About the Course
Take your performance to the next level with our 8-hour Intermediate Pistol. Our goal is to train CCW holders to defend themselves at gunfight speeds. Learn how to draw quickly from concealment and make fast hits. You will learn how to address multiple targets while you are on the move. Get ready for a lot of shooting!
Topics to be covered:
Mechanics of the draw
Decreasing split times
Target transitions
Shooting while moving
Required equipment:
Handgun with quality holster (OWB or IWB)
2+ magazines
400 rounds of ammunition
Eye and ear protection
Prerequisite: Basic Pistol or equivalent class/experience
FIND UPCOMING INTERMEDIATE PISTOL CLASSES
Class will satisfy the second 8-hours of the 16-hour Initial Permit training requirements. Call ahead to determine if you are eligible to take this course instead of Basic Pistol.
Your Instructor
Barry Grove and Louie Tirona
Barry retired after serving 30 years as a prosecutor for the Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office. During his career, he has reviewed hundreds of self-defense and officer-involved shooting cases. To better understand the limits of human performance with a handgun, he completed firearms training with several local police departments and the FBI. He educated numerous California police agencies regarding use-of-force and was recognized as an expert in this area when he retired in early 2021. Barry sought instruction from top competitive shooters and Grandmasters such as Bruce Gray, Ron Avery, Mike Seeklander, Frank Proctor and Mike Pannone. He continues to shoot competitively and seek out advanced training opportunities. He is currently the range master at the United Sportsmen Incorporated shooting range in Concord. He is an NRA-certified Basic Pistol Instructor and Range Safety Officer. He is also a California DOJ Certified Firearms Instructor. He owns "The Better Method Handgun Instruction, LLC." Barry is also a member of the attorney network at the USCCA.
Louie worked for the Richmond Police Department for almost 30 years. In that time, he was fortunate enough to have worked in multiple assignments but primarily worked in operations (patrol and investigations). Louie was a member (and team leader) of the department’s High Risk Entry Team and was part of the team at a time when the operational tempo was at its highest. He became a firearms instructor early in his career and was chosen to be the department’s Primary Firearms and Tactics Instructor for the majority of his career. Louie has extensive experience in operations and investigations, specifically in violent crimes. Multiple promotional opportunities afforded him experience in the full spectrum of running a law enforcement organization. He left a lasting legacy at his department for instilling a culture of training and excellence.Louie is a POST-approved firearms instructor and has successfully completed training in the use of the pistol, carbine and shotgun. Additionally, he has been qualified as an expert witness in California Superior Court and Federal Court.During his law enforcement career, Louie has trained with some of the top trainers in the firearms community to include: Ron Avery (Practical Shooting Academy and Tactical Performance Center), JJ Racaza, Rob Leatham, Mike Seeklander, Frank Proctor, Robert Vogel, Mike Pannone (CTT Solutions) and others. Louie has been an assistant instructor for Ron Avery at the Practical Shooting Academy and is a lead instructor for the Tactical Performance Center.Louie is an active competitive shooter and holds Master rankings in IDPA and USPSA/Steel Challenge.