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New Shooter 101
Core Concept Videos

Our Core Concept Videos help you learn the basics of handgun safety and operation.

Assuming you have just purchased your first handgun, these are the fundamental skills you need to know before proceeding into defensive shooter training. If your goal is to protect yourself and your loved ones from sudden threats at home or on the streets, these videos are the place to start.

Core Concept 1 — The four basic rules of gun safety

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN:

Rule 1 – Treat every gun as if it is loaded.
Rule 2 – Keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.
Rule 3 – Index your trigger finger until you are on target.
Rule 4 – Be certain of your target, and what is beyond it

Core Concept 2 — How a handgun works

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN:

How ammunition is made
The parts of a semi-auto pistol
How semi-auto pistols work
How safeties work
How double-action revolvers work
The trade-offs between pistols and revolvers

Core Concept 3 — How to unload a handgun and make it safe to handle

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN:

The 5 steps for unloading a semi-auto pistol and making it safe to handle.
The 3 steps for unloading a double-action revolver and making it safe to handle.

Core Concept 4 — How to load a handgun and make it ready to shoot

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN:

How to load a semi-auto pistol and make it ready to shoot.
The correct way to operate the slide on a semi-auto pistol.
How to load a double-action revolver and make it ready to shoot.
Using speed loaders for pistols and revolvers

Core Concept 5 — How to hold, aim, and dry-fire a handgun

This video includes the 12-Step Basic Dry-Fire Exercise that is required to get your Safe Shooter Certification.

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN:

How to grip the gun like the jaws of a clamp.
The basic shooting stance and ready position that get you ready for anything.
How to aim your gun accurately by focusing on the front sight.
How to dry-fire practice at home using our Basic Dry-Fire Exercise.
PDF: ADTA Guidelines for Dry Fire Practice

Core Concept 6 — How to live-fire a handgun at the range

This video includes the 12-Step Basic Live-Fire Exercise that is required to get your Safe Shooter Certification.

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN:

Basic safety precautions at the shooting range
How to practice shooting using our Basic Live-Fire Exercise.
This is just our Basic Dry-Fire Exercise, combined with live rounds.
How to get the maximum training value out of your practice time at the range.

Core Concept 7 — How to present a handgun from the holster

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN:

How to practice drawing from a holster with our 5-step Basic Holster Exercise.
How to draw from an outside-the-waistband holster.
The extra moves needed to draw from concealment.
Drawing from an inside-the-waistband holster concealed carry holster.

Core Concept 8 — How to select your first handgun

IN THIS VIDEO YOU WILL LEARN:

The five basic questions to answer when selecting your handgun.
Answering these questions is the best way to find the handgun that’s right for you.
After you’ve selected some guns you like, the real test is to shoot the guns at the range.