Tactics of the Self-Defense Pistol
This course is a 16-hour course developed by Eric Dean to introduce the participant to the complex tactics, equipment, attitude, and marksmanship skills that make up the solid foundations of a self-defense pistol as well as low light and night fire. A short classroom portion discussing safety, the fundamental tactics, proper equipment, defensive mindset lecture, and marksmanship skills necessary to the participant to add to their self-defense toolbox. Anyone is authorized to participate in this course who has a clean criminal record. The "Foundations of the Self-Defense Pistol" or another course from an approved firearm instructor/organization (Gunsite, Rangemaster, American Institute of Marksmanship, Thunder Ranch, Performance Edge, and Tactical Response, etc.. This is not an all inclusive list, but a short list of good organizations. Any organization/instructor on this list needs to be approved prior to a scheduled class.
- A firearm in good working order. Calibers above .380 is highly recommended.
- If a back-up gun (BUG), or a hide-out gun (HOG) are being used in this course, approval prior to the course is mandatory.
- 400 rounds of factory ammunition. Reloaded ammunition must be approved prior to a scheduled class.
- For BUG or HOG guns, bring 50 rounds of ammunition. There will be a short discussion on using these guns along with range application.
- Eye and ear protection. Electronic hearing protection is recommended, but not mandatory. Electronic hearing protection allows the participant to more clearly hear the instructions during live-fire exercises.
- A holster that is designed for the gun that is used in the class. No "one size fits all" holsters will be authorized.
- For BUG and HOG guns, a good working holster is vital. Contact The Bulwarks for more information or help with decisions.
- For semi-automatic firearms, at least 3 magazines for the class and some type of retention holster for the spare magazine(s). For revolvers, 2 speed-loaders, speed-strips, belt cartridge holders, and/or moon-clips are highly recommended. More the better. Same goes for BUG/HOG guns.
- Knee or elbow pads
- Snacks, water, and lunch. We will take a short break for lunch, but there is much material to cover in this course. It is also important to stay hydrated during this course no matter the season.
- Dress for the weather. We will shoot in any weather that allows for safe execution of the drills.
Please feel free to read a little about your instructor below. I personally look at Eric as a mentor. After training under him I can honestly say that he is one of the best instructors out there. He isn’t one of those drill sergeant types who will yell and scream and try and make you feel like a fool until you get it right. In fact, he is just the opposite. He is calm and understanding and will teach at whatever level he needs to so you will understand it. He wants you, the student to get it right and he will work with you until that happens. I don’t just consider Eric a friend, but also a mentor and my go to guy.
-Jesse Ordunez
Raven Defense
A short bio by Eric Dean
First and foremost I have a passion to help others. Building confidence in a industry that calls for a good understanding of dangerous things is something I am good at doing. Defensive Weaponcraft is an immense responsibility and firstly, I do not underestimate, and secondly I am good at building relationships with people interesting in the firearms side of Weaponcraft. I have had much success and I hope that this site, and our time together helps build confidence in your self and a better community to live in.
My private sector activities include practical firearms training based on 10 years of study with the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Marksmanship Training Unit. Formally a Military Police NCO, I have over 24 months of operational experience in the Iraqi theater of operations. Also, with my current duties with the Kentucky Army National Guard’s Marksmanship Training Unit, I have taught all levels of qualification from basic pistol and rifle qualification to live-fire shoothouse instructor’s courses to both military and law enforcement agencies. In 2006 I was involved on a full-time basis with the U.S. Army’s Pre-moblization Training Assessment Element which preformed training events based on the U.S. Army’s requirements for units preparing to deploy to combat zones along with assisting Jim Higginbotham with the Kentucky Army National Guard's premier "Weaponcraft" program. Many of the training events consisted of risk management and site security and determining the best course of actions for assigned tasks and duties. The Kentucky National Guard Weaponcraft program was a 3-day, intensive defensive shooting course that all NG soldiers participated in prior to mobilization.
I am also on the Kentucky Army National Guards Marksmanship Team and have been for 4 consecutive years. We participate in events from close quarters rifle and pistol events to long range rifle events and have earned the U.S. Army's Gold Distinguished Pistol Award and the silver Distinguished Rifle Award. I also volunteer with the Kentucky Wounded Hero’s organization for approximately 3 years. I have trained at nationally recognized academies like Gunsite, Rangemaster, Riposte, and audited many other classes from other reputable school houses. I was one of the founders of The American Institute of Marksmanship, and AIM will always be close to my heart.
