Note That This Course Will Not Certify You For Your South Dakota Enhanced Concealed Carry Permit. Though it is a great choice for those wanting to build a solid foundation in concealed carry skills before taking the South Dakota Enhanced Class or The Total Concealed Carry Package.

Designed for those new to firearms, our First Steps program offers a comprehensive introduction to personal and family safety, defensive planning, and firearm fundamentals. Over three days, you’ll gain essential skills and knowledge that form the foundation for responsible firearm use. Here’s what each day entails:

Day 1: Family Safety Planning and Understanding the Law
We start with the basics of family safety, teaching you how to identify your “team” and keep them secure, including how to prevent unauthorized access to firearms by children. You’ll learn the fundamentals of South Dakota law concerning firearms and the use of force.  Learn firearm upkeep by learning detailed field-stripping techniques, routine checks, and maintenance best practices to ensure reliability. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to recognize criminal behavior and strategies for prevention and response.

Day 2: Holster Selection, Efficient Drawing, and Non-Lethal Tools
On day two, you’ll learn how to choose a reliable holster and develop an efficient draw. Through dry fire practice, you’ll work on the fundamentals of handgun marksmanship. We’ll also explore non-lethal tools like pepper spray and teach de-escalation tactics that can help avoid confrontations before they escalate.

Day 3: Integrating Skills with Interactive Drills
In the final session, you’ll bring everything together. We’ll run through interactive dry and live fire drills, giving you a chance to apply what you’ve learned and see how your skills have developed throughout the course.

First Steps is ideal for anyone seeking to establish a solid foundation in defensive firearm use and safety. By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence and skills needed to make informed decisions for personal and family protection. Join us and take your first steps toward responsible firearm ownership.