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Pathfinder
1-Day Course

Build your foundation. Own your shot.

Step onto the range and take control. Pathfinder is designed for first-time shooters and those looking to build a rock-solid foundation in pistol fundamentals. This isn’t about perfection—it’s about understanding what actually makes the gun work and building confidence through repetition, consistency, and proper mechanics.You’ll learn how to establish a stable grip, align your sights, press the trigger without disruption, and manage recoil—all in a structured, low-pressure environment that focuses on doing it right, not doing it fast.

At close distance, you’ll discover something most new shooters never realize;
you don’t need perfect—you need consistent fundamentals. By the end of the class, you won’t just be hitting the target—you’ll understand why you’re hitting it. And you’ll finish the day the way training should end:
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confident, capable… and with a smile on your target.

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What you’ll learn

  • Sight Alignment & Picture: Understand how your sights actually affect impact—and what’s “acceptable” at close distance
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  • Grip & Control: Build a stable, repeatable grip that manages recoil and keeps the gun tracking consistently
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  • Trigger Control: Press the trigger without disturbing the gun, creating predictable and repeatable shots
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  • Recoil Tracking & Cadence: Learn what the gun is doing during and after the shot, and how to stay in control of it
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  • Confidence at Distance: See firsthand that solid fundamentals work, even as distance increases

Duration/ What you will need

This class is an 8 hour mixed class that will be classroom and range work.

Classroom requirements:
- Note taking materials.
- Water/coffee/drinks.
- Non-disruptive snacks.
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Range requirements:
- A minimum of 100 rounds (extra rounds for any reshoots).
- Firearm.
- Eye/ear protection.
- Comfortable, Weather‑appropriate clothing and footwear.
- Water/coffee/drinks.
- Non-disruptive snacks.

A 1 hour lunch break will be given but no food is provided. Please plan accordingly.

Prerequisite


Must be legally allowed to possess and/or own a firearm.

No prior firearms experience required.
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Must be able to safely handle a firearm and follow instructor commands.
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Firearm, ammunition, and eye/ear protection required.
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Students must arrive with their own firearm, ammunition, holster (if applicable), and eye/ear protection. MVTS does not offer firearm rentals or loaner equipment at this time. If you have questions about gear selection, we’re happy to help you prepare.
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Open mindset and willingness to learn

Participants should be physically capable of light to moderate activity, including periods of sitting, standing, and basic handling of equipment. Training includes a mix of indoor and outdoor work, so please dress appropriately for weather and terrain. We work with you — not against you — and will meet you at your current skill and comfort level.

Training Approach

Pathfinder is a structured, coaching-focused course designed to build confidence through repetition and understanding—not speed.

Training begins at close distance to reduce pressure and allow students to focus on fundamentals. As the class progresses, students apply those same fundamentals through guided drills that reinforce consistency, control, and predictable results.Instructors work closely with each student, providing real-time feedback and adjustments.

The pace is deliberate, ensuring every shooter understands not just how to take the shot—but why it works.The course concludes with a final drill designed to reinforce accuracy, confidence, and leave students with a clear visual representation of their progress.

SAFETY EXPECTATIONS

Safety is the highest priority at Mountain Viking Tactical Solutions. All students are expected to follow instructor directions, maintain awareness, and uphold MVTS safety standards at all times. Any unsafe behavior, reckless conduct, or actions that endanger others will be addressed immediately. Safety violations on the range will result in dismissal from the class with no refund. These standards protect every student, every instructor, and the integrity of the training environment.

Concealed Carry (CCW) Course

Our Mountain Viking CCW Course is designed to give you the knowledge, confidence, and legal understanding you need to carry responsibly.

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Verbal Tactics

Violence isn’t always the answer — but neither is silence

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Private Training

Want more focused instruction or a discreet learning environment?

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Train smart. Certify with confidence.

Advance your skills with expert-led firearms training, CCW permit courses, and guard card certification. Designed for responsible gun owners, security professionals, and first-time users seeking legal, safe, and effective instruction.

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Get answers to common questions about our firearms training, certification, and licensing courses. Learn what to expect, what to bring, and how to get started.

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Your path to confident carry

Who can enroll in your classes?

Our courses are open to civilians, security professionals, and first-time firearm owners. You must meet Arizona state eligibility requirements for specific certifications.

What should I bring to training?

Bring a valid photo ID, any required paperwork, and your firearm if you own one. Safety gear and ammunition requirements will be provided upon registration.

Do you offer CCW and Guard Card certification?

Yes, we provide Arizona Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit courses and both unarmed and armed Guard Card certification. All training meets state standards.

Is live-fire training included?

Most courses include live-fire range sessions under instructor supervision. Some classroom-only options are available for legal and safety instruction.