General Defensive Handgun

$600 per student

In this class, students learn to use their handgun safely, quickly, and reflexively as is required in close-range high-speed defensive situations, and to understand the legal responsibilities of handgun use.

This course should be considered a minimum for anyone who owns or is considering carrying a handgun for self defense. General Defensive Handgun is also a prerequisite for all higher-level InSights handgun training.

Subjects Covered:

Firearms safety as it pertains to self-defense
The integrated act of firing: stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger press, follow through
Speed reloading, tactical reloading, clearing malfunctions
Rapid multiple shots on single targets, rapid engagement of multiple targets
Engagement of targets from the ready position, the draw, and the concealed draw
The proper tactical response to single or multiple opponent situations
Legalities concerning the use of deadly force (both criminal and civil), interactions with law-enforcement
Handgun types and modifications
Ballistics and ammunition selection as it pertains to the handgun
Holster selection, accessories

If you do not have a concealed weapons permit, here is a link to the WSP background check service. If you are not a WA resident, please find your state's equivalent service.
http://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/

You may also register by calling [425] 827.2552 or by email
to info@insightstraining.com

Prerequisites:

CONCEALED WEAPONS PERMIT or documentation of good character AND BRING THOSE DOCUMENTS WITH YOU TO CLASS. If you do not have a concealed weapons permit, here is a link to the WSP background check service. If you are not a WA resident, please find your state's equivalent service. http://www.wsp.wa.gov/crime/criminal-history/ You must be totally familiar and comfortable with your handgun. If you have never shot before or wonder how your gun works we recommend our Basic Handgun Safety and Responsibility class.

Required Equipment:

Reliable, functional semi-automatic handgun; Belt holster (rigid) with sturdy belt; pants with belt loops; 600 rounds of brass-cased, FMJ ammunition (minimum); minimum of 2 magazines and a magazine pouch; Concealment clothing; Hearing and eye protection

Dates & Locations

Bellevue, WA

June 7 - 08, 2025

Time: 8am - 6pm

Instructor: InSights Staff

July 12 - 13, 2025

Time: 8am - 6pm

Instructor: InSights Staff

August 9 - 10, 2025

Time: 8am - 6pm

Instructor: InSights Staff

September 6 - 07, 2025

Time: 8am - 6pm

Instructor: InSights Staff

October 4 - 05, 2025

Time: 8am - 6pm

Instructor: InSights Staff

November 8 - 09, 2025

Time: 8am - 6pm

Instructor: InSights Staff

December 13 - 14, 2025

Time: 8am - 6pm

Instructor: InSights Staff

• Show all Training Courses
• Don't see the class or training your looking for? Tell us what you're looking for and we'll try to help!

Student Testimonials

I attended GDH in Harrisburg on 16 & 17 Aug, 2003, and write to share my *postpartum* sentiments. I've fired 1000's of rds thru dozens of different handguns over the past 30 yrs, but GDH gave me more control over, and accuracy w/, my handgun than I thought possible. It's not just the InSights' technique, but also the excellent instruction that are responsible for my newfound proficiency. As a professor w/ 23 yrs teaching experience I was impressed w/ John Holschen's pedagogical expertise. This course should be required for anyone who wants to obtain a carry permit. I'm looking fwd to taking Tactical Handgun next yr. Please put me on your mailing list.

~ Mark S., Lititz, PA

• Read more testimonials...
• Have your own InSights Training story or after-action report? Submit your own Testimonial!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of gun should I bring?
We suggest bringing a handgun that is full size (similar to Glock 17) or compact size (similar to Glock 19).

Can I bring a small gun, such as S&W Shield, Ruger LCP or similar?
We do not recommend small guns for this class. Smaller, sub-compact guns are often not as reliable and are more difficult to manipulate. Also the magazines hold less ammunition. So your training time will be more frustrating and less productive.

What holster should I bring?
Strong-side belt holsters only – no appendix rigs, drop-leg rigs, shoulder holsters, etc. And your holster should be made for your exact model of gun. We recommend the Kramer IWB#3 horsehide holster (with screws not snaps on the belt loops) or the Kramer Belt Scabbard horsehide holster. Also acceptable are Kydex belt holsters such as the Tenicor ARX, or Blade-Tech. No Blackhawk Serpa or similar holsters allowed (retention release too near the trigger). Holsters must be rigid and stay open when the gun is not in them -- no collapsible holsters. No retention devices are required or recommended. Also, you must wear pants that have belt loops.

What belt and mag pouch should I bring?
Bring a gun belt such as the Kramer horsehide belt -- 1.25" or 1.5" works well. Kramer horsehide mag pouches are also recommended. Kydex mag pouches are acceptable. No collapsible mag pouches -- they should be rigid like the holsters and stay open when the mag is not in them.