Most gun owners never train for low-light encounters. Night Pistol Defense gives you the skills and ability to perform when visibility is low and the margin for error is small.
Low Visibility Pistol Training
Build Real-World Pistol Defense Skills in Just 1 Day
During This Class, You Will:
Learn to Recognize Threats
You’ll confidently distinguish between threats and non-threats in minimal light, eliminating the paralyzing doubt that puts you and your loved ones at risk.
Practice Strategic Light Control
By the end of this class, you’ll seamlessly integrate your weapon-mounted light or flashlight with movement, transforming what was once a clumsy distraction into your advantage.
Build Stress-Resistant Accuracy
You’ll develop the rare ability to maintain accuracy under the dual pressures of darkness and adrenaline, placing you in the top tier of capable defenders.
What is Night Pistol Defense?
Night Pistol Defense is a one-day advanced defensive pistol class designed to push your skills to a new level of precision and accountability. Most defensive encounters happen in low light—this course prepares you to win when visibility is low, stress is high, and every decision must be right the first time.
Here’s the problem: most gun owners train in daylight and never pressure-test their flashlight techniques. But darkness changes everything—your aim, your awareness, and your ability to make the right call. Misidentifying a threat or telegraphing your position could have devastating consequences.
This course gives you a rare edge: the ability to maintain clarity, control, and accuracy under the most chaotic conditions.
During this 7-hour class, you will:
- Develop your threat identification, judgement, and light discipline techniques
- Build your handheld light or WML skills
- Practice stress-proof shooting mechanics in low-light environments
- Train for real-world defensive success, not just range performance
This class delivers more value:
Night Pistol Defense is rarely offered, yet critically needed. You’ll receive expert coaching, practical drills, and repeatable skills that help you protect yourself and your loved ones when the lights go out.
Who should attend:
Graduates of Advanced Pistol Defense or equivalent training. This is a defensive pistol class for serious students ready to take their preparedness to the next level.
Our courses are available only to U.S. citizens (both natural-born and naturalized immigrants) and lawful permanent residents (green card holders).
In accordance with the Department of State’s regulations regarding the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), certain non-U.S. citizens are not allowed to participate in our training courses. Only non-U.S. citizens who are lawful permanent residents are eligible to attend. We reserve the right to verify the U.S. residency status of any student.
To Attend, You Must:
Meet These Requirements
- Have successfully completed DART Level 2 (Advanced Pistol Defense)
- Be 21+ years of age & a U.S. citizen or legal resident
- Be legally allowed to own a firearm in the state of Florida
- Be able to operate a firearm safely
- Complete a liability waiver before the start of the class
- A valid government-issued ID or driver’s license
- Please wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and pants/shorts with belt loops. No sandals.
Bring This Gear
- Semi-auto pistol (22LR, 9MM, .380, 40MM, or .45ACP)
- (3) magazines
- 250 to 300 rounds of ammunition
- Weapon-mounted light and/or handheld flashlight
- Outside-the-Waistband holster
- Pistol magazine carrier for (2) mags
- Gun belt (reinforced)
- Eye & ear protection
- Water, snacks for the duration of the course
Before You Attend
What to Bring and Prepare
To get the most out of class (and avoid common frustrations), we’ve put together a quick guide on gear and preparation. These recommendations are based on real student feedback and instructor experience. We do not receive any compensation or affiliate income from the gear links below—this is just what works.
Learn to Break Down Your Pistol
Before class begins, you’ll need to insert a barrel plug for safety. This requires basic knowledge of how to field strip your handgun. If you’ve never broken yours down, now’s the time—check your manual or search “[Your Gun Model] Disassembly” on YouTube. This simple prep will save time and stress.
Full-Size Pistols Perform Better Here
We recommend full-size handguns for class—not compacts or subcompacts. Why? Larger frames are easier to control, especially under stress. They help you build fundamentals faster with less recoil and more grip surface. Bring what you carry, but know you’ll get the most out of class with a duty-sized pistol.
Use a Quality OWB Holster
We train from Outside the Waistband (OWB) holsters to focus on speed, safety, and consistency. Look for a Kydex holster with good retention and no thumb breaks or flaps. Level 1 or Level 2 retention is ideal. We do not allow Appendix and IWB holsters.
Don’t Skimp on a Gun Belt
A good belt keeps your holster stable and safe. We suggest a rigid, purpose-built gun belt—not a department store leather one. Look for a ratcheting or stiff core belt with minimal flex. Our favorite: Kore X5 Tactical Belt. You’ll feel the difference instantly.
Bring a Solid Mag Pouch
You’ll need a secure mag pouch for reload drills. We recommend a dual pouch with adjustable tension and OWB mounting. Avoid soft nylon or floppy gear. We like the Blade-Tech Total Eclipse 2.0 for its fit, speed, and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the prerequisites to attend?
Pistol Defense Fundamentals in Orlando welcomes students 21+ who can legally own firearms in Florida. No tactical experience needed—just bring a willingness to learn and improve. Our instructors gradually introduce defensive shooting stance techniques while ensuring you’re comfortable before advancing to more complex threat response movement strategies.
What gear and ammunition are required?
Orlando students need a semi-automatic pistol (9mm recommended), three magazines, 250-300 rounds, an outside-the-waistband holster, and a reinforced gun belt. You’ll use this equipment for emergency reload drills for self-defense and drawing and firing accuracy improvement methods. Eye and ear protection are mandatory for safety throughout training.
How is the class structured for skill development?
Our Orlando curriculum progresses methodically through marksmanship drills for handgun proficiency before introducing defensive applications. Morning sessions focus on fundamentals, while afternoon training incorporates decision-making under stress in pistol training scenarios. Each skill builds upon previous lessons, creating a comprehensive foundation for real-world defensive capabilities.
What legal principles are taught?
Orlando students learn Florida’s self-defense laws and the legal framework governing defensive firearm use. We explore threat response movement strategies within legal boundaries, emphasizing decision-making under stress in pistol training scenarios. Understanding these principles is crucial—knowing when you can legally draw your weapon is as important as knowing how.