Fortress’ staff understands the apprehensions women students may have with regard to firearms. All of our staff have been trained in the Effective Instruction of Female Students by Vicki Farnam, and are ready to address all questions and concerns in a calm, professional manner.

We provide a comfortable, low-pressure learning environment which progresses to the next step only when you are ready. Our Women’s Defensive Pistol course is designed to take the beginner – who has never fired a shot before – to the level of skilled markswoman, capable of defending herself with a firearm in a defensive situation.

We attempt to provide a staff member for every 2-3 students to provide the most personal instruction experience possible. If requested, a female instructor will be available to assist female students.

• Required student skill level: None
• Equipment required: Functional handgun, .380 caliber or larger. At least 3 magazines or speedloaders. Proper holster and magazine or speedloader carrier. Flashlight.
• Ammunition requirements: 400-rounds factory ammunition (for two-day courses)
• Duration: Client requested 1 or 2 days
  (2-day courses are recommended in order to address all teaching points thoroughly!)

Contact Fortress with questions regarding holsters and equipment.

• Choosing a firearm/sizing it to your hands
• Holster selection/carry methods
• Basic gun/range safety
• Sight alignment
• Basic mechanical operation of your pistol
• Techniques for charging magazines
• Techniques for manipulating and locking the slide to the rear
• Proper grip and stance
• Trigger control
• Draw from holster

• Loading/unloading
• Movement
• Anatomy and the physical effects of bullets on the body of an attacker
• Fight avoidance and disengagement techniques
• The psychological and legal aftermath of a defensive shooting
• Maintenance, storage, and transport
• Low light/night shooting
• Flashlight techniques