Carbine Level 1 Course Outline

Get comfortable and confident with your carbine in this beginner-friendly, hands-on course. Carbine Level 1 teaches fundamental safe weapons handling, marksmanship basics, and the core manipulations every responsible carbine owner should know. Through a mix of short class instruction, dry-fire practice, and controlled live-fire drills, you’ll learn to present, acquire sights, and make accurate first shots, plus basic reloads and immediate action for common stoppages. Instructors emphasize safety, consistent fundamentals, and building good habits that speed future progress.

What you’ll learn

• Safe carbine handling, range commands, and muzzle/trigger discipline

• Proper ready positions, cheek weld, and sight alignment/sight picture

• Basic sighted fire: breathing, trigger control, and follow-through

• Loading and efficient magazine changes (tactical & combat reload basics)

• Immediate action for common malfunctions (tap, rack, assess)

• Basic target transitions and engaging single targets under time pressure

Prerequisites

• None required — designed for new carbine owners and shooters with minimal experience.

• Must be able to safely handle firearms and follow range rules.

Ammo & gear (recommended)

• Serviceable semi-auto carbine with two magazines (3+ recommended if available)

• 150–250 rounds of appropriate ammunition (instructors may adjust)

• Eye and ear protection, hat, gloves, closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing

• Mag pouches or carrier, sling, basic cleaning kit (optional)

Who this is for New carbine owners, first-time carbine shooters, and recreational shooters wanting a strong, safe foundation before moving to intermediate training.

Must be 18 years of age or older to attend any course at Panther Ridge Training Center