Instructor - Dr. George Gaines
Course Fee - $35.00
Materials Fee - $150.00
After nearly a six-month hiatus, the very popular “Safe Pistol Handling” has returned to YHC/ICL under a new name and format. Now called “Safe Pistol Handling & Defensive Shooting Tactics,” the former course content has been expanded and training time compressed to four (4) consecutive days. This format more nearly resembles that used by Dr. Gaines and the late Haim Geri in training students in the Israeli Shooting Method.
There are no special prerequisites to this class. Previous students are welcome to enroll and refresh their skills. You are free to sign up for all three (3) offerings if you like, no restrictions. Repetition is the mother of mastery!
Class times are early in the day to avoid summer heat. The range shooting area is covered, so no sun blockers are advised. No open-toed shoes or sandals are allowed. Wear shirts with a reasonably high collar to avoid hot shell casings. Range etiquette will be discussed during the first day of class.
This first day of class is an orientation meeting held in the YHC/ICL classroom, followed by three (3) successive days of outdoor range sessions. Range sessions will be held at a nearby private range and may last a bit longer than two (2) hours, if required. Since our time at the range is reserved, no spectators are allowed on the property.
NO GUNS OR AMMO ARE ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM SESSION. The instructor will provide students with 9mm semiautomatic pistols and ammo. Students may bring personal pistols to the range, but it will be up to the instructor to determine if/when student guns may be used.
This course relies heavily on live demonstrations, and students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform same at the range. A Gaines Tactical Training Certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course.
A fee of $150 covers the cost of materials, water, firearms use, gun cleaning, ammo, targets, and insurance. This is payable by cash/check on first day of class. Students will be asked to sign a customary release, much like that used in public/private commercial ranges. In addition, students are required to wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Howard Light headgear is what I use, and it runs around $35 to $60. This type of gear allows you to hear range commands while cutting out the loud retort from firing.
Content outline:
Self-Defense Firearm Basics
Defensive Shooting Fundamentals
Shooting Equipment
Basic and Advanced Skills
George grew up in Pensacola, Florida and has lived and worked throughout the United States and Europe. He graduated from The University of Alabama and later earned his doctorate at the University of Georgia (1971). His early career was spent teaching in the Louisiana State University System.
In 1980 he began working in the private sector in marketing research for major corporations such as Southern Company, The Gallup Organization, Research International, and IPSOS. During this time, he served as the International Accounts Director for Pratt & Whitney, UPS, Pepsico, and later for The Coca-Cola Company.
His last corporate assignment was Director of Consumer Insights for Outback Steakhouse International, where his duties included extensive marketing communication research in Latin America, Asia, and Europe.
Following his retirement in 2013, George pursues his lifelong commitment to teaching firearms safety. He is an NRA Certified Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer as well as a USCCA Training Counselor. He presently is Director of Open Enrollment for the US Branch of Israel’s IMI (Israel Military Industries) Academy for Advanced Security and Anti-Terror Training.
