Instructor - Dr. George Gaines
Course Fee - $40.00
Materials Fee - $200.00
The Summer 2026 version of "Safe Pistol Handling & Defensive Shooting Tactics” has been expanded from 8 to 12 hours of training over four (4) consecutive days. All will meet in the parking area next to the gas station of the Hayesville Ingles grocery store on US 64 E. You should arrive no later than 8:30 AM in order to be able to drive in caravan to the range by 8:45 AM.
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
This format more closely resembles that used by Dr. Gaines and the late Haim Geri to train students in the Israeli Shooting Method. Geri was the chief firearms instructor at Israel’s IMI Academy for Advanced Security and Anti-Terror Training. In Israel, he trained thousands of Israeli Security Officers. As a team in the US, Gaines and Geri trained thousands of civilians and law enforcement officers to handle firearms safely and protect themselves and innocent civilians from life-threatening attacks. We shall be prepared for the worst and pray that we will never have to use a firearm in self-defense. This course is dedicated to the late Haim Geri. Memory eternal.
There are no special prerequisites to this class beyond good health, capability performing of mild to moderate exercise, and having some degree of manual dexterity. Previous students are encouraged to enroll and refresh their skills. Repetition is the mother of mastery!
Although the range shooting area is covered and protected from precipitation during pistol loading/unloading, our shooting will be outdoors, so bring rain gear just in case. We shoot no matter the weather. No open-toed shoes or sandals are permitted. Wear shirts with a reasonably high collar to avoid capture of hot shell casings. Range safety and etiquette will be reviewed at the beginning of each day’s class.
This course is limited to six (6) students. Range sessions will be held at a nearby private range, only a short drive away, and may last a bit longer than three (3) hours if required. Since our time at the range is totally private, no spectators are allowed.
At the range, the instructor will provide students with 9mm semiautomatic pistols, holsters, magazine pouches, belts, and ammo. Students may bring personal pistols to the range, but it is up to the instructor to determine if and when they may use their guns.
This course relies heavily on live demonstrations, and students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform the same at the range. A Gaines Tactical Training Certificate will be awarded to those who complete the course.
A fee of $200 covers the cost of materials, water, firearms use, gun cleaning, ammo, targets, and insurance. This is payable by cash/check on the first day of class. Students will be asked to sign a customary release, much like the one used at public/private commercial ranges. At the range, students are required to bring their own and wear safety glasses and hearing protection. Howard Light electronic headgear is what I use, and it runs around $35-$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
Universal safety rules
Clearing a semi-automatic
Clearing a revolver
Defining a gun’s action
Understanding revolvers
Understanding semi-automatics
Modern, striker-fired handguns
Understanding magazines
Selecting a handgun
Pros & cons of handgun choices
Ammunition components
Is caliber all that matters?
Other measurements
Ammunition care and storage
Common ammunition malfunctions
Clearing semi-automatic malfunctions
Other use of force options
Defensive Shooting Fundamentals
Defensive shooting versus marksmanship
Proper grip
Shooting platform
Aligning the muzzle to the target
Drawing from the holster, racking slide, firing
Unsighted fire, point shooting
Flash sight picture
Sighted fire
Trigger control
Solving malfunctions
Shooting Equipment
Holster retention
Hip Holsters
Paddle holsters
Pocket holsters
Inside the waistband holsters
Non-traditional holster styles
Belts
Tactical flashlights
Considering a laser sight
Mounted lights
Gun safes and storage
Basic and Advanced Skills
Creating a training program
Disassembly and reassembly of handguns
Barrel blockers
Snap caps
Dry firing
Drawing from concealment
Fundamental drills discussion
Discussion of what’s next
Closing thoughts
◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆
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. Previously, he served as Director of Open Enrollment for the US Branch of Israel’s IMI (Israel Military Industries) Academy for Advanced Security and Anti-Terror Training. George serves as an Instructor for the North Carolina Justice Academy, the Florida Department of Public Safety, and Young Harris College Institute for Continuing Learning.
