Defend Ready Basics: 1 Hour Online Introduction

Part of the TPD Threat Ready Series

New to handguns, or need a fundamentals refresh? Start here.

How to Start

– To begin, you need to be enrolled in this course and logged in. There is no separate login or special link — everything is right here on this page. Once you’re enrolled, scroll down to the Course Content list at the bottom of this page. Click the first lesson and watch that video. When you finish a lesson, click the Mark Complete button at the bottom of the lesson page. That unlocks the next lesson in the list. Work down the list in order: Introduction, Module 1: Firearm Safety & Mindset, Module 2: Handgun Types & Selection, Module 3: Grip, Stance & Aiming, Module 4: Malfunction Clearing, Module 5: On Target & Wrap-Up, and then the Defend Ready Knowledge Check. Your progress is saved as you go, so you can stop and come back any time. Course Content at the bottom of this page will show you where you left off.

Defend Ready is a self-paced online course for first-time gun owners and anyone who needs a fundamentals refresh: how to handle, store, and own a firearm safely and responsibly, and the basic shooting skills that prepare you for defensive training later. No experience or gear is required.

This online course is Part 1. Part 2 is a private, in-person live-fire session with Walt or another qualified TPD instructor, where you put these skills to work with coaching. Part 2 is booked and paid separately and is not included in this online course. The booking link is in your completion email.

What’s Included:

✅ The four universal firearm safety rules and the right mindset

✅ Secure firearm storage for every living situation

✅ Handgun types, calibers, and ammunition

✅ Grip, stance, aiming, trigger control, and loading and unloading

✅ Clearing semi-automatic malfunctions

✅ Range safety, etiquette, and a wrap-up of what you learned

✅ A course checklist and workbook (under the Materials tab)

✅ A short Knowledge Check to confirm what you learned

Part 2 (in person — booked and paid separately, not included):

🎯 A private, one-on-one live-fire session by appointment with Walt or another qualified TPD instructor

🎯 SIRT training pistol practice first, then live fire at your pace

🎯 Book it with the link in your completion email, or call or text 940-222-8534

What You’ll Learn:

Introduction. How the course works (Part 1 online, Part 2 in person, booked and paid separately), where to find your checklist and workbook, the course modules, and what this course is and is not.

Module 1: Firearm Safety & Mindset. The four universal safety rules, safety mindset, repetition, negligent discharges, and safety equipment. Then secure storage: who might access your firearms, storage methods, ammunition and vehicles, living situations, children, and your legal and ethical responsibility.

Module 2: Handgun Types & Selection. Revolvers versus semi-automatics, how a semi-automatic works, caliber and frame size, practice versus self-defense ammunition, ammunition compatibility, mechanical safeties, and try before you buy.

Module 3: Grip, Stance & Aiming. A proper grip, the isosceles stance, sight alignment and sight picture, trigger control, and how to load, unload, and make ready.

Module 4: Malfunction Clearing. Why malfunction handling matters, Move, Tap, Rack, Look, the common ammunition-related malfunctions, and how to clear a failure to extract.

Module 5: On Target & Wrap-Up. A preview of Part 2: range safety, commands, and etiquette, what to do when you arrive, what to bring, and what to expect. Then a review of every module, thinking about a Texas License to Carry, and your next course.

Defend Ready Knowledge Check — A short Knowledge Check on what you learned, mostly true or false with a couple of multiple-choice questions. You need 80% to pass, and you can retake it.

Why It Matters:

⭐ Safety and fundamentals come first. Master the basics before moving to advanced training.

⭐ Secure storage protects your family, your guests, and anyone going through a hard time.

⭐ Taught by Walt Mayfield — 20+ years of experience, Texas License to Carry Instructor, and known for patience and clarity with new and returning shooters.

⭐ Your recommended next course is Carry Right — the next step toward becoming your own first responder.

Important Notes:

This is a fundamentals course. It is not a License to Carry course and not a substitute for a Texas LTC, and it is not a tactical shooting class. It is educational content only, not legal advice.

Part 2, the in-person live-fire session, is not included in this online course. It is booked and paid separately.

👉 For LTC, visit: https://trainprotectdefend.com/courses/texas-online-license-to-carry/

👉 For court-ordered Gun Safety, visit: https://trainprotectdefend.com/courses/texas-online-gun-safety-course/

The instructor, Walt Mayfield, is the owner and lead instructor of Train Protect Defend, with over 20 years of experience teaching safety, defensive tactics, and Texas firearms laws. His credentials include Texas License to Carry Instructor (GC 411.188 and GC 411.190), NRA Basic Pistol Instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer, and USCCA Certified Instructor and Training Counselor, along with other Texas civilian firearms instructor certifications.

Questions? Call or text 940-222-8534, or email info@trainprotectdefend.com. Same-day or next-business-day response.