Intro to Handgun: Jan 7, 2026 | Orem TP

Price: $100
Date: Wednesday, January 7, 2025
Time: 6:00PM - 9:00pm
Location: Tactical Penguin, Orem UT

Register (Individual) Register (Group)

“This is the class I wish I could have taken when I was first learning about firearms! This 3-hour class pulls together what it took me six months to figure out on my own.” –Patty Reay, Senior Staff Instructor

TOPICS COVERED

• Fundamentals of safe gun handling
• How to select the correct ammo and store it properly
• How to load and unload the handgun (and make sure it is really unloaded)
• How and when to rack the slide
• How to lock back the slide, including tips if you struggle to pull it back all the way
• How to grip the gun for positive control
• How to stand for a solid, balanced stance
• How to use the sights on your gun to accurately aim
• How to finesse the trigger to pull smoothly and straight back
• How to keep your hands steady while shooting
• Fundamental principles of when it is legal to use a firearm to defend yourself

DESCRIPTION

This class is designed to help someone completely new to firearms get oriented and establish a good foundation where you can understand how your firearm works and begin to operate it safely and effectively. You will not be an expert at the end of the class, but you will be off to a good start with a basic understanding of safe gun handling, and have live-fire reps under your belt, with feedback from our instructors to help you improve your accuracy. You will know enough to be able to return to the range for more practice on your own and be ready to jump into the next handgun class Beginner Handgun with confidence!

Parents, if you have a child who is interested in firearms, this is the perfect place to start. Come attend with them.

The class starts in the classroom with gun safety rules and basic info about how the gun works, so you know what you need to do (and not do) to stay safe. Then we practice manipulating the gun unloaded, to build up familiarity with the main parts of the handgun and how to operate them correctly. Finally, we head to the range to load live ammo and fire the gun. We will introduce you to principles of marksmanship, which is a fancy way of saying how to hold the gun, aim, and pull the trigger so that you are getting accurate shots on your target. Your instructor will provide you with feedback to help you improve your accuracy.

MINIMUM ROUND COUNT – 50 rounds

For more information please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

REQUIRED GEAR

1. A properly functioning handgun
2. At least 1-2 magazines for your handgun, enough to hold 15+ total rounds of ammo
3. At least 1 box (50 rounds) of practice ammo for that handgun (may purchase at the range)
4. Eye protection
5. Electronic hearing protection
6. Appropriate range attire: closed-toe shoes, long pants, and crew neck shirt

NOTE: Pistols and eye and ear protection are available for rent or purchase at most of our training ranges. Rental handguns all take 9mm practice ammo. Please call the range ahead of time to verify availability if you want to rent a handgun.

SUGGESTED/OPTIONAL GEAR

1. Sharpie type pen for marking targets
2. Pen and notepad for taking notes
3. Hat or other head covering
4. Gloves
5. Knee pads and elbow pads
6. Footwear that you can stand in all day (boots are highly recommended)
7. Sunscreen or raingear (if outdoors, this course will go on rain or shine)
8. Refillable water bottle for hydration
9. Food or snacks to sustain you for the duration of the course

PREREQUISITES

No prerequisites.

WHAT'S NEXT?

After completing this course, you will be eligible to take the next class: Beginner Handgun.

LOCATION

Tactical Penguin (formerly Get Some)
935 N 1200 W
Orem, UT 84057
801-437-3899