 plus magazines for single stack firearms of less than 10 rounds
Plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated
Snacks/Lunch
An open mind and positive attitude
Weather appropriate clothes / sunscreen and bug spray - this training will be outdoors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
I have a hammer fired gun like an 92FS. Can I use that instead?
In the class we will cover why these are not preferred but if 92FS is your only option, you can use it in the class so long as you have a kydex OWB holster for it, correct number of mags, and meet the rest of the requirements. For other guns, please contact the instructor and discuss before assuming you can take the class.
Who developed the IDS program?
The Intuitive Defensive Shooting program designed by Rob Pincus and the I.C.E. Training Company and is taught by instructors around the United States and Europe. IDS is the basis of the USCCA defensive training program and has also been successfully integrated into various military and law enforcement training programs and is the most efficient way for anyone interested in defensive firearms skills to develop their abilities. For more information about the concepts used IDS, see personaldefensenetwork.com.
I have plenty of experience drawing and shooting from a holster. Is there anything I would learn from this class then?
If you are new to Intuitive Defensive Shooting or Counter Ambush Methodology, regardless of experience or skill level and assuming you have an open mind, you will learn something from this class and by shooting these drills. If you are familiar with or have taken the Fundamentals of Intuitive Defensive Shooting or USCCA DSF1 or DSF2, please reach out to the organizers to discuss what might be in it for you.
Why do you require an OWB holster? I only carry with IWB
For safety reasons, everyone who attends the class needs to at least start OWB until the instructors and range officers get a good sense for your skill level. Using an OWB is close enough to an IWB draw that what you learn in the class can easily be applied to IWB after the class as you practice. Also note we have many in the community who have multiple holsters of all sorts for different popular firearms. If you don't have OWB for yours and can't afford to get one, hit us up on FB or Discord. There could be a good chance you can borrow one from someone else. Finally, for the same safety reasons, it is extremely common that defensive shooting trainings require OWB, as do nearly all competition shooting events. If you're serious about training, it's a strong recommendation you invest in an OWB even if you do not attend this class.
With that said, at the instructors descretion, we may allow folks to swap to their actual IWB duty/carry gear after we get comfortable with your attention to safety protocols on the range but you will be required to tuck clothes behind it.