Training

Training/Courses

Montana Concealed Weapons class/Basic Defensive combat pistol course (CCW/TAC1)

This course is for the safety minded person who is looking for a high quality Concealed Carrier Course for Montana and other states and those who also want to learn to shoot a pistol CORRECTLY, safely, accurately and gain a good grasp for self defense with a handgun. It will also help further the skills of those that are experienced shooters and excel the level of skill for self defense for those that carry for self defense. It will qualify for Montana CCW certification if applicant qualifies.

Class start at 8:00 AM till done, usually by 4 PM.
Each participant will be required to sign a waiver and bring adequate gear. If you do not have the necessary gear it is your responsibility to notify us as soon as possible to make the arrangements to have us bring it for you if possible, we have no problem in loaning or renting out or you may buy what is needed from us. Students of Primal Defensive Strategies always receive the best prices we can give for weapons, ammo, gear, etc.
Students will be responsible for their own, gear, meals, drinks, lodging and ammunition.
Class Description topics to include if not exceed.
This self-defense handgun course introduces the participant to the Fundamentals of Firearms Safety, along with the skills necessary to properly handle a revolver and or semi-automatic pistol. You will learn what a handgun will do, what it won’t do, and why it works the way it works. The hands-on training after a few hours of book and power point topics on laws, mindset, CCW options,etc. a safety briefing will start with Proper Stance and Grip, Sight Alignment, Sight Picture and Trigger Control.
Class will progress to rapid fire/combat shooting and multi-target drills with life-size paper silhouette targets. The student will fire at least 200 rounds , and receive higher training than most police officers receives at any Academy, except focused on self-defense. This course introduces the student to techniques applicable to defensive use of the handgun. Emphasis is put on shooting skill development for application in real-life circumstances. The fundamentals of Mindset, Gun-handling, and Marksmanship are covered in lecture while the practical aspects are taught on the range.
Other course topics include Montana laws on use of deadly force, CCW laws, Situational Awareness, equipment selection, safety, handling, loading, unloading, malfunction clearance, drawing and firing techniques, single handed firing, firing from cover, multiple targets, movement, and tactics.

Defensive Handgun Equipment Recommendations Centerfire handgun in a minimum defensive caliber (generally .380, 9mm or .38spl or larger, with some exceptions. PDS has a limited number of handguns available for rent by prior arrangement, at $35 per class with magazines, mag pouches, and holster. Please call to discuss. No 22’s
Those eligible are legal US citizens only, 12 years old with adult supervision to 18 and over. Proof of citizenship is a prerequisite and a statement that participant is legal to own and or have a weapon in possession

Mandatory required gear for class.

Ammunition as required per the course requested. 200 rounds minimum for this class, if we do not need to shoot this amount we won’t but it is suggested to have 200 rounds.
Spare magazines (2, at least)
Spare ammunition pouches, carrier, or magazine holster
Method of carrying and concealing the handgun (i.e.- suitable belt and belt holster, jacket, vest, etc. Shoulder holsters generally not acceptable- you “sweep” others when drawing the firearm) A good high quality Kydex holster made to fit your weapon is recommended and preferred.
Ear protection – electronic muffs strongly recommended.
Eye protection
Clothing suitable for the weather (“There is no bad weather, just bad clothing!”)
Cap with a brim (No flip flops or sandals, Jerusalem cruisers)
Rugged shoes or boots
Lunch and drinks-Lots of water to stay hydrated.
Optional comfort items (rain gear, camera, sunscreen, knee/elbow pads, bandaids etc.)
Quality (SureFire-type) flashlight (if required by the course)
Cleaning kit, spare weapon if possible in case of a failure.
Note book and pen.
Knee pads recommended but not necessary unless stated

Once a student is confirmed and his deposit received he or she will receive detailed information we have written and distribute to students to give them a head start on the class .

I am a certified instructor, Certified by the United States Concealed Carry Organization . There is no other organization that strictly trains and certifies its instructors in Concealed Carry training like the USSCA, none. I have taken many different training classes from some of the best in the Nation and the world and don’t feel I need to list all of my certs and achievements like allot but will if asked. We ourselves are continually training and furthering our skills so we can pass on to our students invaluable information. All participants that successfully complete the course will receive a Certificate of completion, accomplishment as well as a letter of completion to include with your CCW application to your respective Sheriff’s department.

We train all over the state and out of state as well, the location of your class will be stated prior to scheduling. If you have a group wishing to have a class, daily rate per person for the class plus expenses for travel is all that is required.

CCW/TAC1 Defensive Pistol Instruction- 1 day -$125.00 per student –payable to PRIMAL DEFENSIVE STRATEGIES

If you have a group and a private location and want to host a CCW class or other training class, this is not a issue and fine with us.

1 on 1- I do offer personal 1 on 1 training, unlike most all of the instructors who need a large group to book a full class on a weekend because training is a side gig, this is part of our business and lively hood, most times 1 on 1 training is available during the week days from late March till the end of August.
We do offer special rates for different groups and organizations like Churches, business, other orgainzations and welcome and encourage groups of women to take classes, female assistant instructors are almost always there to assist in class. Small groups of 1 to 4 are also possible. Please contact for rates and dates.

For further information and other details- Bruce Smetana -406-544-4783 or [email protected]

Basic Defensive Pistol Handgun

Course Description: This 1-day firearms training course focuses on enhancement of basic shooting fundamentals and combat gun-handling skills with the semi-automatic pistol.

Students will learn enhanced dry-practice and live-fire techniques that focus on development of combat gun-handling skills in preparation for use of the semi-automatic pistol for home defense and personal defense applications.

This course will also cover the primary elements of combat mindset, situational awareness, principals of personal defense and the physiological response & reaction of the human body under duress.

The following firearms training topics will be covered:

Firearms training and basic firearms safety rules.
Fundamentals of shooting .
The natural action stance and thumbs forward grip.
Mental conditioning and combat mindset.
Developing tactical aptitude and situational awareness.
Target distance and optical illusions.
Methodology of combat shooting the semi-automatic pistol.
Loading / unloading and press checking.
Safe operation and control of the semi-automatic pistol.
Timed presentation from ready pistol.
And more…………

Course duration: 1 day (8 hours)

Course tuition: $175.00

Student requirements: Notepad and pen, eye protection, ear protection, baseball type cap, heavy pants belt with holster and magazine carriers, personal defense pistol with at least (3) hi-capacity magazines or (5) single stack magazines, handgun cleaning kit and gun oil / CLP.

Recommended equipment: Rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, hydration system and water. (For outdoor classes)

Ammunition requirements: 250 rounds (minimum)

(Ammunition is available for purchase upon request)

2-Day Advanced Tactical Pistol Course

Pre-requisite: 2 day Basic Defensive Pistol Course or firearms training course of equivalent level demonstrating at least 24 hours of pistol training, at least 500 rounds of live-fire drills completed and a passing grade on a basic or combat handgun qualification course.

Course Description: This intense 2-day firearms training course focuses on tactical speed shooting, development of aggressive gun-handling skills and dynamic action while deploying the semi-automatic pistol.

The concepts of dominating the weapon, threat, and all visual areas while continuously moving will be emphasized throughout the class.

Students will develop reflexive gun-handling skills that will enable them to quickly and efficiently engage threats while performing multiple complex tasks.

This is a fast paced, physically demanding firearms training course! Students should be in good physical condition, familiar with their equipment and have solid intermediate to advanced gun-handling skills established prior to attending this firearms training course.
The following firearms training topics will be covered:

Firearms training safety rules review.
Principals of personal defense.
Advanced pistol methodology and concepts.
Mental conditioning and combat mindset.
Enhanced tactical aptitude.
Review of shooting fundamentals.
The natural action stance and thumbs forward grip.
Methodology of combat shooting the pistol.
Refining presentation of the pistol from the holster.
Refining presentation of the pistol from ready pistol.
Presentation of the pistol from position SUL.
Balancing speed and accuracy.
Tactical speed shooting concepts.
Reducing stimulus / response time.
Multi-shot progressive shooting drills.
Multi-shot rhythm drills and split time reduction strategies.
Moving off the line of force and lateral displacement.
Threat assessment and area scanning.
Dominating the weapon, threat and visual areas.
Engaging threats while advancing and withdrawing.
Engaging threats during continuous movement.
Engaging threats from static turns and pivots.
Engaging multiple threats while negotiating obstacles.
Ammunition management and reloading techniques.
And more

Course duration: 2 days (16 hours)

Course tuition: $ 400.00 (Tuition fee includes all range fees )

Course student limit: 8

Student requirements: Note pad & pen, eye protection, ear protection, baseball type cap, heavy pants belt with holster and magazine carriers, personal defense pistol with at least (3) hi-capacity magazines or (5) single stack magazines, handgun cleaning kit and gun oil / CLP.

Recommended equipment: Rain gear, sunscreen, insect repellent, hydration system and water.

Ammunition requirements: 800 rounds (minimum) (Ammunition is available for purchase upon request)

Force on Force Training

Force on force takes training to a whole different level. After successful Tac 1 and Tac 2 Defensive pistol or Rifle Force on Force training is the next step for those serious in their training, it is also a good tune up for those having taken other advanced classes as well as getting an idea on preparation for certain situations and scenarios. Here you are FIGHTING with others who react, think, and shoot (or stab) back. What you do or don’t do will dictate the end result.

Force on Force training simulation is held outside in a set environment with you against the others, training in a shoot house or other structure is usually done as well.

Students are given REAL LIFE situations to make the decision to or not to draw, shoot or other options.

Typically Glock 17’s, 19’s gas blowback airsoft pistols are used, they will more than sting, and leave a welt on your skin. All participants will wear goggles, face mask, long sleeve shirts, pants, helmets are recommended.

Student-Provided Recommended Equipment: Notebook, pen and pencil, sunscreen, hydration system, shooting glasses, ear protection, appropriate clothing for seasonal inclement weather (hot, cold, rain or snow, we train no matter what the weather), weapons cleaning kit, (knit cap and brimmed) hat, knee and elbow pads, hiking or tactical boots, pants with cargo pockets, shooting gloves, tinted glasses, multi tool, range bag, and thumb drive for class photos. (No camouflaged clothing please , unless training for your unit in full kit or as needed.) Ammo count for each class as required.

Long Range Rifle Class

Whether you are a shooter wanting to shoot @ 500 yards with the gear you already have, or a 600/1000-yard competitor that would like to try a 1-mile shot, or an LEO/Military sniper that would like to give more breadth and depth to your knowledge base, or someone anywhere in between, this class will give you the knowledge to proceed with those desires.

Long Range Hunter classes also give plenty of time in situations for hunting and judging proper shot placement for different animals as well as going over many different scopes, rifles, calibers and other accessories. Contact for more information on any long range class.

Forms: Registration Form, Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire, Physician’s Consultation, Background Check (please include photo ID copy).

HESS (Harsh Environment Skills Set)

Winter survival classes custom made, winter camping – during this course you will strengthen your mindset and learn what it takes to get you out of the harsh winter elements in one piece, great confidence builder.

Mountain Animal Packing-normal loads, odd and irregular items (Military course)

In-depth course, just a few topics to covered:

Catching, saddling and handling horses and mules.
Planning and making loads .
Pack hitches and how to tie on bulky items.
Riding and leading strings of pack animals.
Feeding in the backcountry—how to graze stock, when and how to picket, how to wrangle.
Horseshoeing.
Veterinary skills .
Nutritional needs of pack animals.
Selection of campsites.
Knots used in packing.
The effects of altitude on livestock performance.
Maintenance of pack equipment.

Wilderness Survival

Natural and man-made disasters happen everywhere. Many people frequently travel domestically and internationally, passing through or flying over remote wilderness and sometimes even hostile territory. We are all exposed to the possibility of someday finding ourselves facing an emergency situation in a hostile environment. Most people do not have the self-reliant skills needed to survive outside the protective frame of urban society. Our program was designed to fill this need.

You Will Learn:

Safe and efficient movement and overcoming obstacles
Food (finding, fishing, hunting, preparing & cooking)
Orienteering (navigation with and without compass)
Water (finding, digging, extraction & purification)
Psychology of wilderness survival
International signaling codes
Improvised tools & weapons
Recognizing plants & wildlife
Team dynamics & leadership
Field medicine & first aid
Clothing & camouflage
Shelter construction
Fire lighting & safety
Ropes & knots