Our Training Programs
From first-time firearms ownership to advanced stress-induced carbine manipulation and Blauer SPEAR combatives.
Alpha 1 Standards
Live-Fire Instruction • Small Bay Cohorts
Introduction to Handguns & Defensive Pistol
"Novice to expert firearms mastery in small group tactical environments."
Alpha 1 offers courses designed for novice shooters, beginner shooters, or anyone who desires to drill and perfect the fundamentals. Our training courses take place in an intimate, small group environment fostering friendly competition and personalized instructor attention.
Key Focus Areas & Outcomes:
2027 Class Schedule
Classes fill rapidly due to our strict low student-to-instructor ratios. Filter by month or discipline below.
Open Range
Dedicated range time for vetted Alpha 1 students to run drills, test gear, zero optics, and receive live coach feedback in an active range bay.
Defensive Pistol 1.5
Bridge the fundamentals to high-stress defensive shooting. Focuses on drawing from concealment under time limits, rapid cadence shifts, and target transitions.
Practice Session
Supervised skill builder practice. Run through standard drill packages with shot timers and diagnostic coaching from lead instructors.
Practical Carbine 1.5
Intermediate carbine employment covering unconventional shooting positions, rapid sling adjustments, dynamic target transitions, and tactical emergency reloads.
Introduction to Low Light Tactics
Over 75% of violent encounters occur in reduced light. Learn handheld flashlight techniques, weapon-mounted light discipline, threat verification, and photonic barriers.
Open Range
Open diagnostic range practice for registered Alpha 1 members and alumni.
Defensive Pistol 2
Advanced pistol craft: single-handed manipulations (strong & support only), shooting on the move, cover vs concealment, and weapon retention under simulated duress.
Practical Carbine 2
High tempo modern carbine employment. Transition to secondary pistol, team/partner communication, barricade dynamics, and shooting from 5 to 100+ yards.
The Gauntlet
Alpha 1's flagship stress-application assessment. Combines physical endurance, rapid problem solving, multi-weapon manipulation, and decision making under elevated heart rates.
Pistol RDS Skill Builder
Dedicated Red Dot Sight (RDS) clinic. Master dot presentation without 'hunting' for the reticle, zeroing, occlusion shooting, lens maintenance, and backup iron sights.
Precision Rifle 1 w/ OTM
Co-instructed with OTM Precision. Learn external ballistics, mil/moa reticle holdovers, bipod & bag stability, atmospheric corrections, and engagements out to 600+ yards.
Defensive Pistol 1
The cornerstone pistol course. Safe weapon handling, natural point of aim, recoil control, combat reload, tactical reload, and clearing Type 1-3 stoppages.
Practice Session
Coached practice session focusing on smooth draw speed and accuracy at speed.
Practical Carbine 1
Foundation for all defensive carbine work. Battlesight zero, offset management under 15 yards, mounting techniques, stance, and reload mechanics under timer pressure.
Open Range
Open line bay practice with steel and paper targets set at varied distances.
Concealed Carry Skill Builder
Take your CCW permit to the next level. Live fire entirely from real-world everyday concealment clothing (t-shirts, jackets, button-ups). Focus on close-contact shooting.
Defensive Pistol 2
Advanced stress courses, rapid multiple threat engagements, positional shooting, and timed qualification standards.
Practice Session
Early summer morning tactical tune-up. Rapid reload drills and cadence testing.
Open Range
Beat the Arizona heat with early morning range slots with experienced instructors present.
Practical Carbine 2
Intensive carbine deployment, barricade exploitation, off-axis shooting, and weapon transition protocols under timer constraints.
Practice Session
Mid-year skill validation. Benchmarked drill scoring and individual diagnostic breakdown with lead coaches.
Get Notified When New Slots Open
Our 2027 classes regularly sell out weeks in advance. Sign up to receive priority notice on newly added range dates, tactical clinics, and alumni discounts.
Class & Range Policies
Everything you need to know before stepping onto the range line.
01.What should I bring to my first live-fire class?
Every student must bring eye protection, electronic or passive ear protection, a reliable handgun or carbine with a rigid holster or 2-point sling, at least 3 magazines, and the designated round count of factory brass-cased ammunition.
02.Does the CCW course qualify me for the Arizona Concealed Weapons Permit?
Yes. Our CCW courses satisfy all training guidelines set by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) for obtaining your Arizona CWP.
03.What is Tony Blauer's SPEAR System?
Alpha 1 Tactical is an affiliate of Blauer Tactical Systems. The SPEAR System (Spontaneous Protection Enabling Accelerated Response) is a physiological, instinct-based self-defense methodology that converts the natural flinch response into tactical protection.
04.Where do Alpha 1 Tactical classes take place?
Our classroom and outdoor tactical bay sessions are conducted in Phoenix, Arizona, including vetted ranges such as Ben Avery Shooting Facility and private tactical training complexes.
05.What are the student-to-instructor ratios?
We maintain small groups (typically 4:1 to 6:1 shooter-to-instructor ratio) so you receive continuous diagnostic coaching, immediate feedback on your trigger press and draw, and complete safety supervision.
Official Tony Blauer SPEAR System Affiliate
Alpha 1 Tactical is recognized for certified combatives and real-world behavior-based defense.