Pistol Defense Fundamentals
What is Pistol Defense Fundamentals?
Pistol Defense Fundamentals is the essential first step for anyone serious about civilian legal self-defense. In just one class, you'll replace static range habits with dynamic, real-world techniques that prepare you to respond quickly and decisively under pressure. This is where your defensive pistol training truly begins - with confidence, clarity, and control.
The hard truth? Most firearms training in Florida stops short of what actually works in a life-threatening encounter. If you're relying on casual range time or YouTube videos, you're likely forming habits that could fail you when every second matters. Hesitation, poor grip, or misaligned priorities in a crisis can lead to tragic consequences.
This course promises to give you the tools and mindset to act - not freeze - when danger strikes. You'll gain the foundation to shoot accurately under stress and start developing the mental framework of someone who’s truly prepared.
During this 7-hour class, you’ll:
- Develop proper grip, stance, and draw stroke - essentials for consistent, confident handling
- Practice trigger control and reloading techniques to improve your handling
- Get immediate feedback on common mistakes and how to fix them
- Leave knowing exactly what to practice next
More than just a class—this is a system.
Pistol Defense Fundamentals is priced for accessibility but delivers high-impact training usually reserved for law enforcement or military. It’s beginner-friendly, milestone-based, and built to plug directly into our 3-level progression system, so you always know what’s next.
Who should attend
New and intermediate shooters, concealed carry permit holders, or anyone who has a firearm for protection and wants to train like it matters. No previous tactical experience required.
To attend this class, all students must:
- Be at least 18 years old and a legal US Citizen/Resident. (Due to the Department of State ITAR regulations, tactical training is only available to US Citizens/Legal Residents. By registering for this class, the student attests that they are at least 18 years of age and a legal US Citizen/resident.)
- Be legally permitted to own a firearm in the state of Florida. (By registering for this course, the student further attests that they are legally permitted to own a gun in the state of Florida)
- Be able to operate a firearm safely
- Complete a liability waiver before the start of the class
How much does the class cost?
$297 per student
What firearm, ammo, and gear will I need for this class?
- Valid driver's license or government issue ID
- Semi-automatic pistol in one of the following calibers: .22LR, .380, 9MM, .40S&W, or .45ACP (No revolvers, pocket pistols, or compact handguns allowed)
- 250 to 300 rounds of ammunition
- OWB (Outside the Waistband) holster for your pistol
- 3 magazines (Minimum)
- Pistol magazine holster
- Comfortable, closed-toe, sturdy shoes. No sandals or open-toed shoes.
- Sturdy belt (must be able to hold up the weight of a pistol and magazine holster)
- Eye and ear protection
- Barrel Safety Plug (if not available, we can provide one)
- Water & snacks (for the duration of the class)
Where is this class held and how long is it?
Pistol Self-Defense Fundamentals is a total of 7 hours and is held at Volusia County Gun Club, a private outdoor gun range offering 32 pistol bays, and a variety of rifle ranges, up to 900 yards.
Can I attend this class even if I don't own a firearm?
No. You'll need to bring your firearm.
What will I receive upon completion of this class?
Upon completing this class, you will receive a certificate of completion that satisfies the requirement for applying for a Florida concealed carry permit.
Relevant Feedback
This weekend we attended the basic defensive pistol course and I can confidently say that this was hands down the best firearms instruction I have ever received! Herfel and his team present the material in a real life relatable manner. Not only does he tell you what to do/change/improve, but he tells you why which is important in understanding the connection of the firearm to your body. Herfel is extremely knowledgeable on the biomechanics related to shooting and presents them in a practical manner that makes things click. My fiancee and I both saw marked improvements in one day of instruction.
These guys make it a fun class, and share their real life experiences to help even the beginner shooter progress into a tactical defensive shooter.
They provide a low instructor to student ratio. In my class it was 1:1. Every student is given individualized feedback to allow them to improve. When my partners gun was obviously not a good fit for her these guys let her try some other options to figure out what size pistol she needed.
If you’re looking to sit in a classroom all day, this isn’t the course for you. If you’re looking to spend the day on the range running drills, clearing the shoot house, and gaining knowledge through demonstrated skills then this is the place to do it.
We’re already looking forward to and planning to come back for the advanced class after spending some time practicing what we learned this weekend.
If you’ve read this far, ask Herfel for restaurant recommendations and you won’t be disappointed!
Where do I start? This is my third class with Valortec and they never disappoint. Excellent training, with the best instructors and a great learning environment. This team is super knowledgeable and will push their students to learn while making training both challenging and fun. I highly recommend Valortec to everyone from beginners to experts.Truly another spectacular experience for me and I am grateful to have trained again with Valortec.
Herfel has exceptional insight and is amazing at transferring his knowledge to even the newest of shooters.
Fantastic! Instructor was knowledgeable beyond expectations. Herfel had extensive real world experience that extended far beyond weapon training and created a holistic learning experience. If that was not enough, I was thoroughly entertained the entire class from his examples and banter with the others in the group.
Looking forward to taking another training once I digest all the information and do some additional practice.
Instructors
Carlos "HernDog" Hernandez
Eva
Herfel "Boots" Torres
William "Coach" Lee
Contact us
- Herfel Torres / COO
- he••••l@val••••c.com
- 407-698-3396
Location
Classifications
Categories
- Pistol Defense Fundamentals
Age Groups
- All
Levels
- All