Intermediate Pistol – Two Day – (ECCL) May 30&31, 2026

Intermediate Pistol Overview

Prerequisites: This course has no formal prerequisites, but we recommend that you attend our Basic Pistol offering prior to joining us for this event.  Intermediate Pistol is a fast-paced program covering a lot of instructional points. The course is designed to improve marksmanship fundamentals for our attendees. We suggest that you should have taken some type of entry-level class already and you should already be familiar with the safe handling and operation of your pistol. If you are totally new to firearms/pistols, you may be better served to attend our Basic Pistol course which has a slower pace.

Attendees between ages 14-18 years must be accompanied by a parent for the entire event.  If under age of 14, contact the Event Director to review their skills and get approval for their participation.

Estimated Ammunition Required: You will need a safe, functioning 22lr semi-automatic pistol for your work on Saturday and Sunday morning.  We use .22lr pistols during the instructions and related drills as the lower power/recoil allows students to adopt their fundamentals faster.  You will need about 300 rnds/day for that pistol.  If you wish to also bring your centerfire/carry pistol on Sunday, there will be the opportunity to work with it on Sunday afternoon and apply what you learned on Saturday to that pistol as well.

Pistol Requirements: You will need a safe semi-automatic pistol with a minimum of two (2) functioning magazines of 10 rounds or greater capacity (extra magazines recommended), to fully participate in this course. Pistols should be of a modern, drop safe design.

Older single action pistols manufactured before the 1980s and lacking a transfer bar safety are the most common type of pistol that lack drop safe design features, as do some military surplus imports from Eastern bloc countries and Taurus PT-series pistols not fixed during an international safety recall in 2015. These pistols may discharge if dropped and pose a potential safety hazard to our volunteers and students, and are not permitted. If you have concerns about the safety features of your pistol you should have it inspected by an armorer or gunsmith before class.

Required Equipment: Please review our suggestions for appropriate Pistol equipment and plan to bring the following:

• at least two magazines for your pistol
• a way to take notes
• hearing protection
• eye protection
• plenty of your preferred method of hydration (both plain water and something to replace electrolytes you will lose via sweating is ideal)
• appropriate clothing.  This is an Outdoor event so choose appropriate clothing (loose fitting clothing, especially around the neck, and short or no sleeves are discouraged as hot brass will be flying from your neighbor and it can lodge against the skin and cause a burn). Also, keep an eye on the weather reports, we shoot rain or shine so you may need your rain gear.

We will not be drawing from the holster in this class and we will run a “cold range.” You will not need a holster to participate in event activities.

Optional Equipment: The following equipment is not required but may come in handy at the event:

• case for your pistol
• stapler (and extra staples) to attach your target to the backer board
• hat with a brim (to deflect flying hot brass)
• folding chair
• lunch
• snacks
• sunscreen and/or bug spray

Loaner Firearms: loaner firearms suitable for use at this event are generally available but limited. Please contact the Event Director prior to the event if you would like to request a loaner firearm.

Overview: This course, based on traditional American service pistol fundamentals is based on a “Hits Count” system. This course covers a  sound foundation for students to shoot groups under time pressure from a practical stance. Intermediate Pistol includes classroom and range time with the goal to improve your pistol marksmanship skills. Students learn:

• Rules for safe gun handling & range rules
• Pistol parts and operation & ammunition
• Shooting fundamentals: Five steps to firing each shot
• Two Handed Grip & Stance: Isoceles and Weaver, benchrest, and shooting from low ready positions.
• Natural Point of Aim
• Shot Group Analysis
• Clearing Common Stoppages
• Whittemore’s Stand Pistol Qualifier
• Classic WW2 Pistol Qualification Test (optional)

The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere

During the event breaks, we will share the true story of Paul Revere’s famous ride and learn about the events that immediately precipitated the Revolutionary War. Paul Revere did not ride alone – many individuals played crucial roles in the events of April 19th, 1775.

This history presentation begins with alarm riders warning “the Regulars are out!” You’ll hear about the dramatic stand on Lexington Green and the “shots heard ’round the world” at Concord’s North Bridge. The tale concludes with harrowing life-or-death choices made along the 17 mile British retreat on”battle road” back to Boston.

This exciting tale will be woven throughout the day’s marksmanship events.

Additional Event Information

Time allowing, there may be some informal “team challenges” on Sunday to spice up the day. You are responsible for bringing a lunch both days.

Additional Range Information

The club charges non-club members a $10 range fee for the event.  Please bring cash for this charge, it will be collected at registration.