Training
Training Courses at Texas Gun Ranch
Texas Gun Ranch has a dedicated training staff focused on making you a better shooter. Whether you're just starting out and want to learn the basics or you're a seasoned veteran looking to get better with your weapon, we've got the courses you need to feel confident and proficient.
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Courses are generally held on Sundays unless otherwise noted. Check out our Calendar or Facebook page to see upcoming classes!
Handgun Courses
Basic Pistol Course
The Basic Pistol Course is designed to help the new gun owner or beginner pistol shooter learn how their personal pistol functions, how to safely handle and operate their pistol and achieve the basics of pistol marksmanship used in defensive situations. The basic pistol course is two hours in length including classroom instruction and hands-on range instruction. The course requires a serviceable pistol (revolver or semi-automatic) and 100 rounds of ammunition. Targets are provided by Texas Gun Ranch.
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear/Eye Protection
Weekly Slots Available: 6
Women’s-Only Basic Pistol Course
The Women’s-Only Basic Pistol Course is designed to help the female new gun owner or beginner pistol shooter learn how their personal pistol functions, how to safely handle and operate their pistol and achieve the basics of pistol marksmanship used in defensive situations in a stress free, all female environment. The women’s-only basic pistol course is two hours in length including classroom instruction and hands-on range instruction. The course requires a serviceable pistol (revolver or semi-automatic) and 100 rounds of ammunition. Targets are provided by Texas Gun Ranch.
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear/Eye Protection
Weekly Slots Available: 6
Youth Basic Handgun Course
The youth basic handgun course will introduce firearm safety, basic marksmanship skills, and how a firearm functions for the attendee. Ages of consideration are from 6 years of age to 18 years of age. It is highly recommended that a .22 LR caliber handgun be used for the attendee, due to its low report and recoil. The attendee will need 100 rounds of ammunition, ear, and eye protection.
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Course Cost: $75 Guest / $50 Member
Course Length: 2 hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear/Eye Protection
Prerequisite: None
Max Class Size: 10
Parent – Child Handgun Course
The parent – child handgun course is designed for a parent – child team to learn firearm safety, the basics of handgun marksmanship, how a handgun functions, disassembly, cleaning, lubrication, reassembly and function checking a firearm after maintenance. The course will be conducted in a “Taught – Teach” style where the instructor will teach the group how to conduct a task (taught), and the parent – child team will work together (teach) to accomplish the task, building teamwork and creating a fun, communicative environment. Attendees will need a serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-automatic, .22 caliber to .45 caliber), a minimum of 150 rounds of ammunition, ear, and eye protection. A .22 caliber handgun is highly recommended due to its low report and recoil.
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Course Cost: $150 for Parent/Child Guest / $120 for Member Parent/Child
Course Length: 2.5 hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear/Eye Protection
Prerequisite: None
Max Class Size: 20
Date Night/Couples Handgun Course
Attendees will learn the basics of firearm safety, marksmanship skills, how a handgun functions, handgun maintenance, carrying considerations and situational awareness while in a public setting. Attendees will then move to the range and apply their newly learned skills. Attendees will need a serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-automatic, .22 caliber to .45 caliber), a minimum of 100 rounds of ammunition each, ear, and eye protection. A meal will be provided for attendees.
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Course Cost: $250 for Guest Couples / $220 for Member Couples
Course Length: 2.5 hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear/Eye Protection
Prerequisite: None
Max Class Size: 20
License to Carry Class
The State of Texas License to Carry course includes the mandated Texas Department of Public Safety License to Carry requirements, plus the TGR Basic Pistol course (a $129 value by itself). The requirements for the course are a serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-automatic, .22 to .45 caliber), a minimum of 150 rounds of ammunition, and eye and hearing protection. Targets are provided by TGR. The course is approximately 6 hours in length; a minimum of 4 hours as mandated by TX/DPS requirements, and 1.5 to 2 hours of the basic pistol course and qualification.
For those who have completed the on-line LTC course, we do offer the LTC handgun proficiency (qualification) at our facility as well. Simply contact Paul via email and set up a date to conduct the event. The fee for the LTC handgun proficiency is $50.
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Course is can be schedule by emailing paul@texasgunranch.com
Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Required Materials: Serviceable handgun, 150 rounds of Ammunition, Eye and Ear protection
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Please contact us to schedule a time for your LTC Class
Carrying a Concealed Handgun Course
This course is designed to pass on experiential knowledge to the everyday carry individual concerning clothing, holster, belt, and firearm selection to better conceal their firearm in any season, physical environment, or social environment. Attendees will then move to the range and conduct courses of fire drawing and re-holstering from concealed carry. Attendees should bring a serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-automatic, .22 caliber to .45 caliber). Their everyday method of carry, 100-150 rounds of ammunition, ear, and eye protection.​
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Course Length: 2.5 Hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear & Eye Protection
Prerequisite: Basic handgun course or basic knowledge of handgun safety and marksmanship skills
Max Class Size: 20
Intermediate Pistol Course
The Intermediate Pistol Course is designed to build on the fundamentals learned in the Basic Pistol Course and Women’s Only Basic Pistol Course. The attendee will learn about the various types of holsters, purses and other means of carry available to them as well as employing their handgun from their specific means of carry. Attendees will shoot timed courses of fire from one yard out to 15 yards which include reloading their pistol during the course of fire. Firing will also include firing with their non-dominant (“weak-hand”) hand as well as from different positions including firing from a covered position. The intermediate pistol course is two hours in length including classroom instruction and hands-on range instruction. The course requires a serviceable pistol (revolver or semi-automatic) and 100 rounds of ammunition. Targets are provided by Texas Gun Ranch.
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear/Eye Protection
Weekly Slots Available: 6
Home Defense Considerations (Handgun only)
This course is designed to inform the attendees on considerations for home defense in case of a burglary or home invasion and how to “harden” your home to deter malcontents from choosing your home as a target. Attendees will conduct courses of fire simulating rooms, hallways, or approaching an open door to your residence. Attendees will need a serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-automatic, .22 caliber to .45 caliber), 100-150 rounds of ammunition.
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Course Length: 2 hours
Prerequisite: Knowledge of basic handgun skills
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear/Eye Protection
Max Class Size: 20
Holographic and Red Dot Sight Course (Handgun only)
The course will introduce the attendee to the use of a holographic or red dot sight. The attendees will learn how to sight-in, maintain, and use their sight in semi-stressful courses of fire. Attendees will need a serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-automatic, .22 caliber to .45 caliber), 100-150 rounds of ammunition, one extra battery for their sight, ear, and eye protection.​
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Course Length: 2 hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Holo/Red Dot Sight w/ batteries, Ear/Eye Protection
Prerequisite: None
Max Class Size: 20
Low Light Shooting Course
The low light shooting course will introduce light source selection and use of a handheld or weapon mounted light. The course will involve a classroom portion and then application of the learned material on the range. The attendee will need a serviceable handgun (revolver or semi-automatic, .22 caliber to .45 caliber), a light source (handheld or weapon mounted), extra batteries, 100-150 rounds of ammunition, ear, and eye protection.
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Course Length: 2 hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Light source w/ batteries, Ear/Eye Protection
Prerequisite: Basic Handgun Course or basic knowledge of handgun skills
Max Class Size: 20
Rifle Courses
Basic AR-Platform Training
The Basic AR-Platform Training course is designed to help the new or current AR-platform owner understand how the weapon functions, disassembling the weapon, cleaning the weapon, reassembling the weapon, function checking the weapon, zeroing and accurate firing of the weapon. The basic AR-platform training course is two and a half hours in length including classroom instruction and hands-on range instruction. The course requires a serviceable AR-platform rifle (5.56mm, .223 Remington or .308 Winchester caliber) and minimum of 80 rounds of ammunition. Targets are provided by Texas Gun Ranch.
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear/Eye Protection
Max Class Size: 6
Intermediate AR-Platform Rifle Course
The intermediate AR-platform rifle course will introduce carrying options (slings, hooks, loops, etc.), shooting from various positions, shooting over, around, or underneath barricades, reloading, and choosing proper cover and concealment. Attendees will need a serviceable AR-platform rifle (.223 to .308 caliber), 100-120 rounds of ammunition, ear, and eye protection.
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Course Length: 2 Hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Ear & Eye Protection
Prerequisite: Basic AR-rifle course
Max Class Size: 20
Introduction to Long Range Shooting
The introduction to long range shooting course will introduce the basics to extending your range when shooting rifles. The course will focus on target acquisition, gauging windage, zeroing in, scope selection and manipulation, as well as other fundamentals. Attendees will need a rifle, a scope, 50-70 rounds of ammunition, ear and eye protection.
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Course Cost: $250 Guest / $220 Member
Course Length: 4 Hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Optic, Ear & Eye Protection
Prerequisite: None
Max Class Size: 4
Intermediate Long Range Shooting
Step up your distance shooting with our Intermediate Long Range Shooting Course! We'll build upon the basics we learned in the Introductory classes and move on to more advanced topics. Shooters should have completed the Introduction to Long Range Shooting course and come prepared with their rifle, scope, ammunition, and ear/eye protection​
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Course Cost: $250 Guest / $220 Member
Course Length: 4 Hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Optic, Ear & Eye Protection
Prerequisite: Introduction to Long Range Shooting
Max Class Size: 4
Advanced Long Range Shooting
This is the ultimate class for those who really want to reach out and hit steel way down range. This class will equip you with the skills and practice to hit your maximum distance, improve your mechanics, and cover advanced topics for extreme distances and pinpoint precision. Shooters should have completed the Intermediate Long Range Shooting course and come prepared with their rifle, scope, ammunition, and ear/eye protection​
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Course Cost: $250 Guest / $220 Member
Course Length: 4 Hours
Required Materials: Firearm, Ammunition, Optic, Ear & Eye Protection
Prerequisite: Introduction to Long Range Shooting, Intermediate Long Range Shooting
Max Class Size: 4
Special Courses
Edged Weapon Defense Course
The edged weapon defense course will introduce attendees to considerations and techniques for defending themselves in the case of a knife or edged weapon attack. Cost is $129 plus tax for non-members, and $99 plus tax for members.
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Course Length: 2 hours
Prerequisite: None
Max Class Size: 20
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Hunter Education Certification Course (Classroom course)
The TPWD hunter education certification course is a six (6) hour classroom course that will teach firearm and hunting safety, legal and ethical hunting practices and wildlife conservation to hunters ages 9 and up. The course is taught by a TPWD Game Warden or a TPWD certified volunteer instructor and includes an exam.​
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Course Length: 6 Hours
Max Class Size: 30
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Hunter Education Certification Course (Field course)
The TPWD hunter education certification course (field portion) is a four (4) hour course that includes a presentation, hunting skills trail, live fire exercise, regulation review, and a final exam. The course is taught by a TPWD Game Warden or a TPWD certified volunteer instructor.​
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Course Cost: $129 Guest / $99 Member
Course Length: 4 Hours
Prerequisite: TPWD hunter education certification classroom portion or on-line class (hunters ages 17 and up).
Max Class Size: 30
Private Lessons
Private Training Lessons
Not ready to take a class with others or want to have more hands-on assistance? We offer private lessons and training for individuals and groups! In our private individual lessons, our instructors will work with you one-on-one to improve your skills, whether you're a complete novice wanting to learn the ropes or a seasoned shooter looking to increase your proficiency. We can also accommodate group classes if you'd like to have a private lesson for your family, coworkers, or friends.
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For pricing and scheduling, please contact us directly to learn more about our private lessons.
Email us at info@TexasGunRanch.com or give us a call at (972) 551-0470
Clay Shooting Lessons with Dan Carlisle
Texas Gun Ranch regularly hosts private training lessons with one of the greatest shotgun instructors, Dan Carlisle. Classes are blocked in two-hours segments and shooters can expect to truly improve their shooting skills and break more clays. Slots go quickly, so email info@TexasGunRanch.com or give us a call at (972) 551-0470 to book a lesson with Dan!
Instructor Profile
Instruction will be provided by our team member, Paul Sanchez, who brings 27 years of law enforcement and 40 years of U. S. Army service to the Texas Gun Ranch. Paul retired from law enforcement with a Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Master Peace Officer license, Instructor License, Firearms Instructor license (with 22 years of experience instructing peace officer academies and experienced peace officers), Field Training Officer certification, Patrol Rifle I and Patrol Rifle II (rifle and submachinegun) certificates. During his law enforcement career, Paul has worked with federal, state and local agencies serving high risk warrants on wanted felons. Paul is a retired Army Command Sergeant Major and has attended the Army Basic Reconnaissance Course (Cavalry Scout), Civil Affairs Non-Commissioned Officer Qualification Course, 1st Special Warfare Group Anti-Terrorism Instructor Qualification Course, Military Operations on Urban Terrain (MOUT) Course, Department of the Air Force Technical Training Instructor Course, the Joint Humanitarian Operations Course and the United States Army Sergeants Major Academy among many other courses. Paul has served four combat tours including Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004, 2008-2009) and Operation Enduring Freedom Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa (2011-2012). Paul is experienced with most brands of revolvers and semi-automatic handguns, the AR-platform rifle series from the M16 to the M4A1, the AK-series of rifles, and the Aimpoint Comp M4, EO Tech, Holosun, and Trijicon ACOG sighting systems.
Featured Review
I wish to personally thank you for your time and patience shown during your excellent class, “Basic AR-Platform Training”, last Sunday. Your extensive military and Law Enforcement experience proved invaluable for both the novice and self-taught modern sporting rifle (MSR) enthusiast.
The materials you prepared for our classroom session was very informative. I learned new things about the bolt release function and trigger operation. The information on proper cleaning and reassembly was very helpful. At the range, your interaction with each student validated your years of military training. Especially helpful for me was your explanation and process of sighting-in my MSR. It was pleasantly surprising how my accuracy improved!
John P, regarding our Training Classes