LADIES FIRST COURSE
Women’s Concealed Carry & Defensive Handgun Training
(Beginner to Intermediate COURSE)
The Ladies First Course is a beginner to intermediate women’s handgun training program designed for those who want to feel confident, stay in control, and build real-world personal protection skills without feeling overwhelmed or wasting time.
This course is built for busy women, retired women, and all women in between who want clear, practical instruction in firearm safety, handgun operation, and defensive shooting skills in a structured, supportive environment. You are actively involved in your training, working alongside your instructor to build confidence, control, and capability through exploration of your purpose for this course.
Diving into the Curriculum
This women’s firearms training course focuses on solving the most common challenges new and developing shooters face—uncertainty, lack of confidence, and building control under pressure.
Mastering Firearm Safety Rules
Build a strong foundation in the universal rules of firearm safety. These principles guide responsible handling and help ensure a safe environment for you and everyone around you.
Understanding Semi-Automatic Pistols and Revolvers
Explore how semi-automatic pistols and revolvers function, and learn the key differences between them. Gain a clear understanding of how each system operates and when those differences matter.
Ammunition Selection and Understanding
Take a closer look at ammunition types and what sets them apart. Learn how to confidently identify and choose the right ammunition for your firearm and intended use.
Pistol Selection and Safe Storage
Learn how to choose a pistol that fits your needs, hand, and purpose. You’ll also cover the importance of safe storage and how it protects both your firearm and those around you.
Building Strong Shooting Fundamentals
Develop a firm foundation of grip pressure, your sighting system, and trigger control across various distances to build consistent accuracy.
Pistol Inspection and Maintenance
Learn how to properly inspect, clean, and maintain your firearm. Regular maintenance ensures reliability, safety, and long-term performance.
Improving Marksmanship Skills
Work directly with experienced instructors to strengthen your shooting ability. This hands-on training helps you progress from basic skills to confident, controlled performance.
Range Safety and Live-Fire Preparation
Understand essential range safety procedures so you can train with confidence. These protocols prepare you for a safe and productive live-fire experience.
Eligibility and Prerequisites
The Ladies First Course opens its arms to women of all ages, backgrounds, and proficiency levels. We believe in the potential of every woman and endeavor to provide an inclusive platform for empowerment. For those under 18, a liability release waiver must be completed by a parent or legal guardian, a testament to our commitment to safety and responsibility. Importantly, no prior firearm training is necessary to enroll in this course. Our dedicated instructors are unwavering in their mission to facilitate the development of a robust foundation in firearm handling, ensuring that every participant feels empowered, confident, and equipped.
Live-Fire Session
The apex of the Ladies First Course experience is the live-fire training session. This session provides you with the opportunity to apply your newfound knowledge in a practical setting. Guided by our Certified Instructors, this segment seamlessly integrates theoretical expertise with hands-on experience, culminating in an encounter that is secure, satisfying, and transformative.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT:
- Reliable handgun (semi-automatic or revolver)
- Minimum of 2 magazines (for semi-automatics)
- Quality holster (if applicable)
- Eye protection
- Hearing protection
- 150–200 rounds of factory ammunition
- Sturdy belt for support (recommended)
Seamless Learning Experience
At Bear Arms Training, we provide a smooth, stress-free concealed carry training experience designed for confidence and skill development. Firearms and hearing protection are included so you can focus fully on learning in a safe, supportive environment.
We are building a strong community of women in firearms training—connecting you with other women on the same path to personal protection, confidence, and growth.
Our women’s resource network connects you locally and nationally with A Girl & A Gun for ongoing training, support, and community.
You’ll also train alongside experienced women instructors and guest women trainers who provide hands-on coaching, mentorship, and real-world insight throughout your journey.
FAQs
To foster enhanced clarity, let’s address common inquiries:
Optimal Firearm Selection for Self-Defense
Optimal firearm selection hinges on personal preferences, body dimensions, and familiarity with firearms. Compact or subcompact handguns are frequently favored for concealed carry due to their ease of concealment and lightweight attributes.
Discovering Women-Centric Firearms Training
The demand for women-centric firearms training has surged, leading to increased availability. Countless shooting ranges and training facilities now offer specialized courses tailored exclusively to women. Online resources and directories simplify the process of identifying classes that prioritize the provision of a secure and supportive learning environment for women.
Caliber Choice for Firearms
Selecting the suitable firearm caliber depends on a multitude of factors, including prior shooting experience, intended usage, and individual comfort levels. Popular calibers like 9mm and .380 ACP are often recommended for self-defense due to their manageable recoil and effective stopping power. However, it is of paramount importance to seek guidance from experienced instructors to make an informed and educated decision.
Foundational Firearm Safety Precautions
The bedrock of any firearms training program is safety. Foundational safety principles encompass treating firearms as if they are always loaded, refraining from placing your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot, never pointing a firearm at anything unless you intend to shoot, and exercising awareness of both your target and its surroundings.
Firearms Tailored for Women's Hand Sizes and Grip Strengths
Numerous firearm manufacturers have developed models designed to cater to women’s unique hand sizes and grip strengths. These specialized firearms often feature slimmer grips and adjustable elements to accommodate a broader spectrum of hand sizes, ensuring an optimal and comfortable shooting experience.
Navigating Legal Requirements for Firearm Ownership
Navigating the intricate landscape of firearm ownership, as well as concealed carry permits, necessitates a thorough understanding of local, state, and federal laws. Our Ladies First Course, beyond imparting crucial firearm handling skills, offers invaluable insights into the legal requirements. Equipped with this knowledge, you can navigate the intricate web of regulations with confidence and ensure responsible firearm ownership.
Refining Accuracy and Shooting Skills
The path to refining accuracy and shooting skills demands dedication, perseverance, and expert guidance. A meticulously structured firearms training course focuses on honing marksmanship fundamentals, optimizing stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control. Consistent practice, coupled with constructive feedback from adept instructors, serves as the cornerstone of mastery in shooting proficiency.
Specialized Self-Defense Training Programs
Recognizing the unique challenges that women may face in varying scenarios, specialized self-defense training programs tailored specifically for women have gained prominence. These programs encompass situational awareness, verbal de-escalation techniques, and strategic physical defense strategies, empowering women with the tools to navigate diverse situations confidently.
Safe Firearm Storage at Home
The significance of proper firearm storage cannot be overstated, particularly when children are present in the household. Employing a locked gun safe or a lockable storage case stands as the optimal approach to preventing unauthorized access. Furthermore, ammunition should be stored separately from firearms. Educating children about firearm safety, emphasizing the imperative of not handling firearms without adult supervision, further fortifies a secure environment.
Online Resources for Women's Firearms Training
The digital sphere abounds with online platforms offering a wealth of resources and insights into firearms training tailored for women. Reputable websites feature a treasure trove of articles, videos, and forums, enabling women to glean knowledge from seasoned instructors and fellow enthusiasts. Social media groups dedicated to firearms training and self-defense for women furnish a supportive community to share experiences and solicit guidance.
Available Courses:
Click on the event below for more details and to purchase your ticket.
Events
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Ladies First Course, Saturuday May 9th, 2026
Ladies First 6317 Vint Hill Rd., Warrenton, VA, United StatesThe Ladies First Course is a women’s concealed carry and defensive handgun training built for real life—helping you feel safe, think clearly, and stay in control without confusion or wasted […]
Get Tickets $175.00 -
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Ladies First Course: Saturday, June 20th, 2026
Ladies First 6317 Vint Hill Rd., Warrenton, VA, United StatesThe Ladies First Course is a women’s concealed carry and defensive handgun training built for real life—helping you feel safe, think clearly, and stay in control without confusion or wasted […]
Get Tickets $195.00 -
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Ladies First Course: Saturday, September 26th, 2026
Ladies First 6317 Vint Hill Rd., Warrenton, VA, United StatesThe Ladies First Course is a women’s concealed carry and defensive handgun training built for real life—helping you feel safe, think clearly, and stay in control without confusion or wasted […]
Get Tickets $195.00
Cancellation Policy
By purchasing this course, you agree to the Cancellation Policy: All courses are non-refundable. A minimum of a 24-hour notification is required, and participants may reschedule only once per registration fee.
Read full Cancellation Policy here
