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Mastering Defensive Carbine Tactics with DFI

September 20, 2024

At Defensive Firearms Instruction (DFI), we offer comprehensive training for students at every skill level, and our Defensive Carbine Tactics 1 course is no exception. Whether you’re a new shooter, a seasoned combat veteran, or somewhere in between, this course is designed to teach you how to effectively employ a carbine or rifle in an urban environment.


This entry-level course is a full eight hours of intensive training held at a live shooting range, where you’ll develop the skills necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones in a variety of defensive situations.


Who Is This Course For?
Our Defensive Carbine Tactics 1 course is designed for all students, but there are a few prerequisites to ensure you’re ready to take full advantage of the training. Before enrolling, you must have completed
Defensive Handgun Tactics 1 or an equivalent Level 1 course through a reputable provider. You should also demonstrate intermediate-level competency with a handgun before moving on to carbine training.


Course Overview: What You’ll Learn
The goal of this course is to help students optimize their carbine or rifle setup for any environment they may find themselves in, from home defense to urban scenarios. Over the course of the day, we’ll guide you through the principles of using a carbine or rifle defensively, with both classroom-style instruction and live-fire exercises.

Key Course Topics:

  • Mindset and philosophies of self-defense with a firearm.
  • Exploring different styles of carbines, gear, optics, and accessories.
  • Understanding what types of equipment to avoid.


Dry Fire Manipulations

Before we move to the range, you’ll practice
dry fire manipulations to build muscle memory and improve your weapons-handling skills. These drills include:

  • Proper weapons handling techniques.
  • Loading and unloading procedures.
  • Clearing malfunctions quickly and efficiently.


Dry fire practice allows you to safely build confidence in your weapon without the distraction of live rounds. This portion of the course is essential for developing the core skills needed to safely handle your carbine or rifle in a defensive situation.

Live Fire Manipulations
Once you’re comfortable with the basics, we’ll move on to
live fire manipulations. These exercises focus on real-world scenarios, helping you improve your accuracy, technique, and ability to react under pressure. We cover:

  • Establishing a proper zero and analyzing accuracy.
  • Different stances and methods of movement, including shooting from standing, kneeling, and prone positions.
  • Using cover effectively to protect yourself while shooting.
  • Distance shooting drills to develop long-range accuracy.
  • Transitioning from your carbine to your secondary weapon (handgun).
  • Acquiring multiple targets quickly and efficiently during drills.


Throughout the day, our experienced instructors will provide individual guidance to ensure you’re making progress and mastering each technique. By the end of the course, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively employ a carbine in a defensive situation.

Required Gear
To participate in the course, you’ll need to bring the following equipment. Don’t worry if you don’t own everything on the list—we offer rental equipment for an additional fee with advanced notice.

  • Carbine or Rifle: You don’t need an AR-15 for this class; we accommodate various platforms such as AK, FAL, Tavor, and more.
  • Magazines: 2+ carbine magazines and a magazine pouch. Chest rigs are acceptable.
  • Sling: For carrying and shooting your carbine.
  • Ammunition: 350 rounds for your carbine, 50 rounds for your handgun.
  • Handgun & Holster: A secondary weapon for transitioning drills.
  • Protective Gear: Eye and ear protection, sunscreen, and a hat with a visor.
  • Additional Items: A belt, sturdy shoes, and optional knee pads.


Don’t forget to pack lunch, snacks, and drinks—while there’s a market nearby for lunch, refrigeration is not available at the range.

Why Choose Defensive Firearms Instruction?
At DFI, our instructors are committed to ensuring that every student leaves the course feeling confident and well-prepared for defensive situations. We provide individualized attention throughout the day, and our hands-on approach ensures that you’ll gain a deep understanding of defensive carbine tactics. With a combination of classroom instruction and practical drills, we make sure that you’re equipped to handle your firearm safely and effectively.


If you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, sign up for our Defensive Carbine Tactics 1 course today.

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