The right of the citizens to keep and bear arms has justly been considered, as the palladium of the liberties of a republic…There is certainly no small danger, that indifference may lead to disgust, and disgust to contempt; and thus gradually undermine all the protection intended by this clause of our national bill of rights.

– Joseph Story, United States Supreme Court Justice (1812 – 1845)

Justice Story’s wise words form the catalyst for Patriot Academy’s Constitutional Defense Program. Regardless if you are an experienced shooter or completely new to firearms, come experience both physical and intellectual training on the 2nd Amendment with the Patriot Academy team – so that you can better understand the history and importance of the great Right to Self-Defense. Even if you don’t ever plan on carrying or owning a firearm, come enjoy this class so that you don’t fall prey, in Justice Story’s words, to indifference!

Option of 2 or 4 Day Classes

Full class includes:

24 Hours of Firearms Training

10 Hours of Intellectual Training

2024 & 2025 Classes Available! Schedule below:

Classes held at the Patriot Academy Campus, located between Fredericksburg and Comfort, TX. Address is: 1776 Patriot Way, Comfort, TX 78013

To register for a Handgun Foundations class – use our signup page here.

If you would like to register for any class for return students only, such as the Skillbuilder or Intermediate Handgun, please email [email protected]

The Patriot Academy ranges have come together nicely in just three short months of construction. Classes will continue even as construction and improvements on the ranges continue. Below is a picture of the ranges (Phase 1) in use. 60,000 SQ feet of ranges completed. More improvements, pictures, and video coming soon!

January

January 17th – 20th (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

January 17th – 18th  (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

February

February 21st – 24th (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

February 21st – 22nd  (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

March

March 3rd – 6th (Monday – Thursday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

March 3rd – 4th (Monday – Tuesday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

March 14th – 17th (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

March 14th – 15th (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

March 21st-23rd (Friday – Sunday)

3-Day Handgun Skillbuilder

Market Price = $1,500

Patriot Academy’s Price = $600

Click Here To Register!

March 21st-23rd (Friday – Sunday)

3-Day Intermediate Handgun

Market Price = $1,500

Patriot Academy’s Price = $600

Click Here To Register!

March 28th – 31st (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

March 28th – 29th (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

April

April 7th-10th (Monday – Thursday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

April 7th-8th (Monday – Tuesday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

April 11th-13th (Friday-Sunday)

3-Day Rifle Cross Trainer

Market Price = $1,500

Patriot Academy’s Price = $600

Click Here To Register!

SPECIAL COACHES GO TO CONDEF CLASS!

April 25th-28th (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

SPECIAL COACHES GO TO CONDEF CLASS!

April 25th-26th (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

May

May 2nd – 5th (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

May 2nd – 3rd (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

May 12th-15th (Monday – Thursday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

May 12th-13th (Monday – Tuesday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

May 23rd – 26th (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

May 23rd – 24th (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

May 30th – June 1st (Friday – Sunday)

3-Day Handgun Skillbuilder

Market Price = $1,500

Patriot Academy’s Price = $600

Click Here To Register!

June

June 6th – 9th (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

June 6th – 7th (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

June 16th – 19th (Monday – Thursday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

June 16th – 17th (Monday – Tuesday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

June 27th – 30th (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

June 27th – 28th (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

July

July 4th – 7th (Friday – Monday)

4-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $2,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $500

Click Here To Register!

July 4th – 5th (Friday – Saturday)

2-Day Handgun Foundations Course

Market Price = $1,000

Patriot Academy’s Price = $250

Click Here To Register!

Program Information

In 2018, the Green Family and Patriot Academy created a multi-day intensive firearms and constitutional training event, taught by the experts, that you won’t find anywhere else in the nation!

Appropriately called the Constitutional Defense Program, encompassing a variety of classes, it is a unique blend of Firearms Defense combined with Constitutional Education. Intellectual and physical training in the same program, combined with fellowship and study. A wonderful combination of disciplines that result in a well trained Patriot, prepared to defend the Constitution.

Importantly, as a non-profit organization, we provide this training for a fraction of what other training organizations charge (about an 80% discount). We are able to accomplish this by utilizing tax-deductible donations to cover the majority of the cost for the class. If you cannot attend but would like to donate to that scholarship fund, please email [email protected].

Since 2018, we’ve taken nearly 6,000 Patriots through this program at the discounted rate. In total, we’ve helped save these Patriots more than $7,350,000 in course fees. We were only able to do that due to the help of everyone who has donated and supported this program over the years. Thank you for your help!

Whether you have never held a gun before or you consider yourself extremely proficient with firearms, you will LOVE taking these classes as you learn the basics and the little known secrets of self-defense, and then practice until you’ve mastered them.

These classes are held on the Patriot Academy Campus in Fredericksburg, TX (Address coming soon)

Our typical courses held on the Campus are 2-Day and 4-Day firearms courses. This are held regularly and often; at least 3-4 times per month.

Occasionally, you will see advertised a 3-Day or 5-Day Constitutional Defense course. This courses are unique in that they combine our 2-Day and 4-Day Handgun Foundations class, with a full day of class constitution, civics, insider politics, and culture conversation. This full day prior to the course is usually lead by Rick Green and features guests like David and Tim Barton, Steve Deace, Daniel Horowitz, Brad Stine, Krish Dhanam, and many more.

**Beginning October 1st, 2024 the price of these courses will be $125/day.

These courses do not occur often, grab your seat fast when one is scheduled!

Current Special Constitutional Defense Classes

November 16th – 18th (Saturday – Monday)

3-Day Constitutional Defense Course

**This class is 1 Day of Classroom Lecture Time, then a 2-Day Handgun Foundations Course**

Special attendees: Rick Green, Steve Deace, and Daniel Horowitz

Schedule:

Day 1: 10AM – 6PM (classroom lectures only)

Day 2: 7AM – 6PM (Handgun Class)

Day 3: 8AM – 6pm (Handgun Class)

Market Price = $1,500

Patriot Academy’s Price = $300

Click Here To Register!

**For LTC Add-On to this class, see further down on this website.

**Beginning October 1st, 2024 the price of these courses will be $125/day.

The Handgun Foundations Class is the required, introductory class for the Constitutional Defense Program (see tabs below for additional, advanced classes). All first time students must attend either a 2-Day, 3-Day, 4-Day or 5-Day Handgun Foundations course (length of course depends on what is available that time of the year), where you will learn not only a long list of self-defense skills, but you will get an overview of our training philosophy.

Here is a list of some of the items we’ll be covering on the range.

  • Firearms safety and the Four Universal Firearms Safety Rules
  • Checking the condition of the weapon
  • Proper grip, and standing and ready positions
  • Loading and unloading procedures
  • Fundamentals of defensive marksmanship
  • Dry practice and how to use it to improve your skills (a critical component of training that many organizations completely fail to teach)
  • Balancing speed and accuracy in defensive shooting
  • Presenting a handgun from a holster (both open and concealed)
  • Primary and alternate shot-placement strategies
  • Checking your environment following an encounter
  • Reloading techniques and when to use them
  • Identifying and clearing the three types of malfunctions
  • How to use the minimum amount of force necessary to prevail
  • Integrating movement into weapon presentation
  • Engaging multiple attackers
  • Close-contact shooting
  • Lots of practice and individual coaching to maximize your learning

By the end of these classes, you will be able to spot a threat, present your sidearm from concealment and fire two controlled shots to the vital area on the threat in just 1.5 seconds!

2-Day and 4-Day Schedule:

Note: 2-Day & 4-Day classes run currently. 

Day 1: 7AM – 6PM

Day 2: 8AM – 6PM

Day 3: 8AM – 6PM

Day 4: 8AM – 6PM

Please see tabs below for equipment & ammo requirements.

Once you take the 4-Day or 5-Day Handgun Foundations class, you are eligible to take our Rifle and Shotgun Cross Trainer classes. As the name implies, these two classes build upon the skills in the Handgun Foundations class. The 2-Day and 3-Day Handgun Foundations are available for those who need a shorter schedule, but it does not qualify you for the cross-trainers or advanced classes.

Prerequisites: You must have taken a 2-Day or 4-Day Handgun Foundations Class.

**Beginning October 1st, 2024 the price of these courses will be $250/day.

Our refresher classes vary in their length, but are designed to cover in a short time the content that our handgun, rifle, or shotgun classes taught you. Usually this class will be 1-Day or a Half-Day long.

These classes are designed to take multiple times each year to stay sharp with your training. You will review the core concepts that you learned in your previous class and receive detailed coaching from our instructor team on refining the fundamentals of your skill sets.

1-Day Schedule:

Day 1: 7AM – 6PM

Equipment requirements are the same as the appropriate pre-requisite class.

To qualify for the refresher class, you must have taken a 2-Day or 4-Day class in the appropriate discipline (handgun, rifle, or shotgun).

Prerequisites: You must have taken a 4-Day Handgun Foundations Class

**Beginning October 1st, 2024 the price of these courses will be $250/day.

The Handgun Skill Builder Class is ideal “next step” for anyone who has taken the Handgun Foundations Class. If you are looking to work on your skills or work towards medaling on the skills exam (in order to qualify for Intermediate and Advanced classes), then the Skill Builder Class is perfect for you.

The content covered in this class will be the same as the Handgun Foundations, with a far higher repetition rate. Additionally, all students will get to experience a simulated scenario in our shoot-house.

Required Ammo: 750 Rounds for 3-Day Class

3-Day Schedule

Day 1: 7AM – 6PM

Day 2: 8AM – 6PM

Day 3: 8AM – 6PM

Please note: If you are a return student and would like to attend one of these classes below, please email us at [email protected] so that we can verify your eligibility and get you signed up manually.

**Beginning October 1st, 2024 the price of these courses will be $250/day.

3-Day Intermediate Handgun Class

Prerequisites: You must have taken a 4-Day Handgun Foundations Class and scored Bronze or higher on the end of class skills test. Additionally, you must have taken a class with us or comparable level of training within the previous 24 months.

Having proven your skills during your Constitutional Defense handgun class, it’s time to develop your handgun repertoire with the addition of new skills and increasing challenges. The Intermediate Handgun Class will hone your existing skills and provide you with additional tools to prevail in a gunfight.  Additional tactical techniques and the use of alternative shooting platforms will allow you to confidently engage targets in more challenging situations, including hostage rescue shots and shots at ranges out to 50 yards. Progressively more challenging range drills will keep you on your toes and train your ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

Schedule: 

Day 1: 8AM – 6PM

Day 2: 8AM – 6PM

Day 3: 8AM – 6PM

Intermediate Handgun Equipment Requirements:

  • Semi-automatic handgun suitable for defensive use
  • If your gun is equipped with a manual safety, it must be ambidextrous
  • 850 rounds of ammunition
  • 3 magazines
  • Holster worn on the firing (dominant-side) hip
  • Magazine or speed loader pouch
  • Hand-held flashlight with end-cap button or switch
  • Electronic ear protection
  • Hat with a brim
  • Concealment garment, such as a jacket, vest, or sweatshirt
  • Knee-pads (optional)

3-Day Rifle Cross-Trainer

Prerequisites: You must have taken a 4-Day Handgun Foundations Class.

The Rifle Cross-Trainer will give you the ability and confidence to use your rifle as an effective defensive weapon.  Building on the skills you learned with your handgun during your Handgun Foundations Class, you’ll apply the same techniques and philosophies to a rifle, learning to use it to protect yourself and your loved ones.  You’ll learn how to perform all of the skills you learned with the handgun with a rifle, starting with fundamental gun handling techniques like chamber check and magazine check, and working through malfunctions, reloads, alternative shooting positions, and more.  You’ll spend ample time on the firing line, learning, practicing, and refining, while testing your limits with timed and scored events.  You’ll conclude the course with the Standard Rifle Skills Test to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and give you a measure of your overall proficiency.

Schedule: 

Day 1: 8AM – 5PM

Day 2: 8AM – 5PM

Day 3: 8AM – 5PM

Rifle Equipment Requirements:

  • Semi-automatic rifle suitable for defensive use
  • 750 rounds of ammunition
  • 2 magazines (3 or more recommended)
  • Rifle sling
  • Eye protection
  • Electronic ear protection
  • Hat with a brim
  • Knee-pads (optional)

2-Day Shotgun Cross-Trainer

Prerequisites: You must have taken a 4-Day Handgun Foundations Class.

The Shotgun Cross-Trainer will give you the ability and confidence to use your shotgun as an effective defensive weapon.  Building on the skills you learned with your handgun during your Handgun Foundations Class, you’ll apply the same techniques and philosophies to a shotgun, learning to use it to protect yourself and your loved ones.  You’ll learn how to perform all of the skills you learned with the handgun with a shotgun, starting with fundamental gun handling techniques like chamber check and magazine check, and working through malfunctions, reloads, alternative shooting positions, and more.  You’ll spend ample time on the firing line, learning, practicing, and refining, while testing your limits with timed and scored events.  You’ll conclude the course with the Standard Shotgun Skills Test to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and give you a measure of your overall proficiency.

Schedule: 

Day 1: 8AM – 5PM

Day 2: 8AM – 5PM

Shotgun Equipment Requirements:

  • Pump-action or semi-automatic shotgun suitable for defensive use
  • 300 rounds of bird-shot, 100 rounds of buckshot, and 75 slugs
  • Shotgun sling
  • Eye protection
  • Electronic ear protection
  • Hat with a brim
  • Knee-pads (optional)

Please Note: Private training days are available only by request and availability of instructors. Please contact [email protected] with dates you are interested in for private training and we will let you know if we have staff available to accommodate your request.

For 2023, private training will focus on handgun only (rifle and shotgun coming 2024).

For those who have attended the Handgun Foundations Class, we are happy to welcome you to exclusive, private training on the Patriot Academy Campus!

Private training is ideal for those who have attended the Handgun Foundations Class and would like exclusive training to hone specific skills through repetition, beyond what a class with a large group offers. Depending on your skill level as evaluated by your private instructor, these training days even allow you to complete material covered in our intermediate classes. Generally speaking, the curriculum for private training will be decided by you, depending on what you would like to work on. As with all of our classes, instructors have the right to refuse/adjust requests if they believe them unsafe, not in accordance with our training methods, or if students are not prepared for the training requested.

By popular demand, private training days also allow you to take the skills test (normally given at the end of the 4-Day Foundations Class), even multiple times in one day. If you did not medal in your Foundations class and you would like to take the advanced classes we offer, private training days are perfect for working with an instructor on exactly the skills you need to medal on the skills test.

Depending on instructor availability, you can book multiple private training days in a row.

Cost

Each day of private training is $500 flat. This cost allows for 1-3 people to have an entire day with an instructor on their own range. If you would like just a half-day of instruction, the cost is still $500 flat.

Please note: A single instructor has a maximum of 3 people they can instruct at one time for a private training session. If you would like to do a larger group, you can request additional instructors. Please ask [email protected] for availability. 

Schedule

When you book a private training, you are welcome to begin at any point in the day after 7:30AM. We end all days at 6PM on the range. Preferred start time is 7:30AM to allow for paperwork signings and then starting on the range by 8AM. All private days will include a one-hour (or longer if requested by students) lunch break.

Equipment & Ammo Count

Equipment requires are in accordance with our full classes, in the weapon of your choice. Please review the other tabs on this page for information for each weapon platform.

Ammo count will vary depending on the drills you wish to cover. We highly recommend bringing more ammo than you expect to shoot. A good starting number would be 300 rounds per day, although it is very easy to shoot up to 500 rounds in a single day. Our onsite pro-shop will have ammo for purchase if you need more.

LTC Add-On Price = $75*

If you are attending a 4-Day Handgun Foundations Class, we are happy to offer you the ability to get your Texas License to Carry (LTC) during your 4-Day class. Almost all of our 4-Day classes have this add-on option available. This add-on does not add an additional day to your schedule, all of the LTC related work is completed in the evenings.

Our LTC qualified instructors will guide you through the state curriculum. Even if you aren’t a Texas resident, you can still take this class and apply for a Texas non-resident license! This is a great license to have if you visit Texas often, and it might even add a few states around the country that allow you to carry while visiting.

Please note: You must attend all portions of the 4-Day class to qualify for the LTC. The LTC add on will also involve extra work in the evenings, including shooting the 50 round LTC range qualification test.

To add-on obtaining your LTC during your 4-Day class, please email [email protected]

*Price includes the state required classroom teaching and range test.

**You as the attendee will still be required to apply for your license, obtain your fingerprints, and upload your signed LTC form to the required Texas website (this is what our team will give you a couple of weeks after your class, certifying you passed the LTC class).

Our team here at Patriot Academy has collectively been through hundreds of firearms courses at various facilities and organizations across the nation; in addition to the thousands of classes taught by our instructor team. Our philosophy has always been to train as often as possible, with as many different teachers as possible, to learn as much as possible.

We often get asked the question “XYZ organization is local for me, should I consider training with them?”

Our response is almost always going to be yes – please get as much training as you can. That being said, we always like to communicate what our experience with other organizations has been and why those experiences led Patriot Academy to develop its own program, rather than just attend other classes.

Most firearms training organizations or instructors gear their training towards individuals with previous firearms experience (law enforcement, military, competition shooter, etc). The training itself is often very good – but equally as often it is too advanced for beginning shooters. Even if the class is built to “push and test” a new shooter, it often does so in a way where basic fundamentals of shooting are set aside in favor of the “cool, flashy” drills that look good on camera and sell more seats.

Put simply – when beginner classes have new shooters sprinting up and down a range behind cover, taking multiple shooting positions, etc – we find that most shooters leave that class having had fun, but not having focused enough on the basics to feel completely comfortable with the information.

Our philosophy is to prepare both brand new and experienced shooters with the fundamentals to win a self-defense encounter. This means that we will be spending a large amount of our time on repetitive drills, meant to help you get comfortable with the idea of loaded firearms, keeping firearms by your bed, having a loaded firearm holstered on your body, etc.

Here is a list of some of the items we’ll be covering on the range in all of our classes, but highlighted specifically in our Handgun Foundations Course.

  • Firearms safety and the Four Universal Firearms Safety Rules
  • Checking the condition of the weapon
  • Proper grip, and standing and ready positions
  • Loading and unloading procedures
  • Fundamentals of defensive marksmanship
  • Dry practice and how to use it to improve your skills (a critical component of training that many organizations completely fail to teach)
  • Balancing speed and accuracy in defensive shooting
  • Presenting a handgun from a holster (both open and concealed)
  • Primary and alternate shot-placement strategies
  • Checking your environment following an encounter
  • Reloading techniques and when to use them
  • Identifying and clearing the three types of malfunctions
  • How to use the minimum amount of force necessary to prevail
  • Integrating movement into weapon presentation
  • Engaging multiple attackers
  • Close-contact shooting
  • Lots of practice and individual coaching to maximize your learning

Once you have taken our flagship 4-Day or 5-Day Handgun Foundations Class, then please come join our team for advanced courses as well.

One important principle for all of our programs here at Patriot Academy is that intellectual ammunition be delivered in a fun, engaging, in-depth manner. Our teachers in the classroom will always include someone on the Patriot Academy staff such as Rick Green, Reagan Green, or Aaron Marshall – as well as occasional guest speakers like David Barton, Tim Barton, Mark Meckler, Daniel Horowitz, Todd Starnes, Steve Deace, and many others.

We’ll cover a wide variety of topics in these classes, such as the following:

  • The five levels of competence in firearms training
  • Developing the mental awareness to win (or avoid) a lethal encounter
  • Justification for the use of deadly force
  • Moral implications and decision-making regarding deadly force
  • Safe and effective dry practice procedures for use at home
  • Navigating the legal system following a self-defense shooting
  • Managing the situation following a shooting
  • Adopting a winning mindset
  • Physiological effects of life-threatening stress
  • Identifying and using pre-assault indicators to preempt a violent attack.

We heard from many of you and we are now excited to announce that the Constitutional Defense Program can be brought to your local shooting range! 

We know that travel out of state can be difficult for many people, so we have done our best to create a plan that brings the top-tier training of the Constitutional Defense Program to you, at as low a price point possible.

If you would like to bring the Defense Program to your area, please review this linked Google Drive document that lays out all of our requirements.

If you would like to book the Defense Program, or just have questions, please reach out to us at [email protected] and we’d be happy to discuss details.

Equipment Information

Handgun and Magazine Requirements for all classes:

  • Semi-Automatic with a minimum trigger press of 4 LBS.
  • Double Action/Single Action guns must have a de-cocking device on the handgun (no letting the hammer down with your thumb).
  • You will need at least three magazines for your pistol (more the better, but three as a minimum).
  • Recommended calibers are 9MM, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. Smaller calibers such as .380ACP and .22LR are allowed, but we only recommend those calibers be used for those unable to handle the larger calibers. If you physically have trouble with the slide on larger caliber handguns, or if you are bring a child to attend the class, would be good examples of when smaller calibers are appropriate.
  • Recommended pistols for this class are full size such as the Glock 17 and Smith and Wesson M&P M2.0. If you would prefer to bring a compact or sub-compact pistol like the Glock 43, Smith and Wesson Shield EZ, etc, please feel free – just know that smaller weapons tend to tire your hands out faster over long periods of shooting.
  • All pistols must have a barrel length of at least three inches to qualify for this course.
  • If you do not own a weapon, we have a limited number of rentals available. Please see rental tab on this webpage.
  • Semi-automatic, magazine-fed rifle/carbine
  • Rifle sling
  • At least 2 magazines (3 magazines if they hold 10 or fewer rounds).
  • Trigger weight must be at least 4 lbs.
  • All safety devices must function as designed.

Below are recommendations for a self-defense rifle.  These are not required to be eligible for the course, but are what we have found works best for most students.

  • AR-15 or variant (there are a wide variety of manufacturers, most of which have little practical difference between their guns)

  • .223 caliber is recommended. .22LR is acceptable, but will be more challenging to shoot accurately at long range.

  • 16” barrel

  • Adjustable stock

  • Iron sights or non-magnifying electronic sight (such as EOTech, AimPoint, or HoloSun)

  • “Light-weight” configuration rifles will be easier to handle and carry, but will transfer more of the recoil to the shooter

  • A rifle with an ambidextrous safety and charging handle is strongly recommended for left-handed shooters

  • Avoid additional accessories, as these will generally add unnecessary weight to the rifle

 

Holster and Magazine Pouch Requirements for all classes:

  • Holster must be belt based (no ankle, shoulder, purse, belly band holsters, etc) and worn on your firing side.
  • Holster must completely cover your pistol’s trigger guard.
  • Holster must not use index-finger released retention devices (such as the Blackhawk Serpa Holster). If your holster has such a device, it can be used in the course, but we will help you disable the retention for your time with us.
  • We recommend that you bring a hard plastic, outside-the-waistband holster for this course. Inside-the-waistband holsters are allowed, but just know that they will present a few additional challenges for you as the student to think about.
  • For your magazine pouch, we recommend that you also get one which is hard plastic, outside-the-waistband.

2-Day Handgun Foundation Class Round Count – 350 Rounds of range ammo (FMJ).

4-Day Handgun Foundation Class Round Count – 800 Rounds of range ammo (FMJ).

3-Day Intermediate Handgun Class Round Count – 850 Rounds of range ammo (FMJ).

3-Day Rifle Cross-Trainer Class Round Count – 750 Rounds of range ammo.

2-Day Shotgun Cross-Trainer-Class Round Count – 300 rounds of bird-shot, 100 rounds of buckshot, and 75 slugs

Our recommendation for these classes is to bring both your own gear and ammo – but we understand for some, traveling with that much ammo isn’t feasible. 

If flying, please keep in mind that most airlines have a weight limit on ammo (usually 11 lbs per person).

Patriot Academy purchases a limited amount of ammo ahead of each class in order to have onsite for sale, should you be unable to bring your own.

For our upcoming 2024 classes we will have the following:

.380 ACP FMJ .60 cents per round

9MM FMJ  .40 cents per round.

40 S&W FMJ .50 cents per round.

.45 ACP FMJ  .65 cents per round

Rifle and shotgun ammo not available at the moment. 

Please email [email protected] to inquire about ammo availability. Our stock is limited, so please make sure to communicate with us ahead of time regarding how much you will need, so that we can ensure we have ample stock.

The quality of your electronic shooting muffs will greatly impact your experience.

At Patriot Academy, we have two brands of headphones that we use and encourage, Axil and VentureGear. We do not rent headphones. We carry the following headphones and will have them available for purchase during your upcoming class:

  • VentureGear Over-Ear Headphones (With Patriot Academy Logo!). Choice of black or light blue. Basic shooting muffs. Price = $59.99

  • Axil GS Extreme Bluetooth In-Ear Headphones. Great middle of the road pair of headphones. Great for shooting, hunting, additional sound while running, etc. Retail typically $199. Our price = $149.99

  • Axil GS Digital 2 In-Ear Headphones. High-end earbuds for all scenarios. Retail typically $799. Our price = $299.99

Although we carry these two brands, there are also cheaper options on Amazon for $30-60. Please note that depending on what brand you get, you might get higher levels of static, less efficient seal around the ears, etc. 

If interested in any of the headphones options for one of our classes, please email [email protected] and reserve ahead of time. We will have the headphones waiting at the class for you.

 

Clothing Requirements:

  • There are four clothing requirements.
  • All shoes must closed toed (no sandals, flip flops, etc). 
  • You must wear wrap-around eye protection (sunglasses or prescription). Wrap-around includes side protection.
  • You must wear headwear of some type, to protect the top of your eyes from flying brass (baseball cap, gardening hat, etc).
  • You must bring some form of concealment garment, as we will conduct many drills from concealment. A fishing vest, jacket, unbuttoned shirt over t-shirt, etc.  
  • You will see a variety of attire styles on the range. What we recommend is wearing comfortable clothing that provides you access to lots of pockets (cargo pants/shorts for example). This is very helpful for gear and ammo throughout the course.
  • Dress appropriately for the season – check weather before going out.

If you would like to rent a firearm for your handgun class, we have a limited number of rentals available (if you are able to bring your own gun and ammo, we highly recommend doing so). Please email [email protected] to setup rental.

**Beginning October 1st, 2024 the price of rentals will increase from $25 to $30 per day.

**Rifle and Shotgun Rentals are not available at this time**

For the 4-Day class, a rental package is $100 + ammo (ammo prices vary, expect $360 – $400 for 800 rounds).

For the 2-Day class, a rental package is $50 + ammo (ammo prices vary, expect $150 – $200 for 350 rounds).

Please note: Our goal is to try and keep the cost of the class as low as possible. As such, at one point, we allowed all attendees to bring their own factory made ammo to use in our rental guns. Unfortunately, due to past occurrences of individuals bringing and using reloaded ammo (not allowed), resulting in damage to our guns, we now must have a policy that all ammo used in our rental guns be factory ammo purchased directly from us.

Rentals include the firearm, holster, multiple magazines, magazine pouch, ammo, and belt (all required for the course if bringing your own). 

Items not included in the rental and required for the class are headwear (baseball cap), eye protection (sunglasses or prescription), and electronic shooting muffs (we recommend purchasing these onsite).

Your rental will also come with a large range bag to keep your gear in for the duration of the class.

Rental weapons will typically be a Glock 17 9MM or a Smith and Wesson M&P9 M2.0 9MM.

Video and PDF with visuals of equipment coming soon.

FAQ

While most firearms training around the nation costs anywhere from $250 – $500 per day (and that doesn’t include the Constitution, History, and Intellectual Lectures that are unique to our class), Patriot Academy’s introductory class is only $125 per day.

For all attendees, Patriot Academy will also run a required criminal background check at zero cost to the student (a CCW, LTC, etc will also suffice for attendance); as well as giving every student a FREE workbook ($30) at check in for the class.

Please note: Training price does not include non-training costs that each attendee will handle on their own, such as travel, lodging, food, etc.

How are we able do this class so cheap/give so much away?

Our organization is unique in that we are a 501(c)3 non-profit. Our mission is to get as many Patriots trained as possible, which means doing our best to make the class as affordable as possible.

The actual cost to Patriot Academy to put this class on is much higher than what we charge our attendees. Thankfully, we are able to use tax deductible donations to our organization to scholarships all of our attendees and bring that price down.

Rather than charging the true value of the class (a 4-Day conference like this, with the intellectual training, would typically cost around $2,000 per person) – we are able to discount the class by 80% for all attendees and use donations to make up the rest.

If you are unable to attend the class, but would like to donate to that scholarship pool (any amount helps), please feel free to reach out to [email protected] for a tax-deductible donation.

**Teachers – please reach out to [email protected] to see about a free slot in our class. We wish to see as many teachers as possible trained and armed around the nation. To further that goal, we will cover the course fee 100% for you when we have the availability to do so. Although we don’t always have the space available, please reach out and we’ll be happy to help however we can.

This class is for everyone, whether you have never held a weapon before or are extremely experienced.

We are a family-friendly training program. Minors 11-17 are welcome to attend, but must be accompanied by a parent. We have had multiple families join us with 11 year olds who did outstanding!

We often get asked if ladies should get training with firearms for self-defense. Our opinion is a STRONG YES. There is no course better that this one for preparing ladies for carrying a firearm.

For those with disabilities or pre-existing injuries: The instructors who work for the Constitutional Defense program are excellent at working with disabilities and injuries. If you are wondering about your specific situation, please feel free to call our staff and voluntarily ask about your specific situation. We’d be happy to let you know how the training will be handled and what we can do to make your stay with us as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. 

Airports

San Antonio International Airport is 57 miles from the Patriot Academy Campus and our recommended airport for travel. 45-60 minute drive depending on traffic.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is 92 miles from the Patriot Academy Campus. 90-120 minute drive depending on traffic.

Driving Directions

The Patriot Academy Campus is conveniently located 45 minutes outside of San Antonio, TX – with three surrounding towns.

When driving from Fredericksburg, the campus is located 10 minutes south. You will take Highway 87 south out of town.

When driving from Comfort, the campus is located 15 minutes north. You will take Highway 87 north out of town.

When driving from Kerrville, the campus is located 30 minutes to the east. You will take Interstate 10 down to Comfort and then Highway 87 north out of Comfort.

Hotels

Hotels and AirBnbs are both plentiful in the town surrounding the campus. Fredericksburg and Kerrville are two of the closer towns for hotels, but the northside of San Antonio also has plenty of options.

Fredericksburg has many hotels including the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, Best Western, and Fairfield Inn and Suites.

More information here: https://www.hotels.com/de1644294/hotels-fredericksburg-and-vicinity-texas/ 

Kerrville has many hotels, including the YO Ranch Hotel, Best Western, Hampton Inn, and Quality Inn.

More information here: https://www.hotels.com/de1474398/hotels-kerrville-texas/

There are multiple hotels that have offered discounts to attendees of Patriot Academy’s classes. For the hotels listed below, please call and identify yourself as a student of Patriot Academy to get the discounted stay.

Best Western Sunday House Kerrville
Monday out Friday $109.00  Weekends $139.00
We serve a Hot Continental Breakfast each morning.
Call the hotel to make reservations. 830-896-1313

Comfort Inn & Suites Texas Hill Country

Discount link below, 10% off standard rates for non-blackout dates.

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/ArrivalInfo?hotel=TXF05&srp=LSTDNT&pu=no 

RV Parks

Fredericksburg has multiple RV Parks within a short drive of the campus.

Fredericksburg RV Park (15 minute drive from campus).

https://www.fredericksburgrvpark.net/ 

Oakwood RV Resort (15 minute drive from campus).

https://oakwoodrvresort.com/ 

The Vineyards RV Park (20-25 minute drive from campus).

https://www.thevineyardsrvpark.com/ 

Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park Campground (15-20 minute drive from campus).

https://www.fbgtx.org/343/Lady-Bird-Johnson-RV-Park

The Patriot Academy Campus will have food service onsite in 2025. Until then, the town of Fredericksburg is a short drive away will plenty of fast options.

We highly recommend all attendees eat a good breakfast prior to arriving onsite for the course. 

Lunches will consist of a break period long enough to drive into the town of Fredericksburg to pick up food. Alternatively, attendees are welcome to bring food and eat onsite.

Each day’s activities will end prior to dinner, allowing all attendees to find dinner in the town of their choice at the end of the day. 

Attendees are welcome to bring meals, snacks, and drinks onsite throughout the course.

Please Note: With all classes, there are additional costs to keep in mind that Patriot Academy is not responsible for, such as booking flights, lodging, getting to the training location, etc. 

Patriot Academy hosts the training class itself, but is not responsible for other costs associated with your trip. Housing, food, transportation, etc is all handled by individual course attendees.

To register please use our signup page located here.

If you would like to attend one of our return student only classes, please email us at [email protected] so that we can verify your eligibility and get you signed up manually.

Registration for the course closes 3 days before the course begins. 

Our mission with the Constitutional Defense course is to help support as many Patriots as possible. With that in mind, we try to give full refunds as often as we can – regardless of the reason for cancellation. We want to help and support how we can. If you would like to postpone your class, cancel and refund, or even cancel and donate the funds – we’re happy to help in any way.

You can cancel your class at any time and if your background check hasn’t been paid for yet, then we’ll refund you 100% of the class fees. If your background check has been run, we will hold back $50 from the refund.

All we ask is that this policy be respected and not abused – if you think you need to cancel please give us as much heads up as you can so that we can try and fill that seat for someone else.

Questions? Call our dedicated Constitutional Defense number at 737-733-2496 or email our team at [email protected]!

We are looking forward to having you with us for this training. It will be a lot of fun and some great fellowship! If you have any additional questions, please email our team at the above email. We can give you any details you need, answer specific questions, or give you more information. Looking forward to seeing you in class!

The Patriot Academy Campus is located in Texas, between the cities of Fredericksburg and Comfort. 

Current Google Maps Address is: 1776 Patriot Way, Comfort, TX 78013

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