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Introduction
Thunder Shooters’ Club (TSC) is dedicated to providing its members with quality training opportunities to develop their defensive shooting skills. To this end, the TSC Instructors have developed a series of training classes referred to as Thunder Shooting Academy (TSA).This handbook list the classes offered by TSC. The following sections provide information on each course such as: course description, required equipment, estimated round count, and other class specific information.
Member Conduct and Responsibilities
TSC is hosted by Thunder Gun Range, and as such, we MUST follow their safety and operating procedures. Members MUST demonstrate responsible gun handling at all times, or they may be asked to leave the range.
Safety
Safety is number one... PERIOD! Handling firearms in a dynamic environment is inherently dangerous. TSC has rules and policies to prevent injury to shooters and spectators.
1. All guns are always loaded. Even if they are not, treat them as if they are.
2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.
3. Keep your finger off the trigger until your sights are on the target. This is the Golden Rule.
4. Identify your target, and what is behind it. Never shoot at anything that you have not positively identified.
Safety Procedures
All club events will have a designated Safe Area for uncasing and casing handguns. Members should carry their range bag into the Safe Area, verify there is no magazine or round the chamber, and put the unloaded gun in a holster. No ammunition is allowed in the Safe Area.
Guns are only loaded at the specific direction of the Instructor. Guns are unloaded and holstered at all other times. Instructors will cover class specific safety procedures in pre-class briefings.
TSC Training Courses
TSC Instructors have developed a comprehensive training program, called Thunder Shooting Academy (TSA), to help shooters master defensive shooting skills. The courses are divided into five tracks with three skill levels in each track.
The training tracks are:
1. Handgun – Semi Auto or revolver
2. Revolver
3. Carbine
4. Shotgun
5. Competitive Match Preparation
The skill level categories are:
1. Basic – Introduction to skills
2. Intermediate – Increased difficulty in material
3. Advanced
Members progress through the levels within a track by completing skills assessment tests. After successfully completing a test, members are issued a certificate, and are eligible to take classes from the next level within the track.
Class Descriptions
TSC classes are numbered according to the following scheme:Level
0xx - Unrated courses. Open to all members.
1xx - Basic courses
2xx - Intermediate courses
3xx - Advanced courses
101: New Member Range Safety Orientation
This class covers the basics of running a firearm safely in a dynamic environment. It is required that all new members complete this class, and it is a good tune up for experienced shooters.
Prerequisites: None
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; > 150 rounds of ammo
Handgun Track
This series focuses on defensive handgun (semi auto or revolver) skills.110: Presentation and Reloads
Upon completion of this class the shooter will have the skills to efficiently present their handgun from various concealed carry options. They will also understand the various types of reloads, and how to accomplish them when necessary.
Prerequisites: 101
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; 2 or more magazines; > 150 rounds of ammo
111: Shooting Positions
This class describes and allows you to experience handgun shooting positions from standing to prone. It teaches the various shooting positions, how to shoot from each of the positions, and how to move into and out of each of the positions. The objective is to prepare the shooter to effectively deploy their handgun from any position.
Prerequisites: 101
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; 2 or more magazines; > 150 rounds of ammo; optionally, a pad to kneel and lay on and long pants
210: Strong Hand, Support Hand Shooting and Clearing Malfunctions
This class teaches shooters to effectively engage targets one-handed. It has the shooter experience shooting with their primary hand, and support hand. The class also includes one handed draw, and reloading. This class teaches the student to identify and clear common handgun malfunctions.
Prerequisites: Handgun track Intermediate rating
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; > 150 rounds of ammo
211: Shooting While Moving
This class teaches students how to engage targets while advancing, retreating, or moving laterally. This class helps students to develop the ability to effectively deploy, and fire a handgun during movement.
Prerequisites: Handgun track Intermediate rating
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; > 150 rounds of ammo
212: Use of Cover and Concealment
This class discusses the use of cover and concealment in a defensive situation. Students then perform shooting drills from various cover scenarios.
Prerequisites: Handgun Track Intermediate rating
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; > 150 rounds of ammo
213: Engaging Multiple Targets
This class discusses the use of cover and concealment in a defensive situation. Students then perform shooting drills from various cover scenarios.
Prerequisites: Handgun Track Intermediate rating
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; > 150 rounds of ammo
310: “How close is too close?”
This class covers the mindset and skills necessary to defend against short-range armed and unarmed attacks. It employs the Tueller Drill which is a self-defense training exercise designed to defend against a short-range attack when armed with a holstered handgun. The Tueller Drill is based on the concept that an average person can cover 21 feet in less than 2 seconds. The class discusses awareness, and how to determine when to draw.
Prerequisites: Handgun track Advanced rating
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun, holster, > 150 rounds of ammo
311: Accuracy Shooting
This class will teach the student how to deploy their handgun in reduced light situations. It will cover light selection and use, methods of using a light while shooting, and how to effectively engage targets using a light. Course material includes: light selection, flashlight carry techniques, uses of cover, reloading, and movement.
Prerequisites: Handgun Track Advanced rating
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Flashlight (preferably two); handgun; holster; > 150 rounds of ammo
Revolver Track
This series focuses on skills specific to using revolvers.120: Basic Defensive Revolver
This class is designed for people who carry a revolver, or want to carry a revolver for personal defense. It covers revolver selection, ammunition selection, carry methods, basic marksmanship with the revolver, and reloading.
Prerequisites: 101
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Revolver; holster; > 150 rounds of ammo
220: Intermediate Defensive Revolver
This class builds on the skills obtained in the basic revolver class. The emphasis is on effective defensive deployment of the revolver. Focus of this class is to build the basic skills, and to introduce additional skills such as drawing from concealment, engaging multiple targets, and effective reloading of the revolver. Upon completion of the class, students will have the skills to competently run a defensive revolver.
Prerequisites: Revolver track Intermediate rating
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Revolver, holster, > 150 rounds of ammo
320: Advanced Defensive Revolver
The advanced class emphasizes operating a revolver under stressful conditions. The focus of this class is to develop the skills in the student to allow them to operate a revolver competently in a high stress, defensive situation.
Prerequisites: Revolver track Advanced rating
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Revolver; holster; > 150 rounds of ammo
Carbine Track
This series focuses on using carbines in defensive situations.130: Basic Defensive Carbine
This class is designed for people who have acquired a carbine for self defense, and want to become familiar with operating the gun. This class covers an overview of the rifle, cleaning and maintenance, initial sight-in, and basic marksmanship. While this class focuses primarily on the AR platform, any rifle is welcome in the class. Mini-14, M1 carbines, pistol caliber carbines, even lever action rifles are acceptable.
Prerequisites: 101
Duration: 4 hours
Equipment: Carbine; > 250 rounds of ammo; optionally, a pad to kneel and lay on.
230: Intermediate Defensive Carbine
This class builds on the skills obtained in the basic carbine class. It includes a review of the basic skills then moves on to teach the student to shoot on the move, reload, use cover, and transition from the carbine to a handgun.
Prerequisites: Carbine track Intermediate rating
Duration: 4 hours
Equipment: Carbine with sling and > 250 rounds; handgun with holster and > 150 rounds
330: Advanced Defensive Carbine
The advanced carbine class is designed to develop competency in students under a variety of conditions. This class teaches students how to operate the carbine under the stressful conditions of longer ranges, and shorter time. The focus of the class is to develop a high level of competency in using a carbine for defensive of themselves and others.
Prerequisites: Carbine track Advanced rating
Duration: 4 hours
Equipment: Carbine with sling and > 250 rounds; handgun with holster and > 150 rounds
Shotgun Track
This series instructs students in the use of shotguns for personal defense.140: Basic Defensive Shotgun
This class is for people who have a defensive shotgun. Upon completion of this class the student will understand the basic skills involved in using a shotgun for self defense. Topics covered include shotgun selection, basic maintenance, types of ammunition and their capabilities, presenting the shotgun, and shotgun accessories.
Prerequisites: 101
Duration: 4 hours
Equipment: Defensive shotgun; 75 rounds of #7.5 or smaller shot; 10 rounds of #3 or larger buckshot; 10 rounds of slug ammunition
240: Intermediate Defensive Shotgun
This class builds on the skills learned in the basic shotgun class. It includes a review of the basic skills, then moves on to teaching the student to shoot on the move, reload, use cover, and transition from the shotgun to the handgun. Any shotgun is acceptable for this class. Students with shotguns choked modified or tighter will not need to bring slugs to the class, and can substitute buckshot.
Prerequisites: Shotgun track Intermediate rating
Duration: 4 hours
Equipment: Defensive shotgun; 75 rounds of #7.5 or smaller shot; 10 rounds of #3 or larger buckshot; 10 rounds of slug ammunition
340: Advanced Defensive Shotgun
This class focuses on developing the skills needed to run a shotgun in a defensive situation. This class builds on the skills learned in the intermediate class and focuses on using them in stressful, conditions under the pressure of longer shots and shorter times. Upon completion of this class, students will have the skills and ability to effectively use a shotgun to defend themselves and their family.
Prerequisites: Shotgun track Advanced rating
Duration: 4 hours
Equipment: Defensive shotgun; 75 rounds of #7.5 or smaller shot; 10 rounds of #3 or larger buckshot; 10 rounds of slug ammunition
Competition Preparation Classes
This series of classes prepare students to compete in organized league competitions. Classes cover the scoring, rules, and procedures for several shooting organizations.150: Introduction to IDPA
In this class, students learn the rules, scoring, procedures, and strategies for participating in International Defensive Pistol Association (IDPA) matches. The instructors will present skills, tips, and “lessons learned” to help students compete effectively in IDPA matches.
Prerequisites: 101, 110
Recommended: 211, 212, 213
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; 2 or more magazines; > 150 rounds of ammo
151: Introduction to USPSA
In this class, students learn the rules, scoring, procedures, and strategies for participating in U.S. Practical Shooting Association (USPSA) matches. The instructors will present skills, tips, and “lessons learned” to help students compete effectively in USPSA matches.
Prerequisites: 101, 110
Recommended: 211, 212, 213
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; 2 or more magazines; > 150 rounds of ammo
152: Introduction to LSSA
In this class, students learn the rules, scoring, procedures, and strategies for participating in Lone Star Shooting Association (LSSA) matches. The instructors will present skills, tips, and “lessons learned” to help students compete effectively in LSSA matches.
Prerequisites: 101, 110
Recommended: 211, 212, 213
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; 2 or more magazines; > 150 rounds of ammo
153: Introduction to ICORE
In this class, students learn the rules, scoring, procedures, and strategies for participating in International Confederation of Revolver Enthusiasts (ICORE) matches. The instructors will present skills, tips, and “lessons learned” to help students compete effectively in ICORE revolver matches.
Prerequisites: 101, 120
Recommended: 220
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Revolver; holster; speed loaders; > 150 rounds of ammo
Additional Classes
This series instructs students in the use of shotguns for personal defense.001: Women’s Basic Handgun Class
002: Men’s Basic Handgun Class
These classes are open to the public. They introduce students to the basics of running a firearm safely in a dynamic environment. Topics include drawing and holstering; grip; stance; trigger press; and basic movement. These classes can be substituted for New Member Orientation 101.
Duration: 3 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster; a spare magazine; > 150 rounds
003: Firearm Cleaning and Maintenance
This is a classroom only session that covers break down, inspection, maintenance, and cleaning of firearms.
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Firearm; Owners’ or maintenance manual; cleaning supplies; NO AMMO!
004: Basic Metallic Cartridge Reloading
This is a classroom only course that introduces the basics of cartridge reloading. The class teaches beginning reloaders the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to safely reload metallic cartridges (pistol or rifle). Each student is taught reloading safety; centerfire cartridge components; reloading manual and reloading data uses; equipment; and the metallic cartridge reloading process.
005: Youth Basic Handgun Class
The class is open to for youth ages 10-17. Youth are taught firearm safety, and handgun marksmanship. Topics include: grip, stance, trigger press, and proper sighting. As the students progress, drawing, holstering, and basic movement are introduced.
Duration: 2 hours
Equipment: Handgun; holster (optional); a spare magazine; > 100 rounds