classes

Our standard curriculum has been developed from decades of experience instructing law enforcement officers. We’ve modified the information and techniques for civilians because we want you to know what we know.

Our classes are conducted in our classrooms at Talon Range or Talon Tactical Outfitters as well as on the range. We do not allow firearms, ammunition or other weapons in the classroom, although our students are welcome to bring their own firearms to use on the range.

We do offer custom courses and private instruction. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.

Prior to the attendance of any course all students will need to complete a class wavier and present the confirmation email to the instructors the day of the event. 

Class Wavier

Basic I/CCW


Basic I is an introduction to handgun shooting in a defensive context. This course exceeds Florida requirements for firearms safety class and a certificate obtained during this course can be used to apply for a CCW License. There will be at least two classes scheduled per month.

During this class students will enjoy:

  • 4 hours of classroom material going over gun safety, tactics, Florida’s Laws and Statutes governing use of force.
  • 2 hours of live fire on the range. 
  • 2 hours of scenario based training using a laser simulator. 
  • Optional 1 hour to test fire weapons from our selection of over 30 pistols.

    Required Gear:
  • Pants that can accommodate a belt and a sturdy belt (we will be putting a holster on you)
  • Closed toed shoes and a closed collar shirt.
  • Appropriate clothing for seasonal conditions (this is an outdoor range)

Talon will be furnishing the firearms, ammunition, take home hearing/eye protection, swag and lunch for this class.

Cost: 190.00

BASIC II


Our Basic II course is an intermediate four hour course that is designed for people who have already taken a CCW class or just want to learn how to use their handgun. This class is taught from concealment and will require that the student brings their own weapon in their preferred method of carry. This course can be tailored to the needs of the student and due to the reduced class size can be done as a private function upon request. The course will cover-

  • Handgun Shooting Fundamentals 
  • Handgun Draw Technique 
  • Shooting From Retention 
  • Handgun Malfunctions 
  • Emergency and Tactical Reloads 
  • Discussion on Gear Selection 

Required Gear

  • At least 100 rounds of Handgun ammunition 
  • At least one concealable handgun and method of carry 
  • At least two spare magazines or speed loaders 
  • Hearing and Eye Protection

Cost: $150.00

Talon Defender Series


The Talon Defender Series is the most comprehensive pistol specific course that Talon offers. Consisting of three separate three day courses that will give the student 72 hours of informative and challenging instruction. Each class will build on the class before it and will end with a proficiency test.

Talon Defender – Enhanced – $500.00

  • Universal Laws of Self Defense
  • Protector Mindset and Situational Awareness
  • Extensive Work On Handgun Malfunction
  • Extensive Work On Transitions
  • Introduction to Movement
  • Concealed Carry Threat Engagement
  • Dealing with Aftermath
  • Reality Based Training

Talon Defender – Advanced – $500.00

  • Enhanced Course Review
  • Refresher on malfunctions and transitions
  • Intro to Trauma Care
  • Extensive Moving and Shooting Drills
  • Use of Cover and Concealment
  • Low Light Threat Engagement
  • Reality Based Training

Talon Defender – Professional – $500.00

  • Advanced Review
  • Refresher on Malfunctions and Transitions
  • Threat Engagement with Team Concepts
  • Additional work on movement drills including surreptitious movement
  • Low Light Threat Engagement
  • Trauma Care Proficiency
  • Self Aid/ Buddy Aid
  • Family Protection Techniques
  • Reality Based Training (Force on Force)

Required Gear

  1. At least 800 rounds of handgun ammunition per class
  2. At least 3 magazines (4-5 mags/speed loaders if low capacity handgun.)
  3. At least one Concealable handgun with Concealable method of carry
  4. A Handheld Light
  5. Wet/Cold  weather gear depending on the season
  6. Black Permanent Marker
  7. Note Taking Gear
  8. Hearing and Eye Protection

Talon Protector Series 


The Talon Protector Series is the most comprehensive Tactical Carbine specific course that Talon offers. Consisting of three separate 3-day courses that will give the student 72 hours of informative and challenging instruction. Each class will build on the class before it and will end with a proficiency test.

Talon Protector – Enhanced – $500.00

  • Basic Shooting Fundamentals
  • Rifle Zero / Different Types
  • Disassembly / Assembly / Trouble Shooting Common Issues
  • Legal Presentation
  • Target Anatomy
  • Engagement Consideration
  • State of Awareness / Situational Awareness
  • Malfunctions
  • Students will shoot a wide variety of drills from various positions and distances.

Talon Protector – Advanced- $500.00

  • Enhanced Course Review
  • Refresher on Malfunctions
  • Transition from Rifle to Handgun Concepts
  • Introduction to Trauma Care
  • Extensive Moving and Shooting Drills
  • Use of Cover and Concealment
  • Low Light Threat Engagement
  • Reality Based Training Scenarios

Talon Protector -Professional- $500.00 

  • Advanced Course Review
  • Refresher on malfunctions and transitions
  • Threat Engagement with Team Concepts
  • Threat Engagement with Known and Unknown Distances
  • Low Light Threat Engagements
  • Trauma Care Proficiency
  • Self Aid / Buddy Aid
  • Reality Based Training Scenarios

Required Gear:

  • 800 rounds Rifle Ammo / 200 rounds Handgun Ammo.
  • Semi Auto Rifle with detachable Box Magazine 
  • x4 Spare Magazines 
  • Rifle Sling 
  • Method of carrying spare magazines 
  • Pistol and Holster 
  • Spare magazines for pistol 
  • Black permanent Marker 
  • Hearing and Eye Protection 

Cover/Concealment


This is an advanced course that combines the Home Defense and the Cover/Concealment course. We are taking the act of clearing a house and add the process of effectively using cover and concealment in the house. We will cover the ballistic issues and bullets inside the home, searching/clearing the home with a flashlight and weapon, and the use of a shotgun for home defense.

Live fire with a shotgun and handgun will be included in drills centered on home defense skills, and Airsoft scenarios will be conducted in a building simulating a home. This course is approximately eight hours long.

Cost: $175.00

Students will need to bring

  • Semi-automatic pistol
  • 100 Rounds of Handgun Ammunition
  • Two magazines with at least 10-round capacity or three magazines if less than 10-round capacity
  • Magazine pouch
  • Belt-worn holster
  • Concealment garment (light jacket, etc.) that can be buttoned/zipped closed as well as worn open
  • Hearing and eye protection
  • Shotgun if disired
  • 50 rounds of shotgun ammunition
  • Flashlight

Vehicle survivability tactics (vst)


Our Vehicle Survivability Tactics course is one of our more advanced courses. During this
course, students will learn how to fight effectively with a handgun from inside a vehicle. We will cover the effects of bullets striking a vehicle, effects of bullets against tempered and laminated glass, the strong areas of a vehicle along with the weak areas of a vehicle. We will also cover the special considerations of vehicle interiors, specific draw techniques, and other specific items. Each student will engage targets from inside a vehicle while shooting through a windshield. This will be an eight hour course and lunch will be provided.

Cost: $250.00

Gear List:

  • 185 rnds of FMJ 
  • 15 rnds of JHP
  • Eye and Ear Protection 
  • Handgun 
  • Three Magazines 
  • Concealed Carry Holster 
  • Spare Mag Pouches 
  • Gloves 
  • Facial Covering (there will be a lot of powdered glass in the air)
  • Note Taking Gear

This class will require a proficient level of gun handling in confined spaces. Understand that if you sign up for the course and then demonstrate a significant safety risk to not only to yourself but instructors and other students, you will be dropped from the course. 

Intro to Carbine/Rifle


Course Duration: 8 Hours

Description: This comprehensive 8-hour course is designed for individuals seeking an introduction to defensive rifle/carbine usage. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience with firearms, this course will provide essential knowledge and practical skills to enhance your proficiency with defensive rifles or carbines.

Course Highlights:

  1. Firearms Safety: Start with a thorough overview of firearm safety principles, including proper handling, storage, and range etiquette. Emphasis will be placed on developing a safety-conscious mindset throughout the course.

  2. Rifle/Carbine Basics: Gain a solid understanding of the components and functions of defensive rifles/carbines. Learn how to safely load, unload, and clear malfunctions.

  3. Marksmanship Fundamentals: Develop fundamental marksmanship skills, including proper stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control. Participants will engage in live-fire exercises to reinforce these essential skills.

  4. Ballistics and Ammunition: Explore the basics of ballistics and ammunition selection for defensive purposes. Understand how different types of ammunition behave and impact terminal ballistics.

  5. Deployment Techniques: Learn practical techniques for deploying a defensive rifle/carbine in various scenarios, including home defense and personal protection. Understand the principles of cover and concealment.

  6. Transitions and Movement: Practice transitioning between a rifle/carbine and secondary weapons, as well as movement drills. Understand the importance of situational awareness and effective communication in defensive scenarios.

  7. Malfunction Drills: Master essential skills to quickly and safely address common firearm malfunctions. Participants will engage in practical exercises to develop confidence in resolving issues under pressure.

  8. Legal and Ethical Considerations: Discuss the legal and ethical aspects of using a defensive rifle/carbine for personal protection. Understand when the use of deadly force is justified and the legal implications of defensive actions.

Prerequisites: No prior rifle/carbine experience required. Participants must be legally eligible to possess and use firearms. Students will need to have 500 rounds of ammunition, semi auto rifle with detachable box magazine, at least 4 spare mags, a method of carrying spare magazines, rifle sling, hearing and eye protection.  

 

competitive shooting


Talon Training Group Advanced Class: Introduction to USPSA Competitive Shooting

This course is designed to prepare competitors for a USPSA / IPSC match and is available to advanced shooters who want to improve gun handling capabilities.

Over the course of an entire day, Master Class USPSA competitor and Talon instructor John Rasmussen will cover the basics of combat shooting. Topics include drawing techniques, basic shooting skills, shooting on the move, strong-hand weak-hand shooting, stage props and reloading. We will also look at the game itself and discuss stage breakdown, rules, match preparation, training, practicing and equipment selection.

Required for the class:

  • A safe and serviceable handgun, 9mm or larger, i.e. Glock, Sig, Beretta, H&K, 1911 etc.
  • At least two magazines for your handgun
  • A secure holster that covers the trigger guard
  • A sturdy belt
  • At least one magazine pouch
  • Eye and hearing protection
  • 400 rounds of ammunition

If you do not have all of the required equipment, contact us; some equipment can be loaned to students for the class. Ammunition is also available for purchase in the Pro Shop.

Much of the class will be held outdoors on the range, so dress appropriately. Lunch is included in the class fee. The class will be limited to no more than eight students; please contact us in advance to reserve your space.

In addition to the class on Saturday, John will include further instruction at the local USPSA match held at Talon Range on the Saturday following the class. All Talon students will be placed in squads together, and John will act as the Range Officer. The knowledge and information learned in the class will be put to use in the match, and each student will get one-on-one instruction through each course of fire. This portion is not mandatory, and the only cost associated with this portion is the match entry fee. This class is available upon request only.

tactical shotgun


Students will learn proper grip and stance, weapon manipulation, administrative loading and unloading, combat loading, malfunction clearing, load selection and associated gear selection.

Students will need:

  • A safe, functioning pump or semi auto shotgun, preferably in 12ga
  • Some way to carry extra ammo — a sidesaddle carrier, belt carriers, vest, dump pouch, etc.
  • Eye and hearing protection
  • 20 rounds of slug
  • 10 rounds of buckshot
  • 100 rounds of birdshot
  • A sling would be helpful, but is not essential

Talon will have ammunition available for sale. Contact us to reserve a space in the next class.

This is an eight-hour course and is limited to 12 students. Lunch is provided, but you are also welcome to bring your own.

Cost: 175.00

reality-based training


This Force-on-Force Training Course is a dynamic and immersive program designed to enhance participants’ tactical skills, decision-making abilities, and situational awareness in real-world scenarios. This course goes beyond traditional firearms training by incorporating realistic, scenario-based simulations that replicate high-stress situations. Participants will engage in force-on-force exercises using non-lethal training ammunition, providing a safe yet realistic environment for skill development.

Key Learning Objectives:

  1. Applied Tactical Decision-Making:

    • Develop critical thinking skills for rapid decision-making in dynamic environments.
    • Enhance situational awareness through scenario-based exercises.
  2. Firearms Handling and Marksmanship:

    • Refine fundamental marksmanship skills under stress.
    • Practice effective weapon manipulation techniques for close-quarters engagements.
  3. Team Dynamics:

    • Foster effective communication and coordination within a team.
    • Develop strategies for cohesive team responses to dynamic threats.
  4. Scenario-Based Simulations:

    • Engage in realistic force-on-force scenarios to apply learned skills in practical situations.
    • Receive immediate feedback and debriefings for continuous improvement.
  5. Stress Inoculation:

    • Experience controlled stress exposure to improve performance under pressure.
    • Develop resilience and maintain focus during high-stress encounters.
  6. Legal and Ethical Considerations:

    • Understand the legal implications of using force in self-defense.
    • Navigate ethical dilemmas associated with the use of firearms in real-world scenarios.
  7. Equipment and Gear Selection:

    • Evaluate and optimize personal gear for effective use in force-on-force scenarios.
    • Learn about the latest advancements in training equipment and technology.
  8. After-Action Review (AAR):

    • Participate in comprehensive AAR sessions to analyze and learn from each scenario.
    • Receive personalized feedback from instructors to enhance individual performance.

Course Format: The Firearms Force-on-Force Training Course is structured as a combination of classroom sessions, live-fire drills, and realistic force-on-force simulations. The course will culminate in a final scenario that integrates all learned skills and tactics.

Target Audience: This course is suitable for law enforcement professionals, security personnel, military personnel, and responsible armed citizens who seek to enhance their tactical proficiency in realistic settings.

Prerequisites: Participants must have a solid understanding of firearm safety, basic marksmanship skills, and a fundamental knowledge of firearm handling. This course is not suitable for beginners; participants should have completed a basic firearms safety course before enrolling.

Note: This course emphasizes safety at all times, and participants will be provided with protective gear for force-on-force exercises. Training ammunition will be utilized to ensure a safe and controlled learning environment.

Red Dot Handgun


Join Talon Training Lead Instructors John Rasmussen and Avery Tubbs for a 1-day class introducing you to the handgun mounted red dot sight. In this class we’ll cover:

-Red dot sight components and equipment selection
-Proper zeroing
-Red dot sight theory and why it is (or can be) a superior sighting method
-How to properly train with and use a red dot sight for recreational, competitive and self
defense use, and much more

Class requirements:

While this is an introductory class on red dots, it is not a class for beginner
shooters. Shooters should already be proficient and safe with a handgun. This is an intermediate class designed to make you faster, more accurate and more proficient with a handgun.

This class will require a safe handgun with a red dot sight (9mm or larger is preferred, but a rimfire handgun is acceptable), 500 rounds of ammunition, 3 magazines, a holster that covers the trigger, a magazine pouch, eye and ear protection.

Cost: 250.00

low light tactics


This class is designed to teach tactical skills with little available light and incorporates the same tactics law enforcement uses for SWAT and other specialty teams. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of all methods of lighting, and we practice searching and clearing a building in low light with only a flashlight.

We cover the proper use of handheld and weapon-mounted lights with both handguns and long guns. Methods of shooting with both types of lights are emphasized, and we’ll discuss when and when not to use lights, as well as what types of lights to buy. Several types of lights will be available at the class to borrow or purchase.

Students will Require:

  1. Handgun 
  2. Hand held light 
  3. 200 rounds of ammunition 
  4. At least 2 spare magazines 
  5. Concealed weapon holster 
  6. Method to carry spare magazines 

This class is taught in the evening hours and often runs late.

Cost: 150.00

active shooter response


In our modern society, the incidents of active, on going violent encounters are growing.  As armed citizens we need to be prepared to deal with these in a way we can protect those we love and still not suffer harm at the hands of responding officers.

This course is a 12 hour course, including a 4 hour session on a Friday night in the classroom and a full day on the range on a Saturday.  We provide instruction on mindset, concealed carry techniques and legal issues related to defending ourselves and our community from this style of attack.  Disarming techniques and some basic combat casualty care is taught as well as a full day of shooting drills.  The emphasis is on accurate shooting with a concealed carry handgun from concealment.  Learning how to keep a low profile and win, without being subject to being mistaken for the bad guy is a key learning point.

This course will require a concealed firearm, a holster and at least one spare magazine or speed loader.  200 rounds of ammunition is the minimum and all weapons must be concealed during the class.

Dinner Friday and Lunch on Saturday are provided.  This is one of Talon’s most advanced courses and the only one with a practical exercise at the end that is required for completion.  This course also requires that you meet training criteria to join. Call the Pro-Shop for more information.

in-home consultations


Do you ever worry about the security of your home or what you would do if someone broke in? We offer in-home consultations with a law enforcement instructor who will come evaluate your home and teach you how to safety protect, search and defend it from a break-in or assault.

These instructors are tactically trained and are either current or past members of a SWAT or Tactical Team. They are also passionate about your ability to protect yourself and your family. Items discussed will include home security issues, how to secure and defend family members and what to do if you wake up to an intruder, among other topics. You are welcome to include your entire family in the training.

These sessions can be upgraded to include scenario-based training.

We can customize this training to suit the needs of any homeowner, business owner or government entity. Pricing on customized training for other venues is available by request.

custom courses


We are happy to build a custom course for you, your business, your family or your friends; let us know what you want to cover and we’ll create something just for you. We can come to you or schedule time at the range. Pricing will vary based on time, instructors and the number of students. Contact us for more information.