Firearms Training FAQ | Gideon Training Solutions — DFW

Question 1

Do I need to own a firearm to attend a class?

Accepted Answer

No. Many of our students attend without owning a firearm yet — especially those taking the Texas LTC classroom portion or our Firearm Purchase Consultation. For range-based courses, loaner firearms may be available; contact us in advance and we will make sure you are set up.

Question 2

Do you serve areas outside of DFW?

Accepted Answer

Our primary service area covers the entire Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex — Plano, Dallas, Mesquite, Irving, Arlington, Mansfield, Grand Prairie, DeSoto, Duncanville, Little Elm, Frisco, Fort Worth, and the HEB area. For private group bookings or corporate training, we can travel. Call us to discuss your location.

Question 3

Can Gideon Training Solutions be booked for private events or group training?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We regularly conduct private group classes, corporate safety seminars, church security team training, and community events. Group rates are available. Reach out via the contact form or call 817-683-3282 to discuss your needs.

Question 4

What should I wear to a training class?

Accepted Answer

Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and clothing you can move in. For range sessions, avoid low-cut necklines (hot brass ejects forward). A hat with a brim is recommended for indoor range sessions. We will send a full preparation checklist when you register.

Question 5

What are the requirements to get a Texas License to Carry?

Accepted Answer

Texas residents must be 21 or older, pass a criminal background check, complete a state-approved classroom course covering Texas handgun laws and firearm safety, and pass a live-fire shooting qualification. The full process takes four to six hours for the course and qualification combined, followed by submitting your application directly to Texas DPS. Gideon Training Solutions delivers state-approved Texas LTC classes across Dallas, Fort Worth, Mansfield, Arlington, and all DFW and North Texas cities.

Question 6

What do I need to bring to the Texas LTC class?

Accepted Answer

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID, your completed LTC-101 application (or we can assist on-site), a firearm and at least 50 rounds of ammunition for the range qualification, and eye and ear protection. We recommend arriving 15 minutes early.

Question 7

How long does it take to receive my LTC after the class?

Accepted Answer

After completing your class and range qualification, you submit your application and fingerprints to the Texas DPS. Processing typically takes 60–90 days. We walk you through every step so nothing gets missed.

Question 8

How long does a Texas LTC last and how do I renew it?

Accepted Answer

A Texas License to Carry stays valid for five years from the date of issue. Renewal requires a shorter refresher course and a new DPS application. Gideon Training Solutions offers LTC renewal courses across DFW and North Texas so your carry license never lapses.

Question 9

Can I take the Texas LTC class online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Texas LTC classroom portion is available online at your own pace through our partner providers. You still must complete the in-person range qualification to receive your license. We offer both — take the online course, then schedule your range qualification with us.

Question 10

What is the LTC shooting proficiency test?

Accepted Answer

The Texas LTC proficiency test requires you to fire 50 rounds at a B-27 silhouette target from distances of 3, 7, and 15 yards. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass. Our instructors coach you through the qualification — we want every student to succeed.

Question 11

Do you provide any preparation before the LTC certification class?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer Basic Pistol Fundamentals and Private One-on-One Coaching specifically designed to build your confidence before the LTC qualification. If you are new to firearms, we strongly recommend one of these courses first.

Question 12

What does Texas law say about church security?

Accepted Answer

Texas Church Security statutes allow houses of worship to establish security teams and authorize designated members to carry firearms on church property. Churches with armed security team members must ensure those members hold the appropriate Texas DPS licensing or operate under the church authorization framework established by Texas statute. Gideon Training Solutions delivers Texas-compliant church security team training across all DFW and North Texas cities.

Question 13

What is the difference between a volunteer church security team and licensed armed security officers?

Accepted Answer

A volunteer church security team operates under the church's internal authorization and Texas statute provisions for places of worship. Licensed armed security officers hold Texas DPS Level 3 or Level 4 certifications, carry approved firearms on duty, and provide the church with full regulatory compliance and professional liability protection. Gideon Training Solutions trains your volunteer team. Corsair Tactical Solutions provides Texas DPS licensed armed officers for churches requiring that level of protection.

Question 14

What does Gideon's church security team training cover?

Accepted Answer

Gideon Training Solutions church security team training covers threat recognition and situational awareness, de-escalation techniques, legal authority and boundaries under Texas law, and coordinated response protocols tailored to your specific venue layout and congregation size. Training delivers as a half or full day session available for churches and community venues across Dallas, Fort Worth, Mansfield, Arlington, and all North Texas cities.

Question 15

What is a layered home defense approach?

Accepted Answer

A layered home defense approach builds three rings of protection around your home and family. The outer layer uses detection and deterrence tools — smart cameras, door sensors, and motion lights — to identify threats before they reach your door. The middle layer uses physical security tools to slow or stop entry. The inner layer covers personal protection response including firearm readiness, safe storage, and trained decision-making under stress. Gideon Training Solutions teaches the complete layered approach in the most popular Home Defense Training course across DFW and North Texas.

Question 16

Do I need a firearm to protect my home?

Accepted Answer

A complete home defense plan starts with detection and physical security tools that work for every household. Smart doorbell cameras, door and window sensors, motion-activated exterior lights, personal alarms, and tactical flashlights form the foundation of a strong protection strategy. Gideon Training Solutions teaches families across DFW how to build a complete layered home defense plan and, for those who choose to add a firearm, how to store and deploy it responsibly.

Question 17

What does Gideon's Home Defense Training course cover?

Accepted Answer

Gideon Training Solutions' most popular course covers room-clearing fundamentals, safe firearm storage with quick access solutions, stress response techniques, and complete home security planning. The three to four hour USCCA-based course runs across Dallas, Fort Worth, Mansfield, Arlington, and all DFW and North Texas cities. USCCA and NRA certified instructor Hilton Jackson leads every session.

Question 18

What should I look for when buying my first handgun?

Accepted Answer

Three factors matter most for first-time buyers: how the gun fits your hand, what purpose it serves, and whether you manage the caliber comfortably during extended shooting. A handgun that fits well, serves your intended purpose, and allows accurate shot placement builds confidence faster than any other combination. Gideon Training Solutions offers one-on-one Firearm Purchase Consultations across DFW where Hilton Jackson guides you through the selection process in person at your local range or store.

Question 19

What handgun works best for home defense?

Accepted Answer

Home defense handguns generally favor full-size or compact frames that offer a longer sight radius, higher capacity, and easier accuracy under stress. Calibers in the 9mm range deliver manageable recoil with effective stopping performance and give most shooters the ability to place accurate follow-up shots quickly. Gideon Training Solutions helps DFW residents choose and train with the right home defense handgun through personalized consultations and Home Defense Training courses.

Question 20

What handgun works best for women new to shooting?

Accepted Answer

Women new to shooting generally benefit from compact or mid-size handguns chambered in 9mm that offer manageable recoil, a comfortable grip circumference, and a smooth trigger pull. The best approach involves handling several options at a range before purchasing. Gideon Training Solutions' certified female-friendly instructors guide women through the selection process and deliver Ladies Intro to Handgun courses across Dallas, Fort Worth, Mansfield, Arlington, and all DFW and North Texas cities.

Question 21

Should I take a firearms class before or after buying my first handgun?

Accepted Answer

Taking a fundamentals class before purchasing gives you hands-on experience with multiple handgun types and calibers so your purchase decision comes from real information. Gideon Training Solutions' Firearm Safety and Fundamentals course and Firearm Purchase Consultation both serve as the ideal first step for any new gun buyer across DFW and North Texas.

Question 22

What is Stop the Bleed training?

Accepted Answer

Stop the Bleed is a national emergency bleeding control initiative developed in response to mass casualty events and traumatic injuries. The program teaches three life-saving skills: applying direct pressure to a wound, packing and dressing a wound with hemostatic gauze, and applying a tourniquet correctly. Gideon Training Solutions delivers Stop the Bleed training with hands-on practice using real trauma supplies across DFW and North Texas.

Question 23

Why do gun owners specifically need Stop the Bleed training?

Accepted Answer

Responsible gun ownership extends beyond safe handling and storage. A gun owner who trains for defensive scenarios and never trains for post-incident trauma response carries a critical gap in their preparedness. Stop the Bleed training closes that gap and gives gun owners, family members, and community members the skills to preserve life in the minutes before emergency services arrive. Gideon Training Solutions includes Stop the Bleed as part of a complete responsible gun ownership training pathway across DFW and North Texas.

Question 24

What supplies does every gun owner need in their IFAK trauma kit?

Accepted Answer

Every responsible gun owner's IFAK trauma kit needs a CAT tourniquet, pressure bandage, chest seals, hemostatic gauze, nitrile gloves, trauma shears, a permanent marker for tourniquet time notation, and an IFAK pouch to keep everything organized and accessible. Gideon Training Solutions teaches you exactly how to use every item in your kit during the Stop the Bleed course across DFW and North Texas.

Question 25

How long does the Stop the Bleed course take?

Accepted Answer

The Gideon Training Solutions Stop the Bleed course delivers as a focused two to three hour hands-on session covering all three bleeding control techniques with real trauma supplies. Available for individuals, families, church groups, and community organizations across Dallas, Fort Worth, Mansfield, Arlington, and all DFW and North Texas cities.

Got Questions? We Have Answers.

About Gideon Training Solutions

How to Book a Class

General Questions

Texas License to Carry

Church Security

Home Defense

Choosing Your First Handgun

Stop the Bleed

What to Expect at a Gideon Training Solutions Class

Register and Confirm

Classroom Instruction

Range Qualification or Hands-On Practice

Certification and Next Steps