Welcome Home EGPGC Members

All participants are required to bring the following items to each training session:

 * Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): This includes approved eye protection, adequate hearing protection, a shirt with a high neckline for safety, and closed-toe shoes for foot protection.

 * Handgun: One functional semi-automatic handgun is required. The handgun must not be equipped with any sighting assistance devices such as lasers or magnification. Red dot sights are acceptable.

 * Magazine: Participants must have at least one EMPTY magazine compatible with their handgun.

 * Ammunition: A minimum of 50 rounds of commercially manufactured, range-approved ammunition that is appropriate for the participant's handgun. Reloaded ammunition is typically not permitted unless specifically authorized.

 * Optional Accessories: Students may utilize a speed loader or a magazine load-assist device to aid in the reloading process.

Firearm safety is the paramount concern of this training program. Participants will be thoroughly instructed on and expected to adhere to the following four fundamental rules:

 * Treat Every Firearm as If It Were Loaded: This mindset reinforces constant vigilance and careful handling.

 * Always Point the Muzzle in a Safe Direction: This means ensuring the firearm is never pointed at anything you are not willing to destroy.

 * Keep Your Finger Off the Trigger Until Your Sights Are on the Target and You Have Made the Decision to Shoot: This prevents unintentional discharges.

 * Be Sure of Your Target and What Is Beyond It: Know your backstop and ensure there are no unintended targets or individuals in the line of fire.

In addition to these core principles, instruction will cover safe firearm storage practices and proper handling techniques to promote responsible gun ownership and prevent accidents.

This section focuses on developing the participant's understanding of their handgun and the essential elements of accurate shooting.

 * Handgun Manipulation: Participants will learn the basic parts of their handgun and how to safely manipulate it, including loading, unloading, and performing basic functions.

 * Grip: Proper grip is crucial for controlling recoil and maintaining accuracy. Instructors will emphasize techniques for achieving a consistent and effective grip.

 * Sight Alignment and Sight Picture: Participants will learn the difference between sight alignment (the relationship between the front and rear sights) and sight picture (the alignment of the sights on the target). Both iron sights and red dot sights will be addressed.

The training will progress through a structured approach to build proficiency:

 * Dry Fire Exercises: These exercises involve practicing firearm handling and trigger control without live ammunition. Dry fire is an invaluable tool for developing proper technique and muscle memory in a safe environment.

 * Initial Live Fire: Once participants demonstrate a foundational understanding of safety and basic marksmanship principles through dry fire, they will transition to live fire exercises. For safety and to reinforce fundamentals, initial live fire will involve loading and firing one round at a time, with a focus on applying the learned grip, sight alignment, and trigger control.

 * Texas Qualification Course: The culmination of this quarter's training is the practical application of learned skills through the Texas qualification course. This timed shooting exercise requires participants to safely and effectively load, grip, aim, and fire a total of 50 rounds.

The Texas qualification course is a timed shooting exercise designed to assess basic shooting proficiency.

 * Total Rounds: 50 rounds.

 * Passing Standard: A minimum score of 70%, which equates to 175 out of a possible 250 points.

 * Target: The official target is a human-shaped silhouette measuring 45 inches in height and 24 inches in width.

 * Shooting Position: All shooting during the qualification will be conducted from the "ready" position. Drawing from a holster or presenting from a concealed position is strictly prohibited during this qualification.

 * 3 Yard Line (Total 20 Shots):

• 1 shot to be fired within 2 seconds (repeat 5 times)

• 2 shots to be fired within 3 seconds (repeat 5 times)

• 5 shots to be fired within 10 seconds (repeat 1 time)

 * 7 Yard Line (Total 20 Shots):

• 5 shots to be fired within 10 seconds (repeat 1 time)

• 1 shot to be fired within 3 seconds (repeat 5 times)

• 2 shots to be fired within 4 seconds (repeat 1 time)

• 3 shots to be fired within 6 seconds (repeat 1 time)

• 5 shots to be fired within 15 seconds (repeat 1 time)

 * 15 Yard Line (Total 10 Shots):

• 2 shots to be fired within 6 seconds (repeat 1 time)

• 3 shots to be fired within 9 seconds (repeat 1 time)

• 5 shots to be fired within 15 seconds (repeat 1 time)