Practical Firearms Training, taught by Pat Goodale, offers realistic and challenging courses for shooters at all levels of experience and skill. The programs are structured to provide the skills, knowledge, and confidence required to safely own and effectively use firearms.

All courses combine elements of lecture and theory with practical exercises for an innovative and valuable learning experience.  Handgun and shotgun courses are defensively-oriented and provide instruction in state of the art marksmanship, gun handling, and tactics. Rifle courses address the use of the rifle based upon its particular design and intended purpose.

Handgun Courses: Equipment Recommendations

Defensive Handgun I (8-10 Hours, 300 rounds recommended)

This course introduces the student to techniques applicable to defensive use of the handgun. Emphasis is put on shooting skill development for application in real-life circumstances. The fundamentals of Mindset, Gun-handling, and Marksmanship are covered in lecture while the practical aspects are taught on the range. Other course topics include Situational Awareness, equipment selection, safety, handling, loading, unloading, malfunction clearance, drawing and firing techniques, single handed firing, firing from cover, multiple targets, movement, and tactics. This course will qualify the student for a Concealed Carry License / Concealed Weapons Permit.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed at bottom. Please come properly equipped!

Defensive Handgun II (8-10 Hours*, 550-700 roundsrecommended)

This course begins with an evaluation of the performance expected at the conclusion of Defensive Handgun I (or equivalent), and progresses quickly into an emphasis on applying more advanced techniques under more difficult real-life situations. The development of Reflexive / Subconscious ability is taught. Topics include increased speed or weapon deployment, increased difficulty of shooting problems and scenarios, disabled and/or injured shooter exercises, shooting from disadvantageous firing positions, shooting while on the move, shooting moving targets, drawing and firing from concealment, as well as many more advanced tactics.

Advanced Handgun  (24-30 hours, 1000-1200 Rounds Primary, 50 Backup*)

This course is structured for those who have successfully completed Defensive Handgun I and II or other school's equivalent. Performance of all Level I and most Level II skills on demand will be expected. A brief review and marksmanship / gunhandling skills 'tune-up' will be conducted initially. This will be followed by a Skills Inventory demonstration by each shooter. Performance will be elevated to an extremely high level by pushing the balance of accuracy versus speed shooting against stationary, multiple and moving targets. Other subjects featured include difficult targets, close range emergency reaction, reflexive malfunction clearance, use of space, movement techniques within confined areas, multiple indoor and outdoor tactical simulators, low light, vehicular techniques, backup weapon use, and weapon retention. This course is offered in both 1-day and 3-day formats (facilities dependent). The 3-day version features 2 low-light sessions and multiple interactive exercises. A quality flashlight (SureFire type or other high output), concealment, garment and an alternative / backup handgun are recommended (* but optional)

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed at bottom. Please come properly equipped!

Handgun CQB (16-20 hours, 500-700 rounds; open to all) NEW!

This course focuses on the conditions encountered in most handgun engagements. Heavy emphasis is placed on deployment of the handgun from concealment, low light/night shooting, close distances, movement and close proximity to structures and vehicles. It features extensive use of reality based scenarios, shooting house work, vehicles, and moving/reactive target engagement. Scenarios requiring interaction with role players and shoot/no-shoot decision making will be conducted. Attendees must have completed Defensive Handgun I (prior completion of Defensive Handgun II is suggested). Successful completion of previous comparable training may be considered. The course is conducted on a ‘flex’ schedule with later start and conclude times on both training days. Class size is limited to 12 shooters.

Cost is $400.00.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed on the handgun, rifle, and shotgun course pages. Please come properly equipped!

Low Light Seminar (4-5 hours, 150 rounds; open to all)

This course focuses on the unique aspects of low-light / night encounters. Topics include types of low light, visual capabilities and perceptions, equipment, firing techniques, and practical scenarios. Prerequisite for the Low Light Seminar is PFT's Defensive Handgun I or the equivalent.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed on the handgun, rifle, and shotgun course pages. This course will make extensive use of the tactical flashlight (i.e., Surefire-type). Please come properly equipped!

Concealed Carry Seminar (4-5 Hours, 150 Rounds; open to all)

Discusses the issues, concepts, techniques, and equipment associated with carrying and deploying concealed weapons. Students will be required to conduct all exercises from concealed carry mode. Prerequisite for the Low Light Seminar is PFT's Defensive Handgun I or the equivalent.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed on the handgun, rifle, and shotgun course pages. Please come properly equipped!

• *Note: Defensive Handgun Courses may be taken individually on different dates, or as a two or three day course. Admission to Defensive Handgun II and III require successful completion of the appropriate previous level of instruction or an equivalent course taken elsewhere. Students must demonstrate the skills appropriate for the level of the course being taken.

Precision Rifle (24-30 Hours, 300 Rounds)

This course provides a thorough exposure to precision rifle use, beginning with fundamentals of safety, manipulation, rifle theory, marksmanship, zeroing, firing positions, and field shooting. More advanced topics include: ballistics, range estimation, environmental effects, supports and rests, covert movement, observation and target identification, low and Artificial light firing and practical field exercises. Most shooting is at reasonable distances (25-30 yards), however long range (400-700 yards) shooting is taught and expected. A scoped precision rifle or hunting rifle capable of extreme accuracy is required. Class size is limited to 12 shooters. Cost is $600.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed at bottom. Please come properly equipped!

Tactical Rifle (10-30 Hours, 500-1200 rounds, depending on the facilities and course length offered)

This course addresses the effective use of the Tactical or Police rifle/carbine, and the emphasis is on quick, accurate shooting at close to intermediate ranges. This course covers the fundamentals of safety, manipulation, rifle theory, marksmanship, zeroing, firing positions, and field shooting. It then progresses into more specialized and advanced techniques applicable to this type of rifle. Included are carry techniques, tactical / ready positions, shooting on the move, alternative shooting positions, use of cover, multiple shots / multiple targets, and tactical simulations. Rifles, such as the AR-15, Mini-14, AK Series, SKS, M-1 Carbine, etc. are ideal. Lightweight bolt and lever action rifles are also suitable. Optics are optional. Note: this course is also offered in one to three day formats, depending on the available facilities. Please check the schedule carefully to note the course length offered for any specific date.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed at bottom. Please come properly equipped!

Advanced Tactical Rifle (16-20 hours, 700 rounds rifle, 50 rounds handgun, open to all)

Structured for those who have successfully completed Tactical Rifle or other schools' equivalent. This course takes the student into intense realistic environments of reflexive gun handling and marksmanship, timed skills performance, low light and night shooting, indoor and outdoor simulators, moving targets/moving shooter engagements, judgmental shooting, longer range shooting, weapon retention and weapon transition. Equipment requirements are the same as for Tactical Rifle with the addition of a handgun and a high-power, high-quality flashlight / illumination device for the rifle.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed on the handgun, rifle, and shotgun course pages. Please come properly equipped!

Hunting Rifle (8 or 16 hours, 120-220 rounds)

PFT offers one and two day courses for hunters, which are essentially field courses adapted from Precision Rifle specifically for centerfire rifle hunters. The course stresses  fast but accurate shooting from field-expedient positions (snap shooting, kneeling, sitting, and prone positions) both offhand and slung, or while using bipods / shooting sticks, and from improvised rests including isometric body positions, backpacks, and trees or other steady improvised rests. The course includes introduction to ballistics and ammunition, range and wind estimation, achieving a good zero, and other material specifically relevant to the rifle hunter. Target distances will range from 25-300 yards. One day course uses 100-120 rounds, and the two day course requires approximately 220 rounds.

Foreign Weapons Orientation Course    NEW! (8-10
Hours 300 rounds provided/additional available)

This unique program is designed to provide a sound understanding of the characteristics, capabilities and limitations of selected foreign weapons systems. Emphasis is on those platforms most likely to be encountered (AK and its variants) but other common weapons will be featured. Methods of operation, firing techniques, loading/unloading, and malfunction clearance will be addressed. Additional topics covered include history, current deployment, disassembly/assembly, accessories, maintenance, and ammunition. Selected static and dynamic firing exercises will provide the user with a reality based understanding of the practical usage these systems. Ammunition (300 rounds) will be provided as a part of the course. Additional ammunition and shooting opportunities will be available as desired at the conclusion of the structured program. Due to safety issues with these weapons, only ammunition provided or purchased at our facility will be allowed. Cost is $300.

3 Gun Review (16-20 hours, open to all)

Combine the best elements of three different courses into two days of intense refresher training and what you have it the 3 Gun Review. Structured for those who have completed the regular handgun, shotgun, and Tactical Rifle courses or equivalent. Critical gun handling and marksmanship skills reviewed and tested with heavy emphasis on tactical scenarios and simulations. Ammunition requirements are 200 rounds of rifle, 50 rounds of shotgun (20 buckshot, 30 slugs), 250 rounds of handgun.

Please note: The course equipment recommendations are listed on the handgun, rifle, and shotgun course pages. Please come properly equipped!

Rifle Courses: Equipment Recommendations

Shotgun Courses

Defensive Shotgun (8-10 Hours, 125 Rounds as specified)

This course addresses the safe and effective employment of the defensive shotgun. Topics include: defensive mindset, safety, handling, gauges, action types, sighting systems, loading, unloading, reloading, select loading, patterning, slug zero, carry methods, ready positions, cover and concealment, and tactics. Shooting is conducted from 1 to 100 yards and scenarios utilizing outdoor simulators are extensively used.

A 12 or 20 gauge short barreled, repeater with rifle or ghost ring sights is ideal, but any shotgun capable of multiple shots will suffice. A butt cuff or side-saddle ammunition carrier is suggested as spare ammunition on the gun is very helpful. A carry strap on the shotgun is also desirable. Required ammunition are 75 rounds of #5 shot or larger and 50 rounds of slugs.

Please come properly equipped! See the recommended equipment list below...

Shotgun Course Equipment Recommendations:

Specialty Courses

Tactical and Skill Training for Law Enforcement Military, Government Organizations and Contractors

PFT is state and nationally certified and recognized for its training of state, federal, and local law enforcement personnel and military units. Courses can be tailored to fit specific requirements.

PFT is also a mobile training unit, if you have the facilities for training.

The courses below are structured for military, police, government organizations and contractors. Please contact Pat Goodale at 540.559.4151 to discuss your particular needs.

Courses include:

Tactical Operators Course

Tactical Handgun

Tactical Rifle

Foreign Weapons Orientation Course    NEW!

Tactical Vehicle Operations

HRE- High Risk Environment

EP (Executive Protection) and PSD (Protective Security Detail) Courses

POLICE SNIPER RIFLE COURSE (LE/Mil Only)

[Course length is 40-50 hours and 450-500 rounds of high quality ammunition are required]

This comprehensive course is designed to teach, quantify, and document police sniper marksmanship skill based on realistic operational deployment conditions.  This course provides a thorough exposure to police sniper rifle use, beginning with the fundamentals of safety, manipulation, theory, marksmanship, zeroing, firing positions and field shooting.  Additional topics include ballistics, range estimation, environmental effects, supports and rests, movement, observation and target identification, low and artificial light firing, and practical field exercises.
Instruction will address the five factors affecting the deployment of the police sniper:

• The Shooter

• The Rifle

• The Ammunition

• The Environment

• The Operational/Tactical Considerations

Training and evaluation will include the following:

• Cold bore shot placement

• Practical marksmanship ability

• Understanding scope adjustments

• Ability to load under stress

• Ability to move from a staging area to a final observation/firing position under stress

• Engagement of targets at various distances

• Engagement of targets with command fire

• Exertion and stress

• Shooting positions other than prone

• Moving targets (facility dependent)

Most shooting is at realistic distances (25-200 yards), however longer range (200-600 yards) shooting will be taught and expected (facility dependent).  A scoped rifle capable of extreme accuracy is required.  Course length is 40-50 hours and 450-500 rounds of high quality ammunition are required.

This course is only open to law enforcement and military personnel.  Cost is $600.00 per student with a preferred minimum of eight attendees.  Instructor's travel expenses will be based on Federal Joint Travel Regulations for the hosting location, if the course is taught at your facility rather than at PFT's range.

EQUIPMENT Suggestions: 

• Issue tactical equipment (belt, holster, handgun, radio, etc.)

• Suitable rifle with sling or bipod (ideally both).

• 450-500 rounds of ammunition

• Case, shooting mat or drag bag for rifle

• Light pack

• Cleaning kit with bore cleaner and rags (recommend coated cleaning rod and chamber guide)

• Multi-tool and gun-specific tools

• Lens covers for optics

• Lens cleaner/brush

• Binoculars

• Spotting scope

• Rangefinder (optional but useful)

• Ear and eye protection (both clear and tinted protective glasses are recommended)

• Clothing suitable for the weather, including good boots

• Waterproof jacket and trousers (optional)

• Hat or cap with a brim

• Knee and elbow pads

• Notebook/data book for rifle with pen

• Sunscreen, camera, baby wipes, lunch, water (camelback/hydration), personal comfort items

• Flashlight (recommend: both a tactical light and admin light)

• Compass, watch, thermometer, wind meter (optional)

• Suitable camouflage (face veil, ghillie suit/cape, etc.)