Rifle — Rifle ↔ Pistol Transitions
Move smoothly and safely between platforms. Rifle ↔ Pistol Transitions at Gatekeeper Defense is a focused, practical 5-hour course that trains operators to know when the rifle is the right tool — and when a pistol is required. Emphasis is on safe sling setup and management, efficient transitions, slinging/stowing the carbine, and deploying the pistol under stress in close engagements. Instruction is hands-on at a private outdoor range with progressive drills that combine rifle work, immediate action, and controlled pistol deployment.
Who This Course Is For:
This is a tactical, team- and solo-operator course. Students must be competent with both rifle and pistol before attending.
Please note: If a student demonstrates unsafe handling or insufficient proficiency, the instructor may limit or pause their participation in advanced live-fire drills to preserve safety and the class learning pace.
Who Should Take This Course?
• Church safety team members who carry both rifle and pistol
• Armed citizens who keep both platforms and want practical transition skills
• Officers, deputies, and private security personnel seeking close-range multi-platform proficiency
Course Breakdown: What You’ll Learn
✅ Sling Setup & Management — configure single- and two-point slings for rapid access and stable transitions.
✅ Safe Rifle Stow & Pistol Deployment — methods to move the rifle to a safe position and present the pistol quickly.
✅ Rifle Immediate Action & Failure Drills — identify and manage rifle stoppages; when to transition to pistol.
✅ Transitions on the Move — slung-rifle manipulation and presenting a pistol while moving or using cover.
✅ Platform Roles & Decision-Making — when to commit to the rifle versus the pistol based on distance, obstruction, and mission set.
✅ Tactical Scenarios — integrated drills combining rifle engagement at distance with pistol follow-up in close quarters.
Why Choose Gatekeeper Defense for This Course?
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Practical, safety-first instruction from experienced instructors.
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Emphasis on repeatable motor patterns and dry practice before live fire.
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Small classes and private range time for focused feedback.
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Training aligned with Gatekeeper’s mission: responsible, capable, and accountable protectors.
Course Schedule & Requirements
Course Length: 5 hours
Location: Orlando, FL (private outdoor range)
Experience Required: Must be proficient with both rifle and pistol (proof of prior rifle fundamentals course or instructor confirmation recommended).
What to Bring
✔ Patrol carbine or rifle (AR-platform or equivalent) with sling
✔ 3–4 rifle magazines (2+ loaded at start)(mag pouches)
✔ Pistol and holster with 2+ pistol magazines (mag pouches)
✔ Rifle ammo: 250–350 rounds; Pistol ammo: 150–200 rounds
✔ Eye & ear protection, gloves (optional), sturdy footwear
✔ Charging handle, basic tool kit, and any sling hardware you normally use
Sign up to learn practical, repeatable transitions between your rifle and pistol — a critical skill for close-range defensive encounters.