First Defense Firearms Training

First Defense Firearms Training operates out of Menifee, CA and focuses on one thing: teaching shooters to perform under pressure. The core philosophy is simple—stop training to pass your qualification and start training for real life self-defense situations.

Mark Ackenbank runs the operation as owner and lead instructor. He structures courses around knowledge-based fundamentals that work for both square range work and high-stress situations. The goal is always the same: make students safer, more efficient, and more confident with their weapons.

Sundays | 1 day | Open enrollment

Built for shooters who want baseline competency or are brand new. The class establishes where you actually stand—your real limitations and capabilities—then gives you the tools to self-diagnose and improve. You learn the 7 fundamentals of shooting, trigger control, combat marksmanship, malfunction clearing, and retention techniques for close-quarter engagements.

Cost: $275 | Range fees included | Ammo needed: 175 rounds

Saturdays/Sundays | 1 day | Open enrollment

For shooters who already understand the basics. This is where advanced techniques get layered in—mindset, pre-attack indicators, de-escalation, drawing from concealment proficiently, off-lining drills, use of cover, multiple target engagement. The class includes both OWB and IWB holster options, though the Concealed variant requires IWB appendix carry specifically.

Prerequisite: Basic fundamentals and drawing from concealment

Cost: $280 (on sale from $325) | Range fees included | Ammo needed: 375 rounds

Saturdays | Half day (8am-12pm) | Open enrollment w/ prerequisites

Red dots are taking over, and this class handles the transition from iron sights. You learn care and maintenance, zeroing procedures, finding the dot on presentation, tracking under recoil, one-handed shooting, and one-handed weapon manipulation.

Cost: $220 (on sale from $275) | Range fees included | Ammo needed: 200 rounds

Equipment required: Semi-auto pistol with RDS and backup irons, Kydex holster (AIWB or OWB—no leather, nylon, or SERPA)

Saturdays | 1 day | Open enrollment w/ prerequisites

The next level after Intro To RDS. More advanced red dot techniques for those already familiar with the basics.

Sundays | 1 day | Open enrollment w/ prerequisites

The advanced pistol course for shooters who've built a solid foundation.

Saturdays or Sundays | 1 day | Open enrollment

A focused drill designed to isolate and improve your trigger press.

Saturdays | 1 day | Intermediate level

This course combines two critical skills: malfunction clearing and medical response. You learn to clear every known malfunction on a semi-auto pistol with both hands and single-handed (because it's a handgun, not a hands gun). You also get properly trained on tourniquet application to yourself and others—both hands and single-handed—through high-stress scenario drills.

Prerequisite: Previous training and ability to work safely from a holster

Cost: $280 (on sale from $325) | Range fees included | Ammo needed: 375 rounds

1 day | Open enrollment

For newer shooters or experienced shooters who want to build real confidence. The class covers equipment setup (slings, stock position, weapon-mounted lights), mounting and zeroing your optic, the 7 fundamentals, precision and combat marksmanship, recoil management, reloads, malfunction clearing, and use of cover.

Cost: $220 (on sale from $275) | Range fees included | Ammo needed: 175 rounds

Saturdays | 1 day | Open enrollment

The advanced carbine course for students who've mastered fundamentals.

Saturdays | 1 day | Open enrollment

Combines pistol and rifle work in one intensive day.

Saturdays/Sundays | 1 or 2 days | Open enrollment

Night vision carbine training for shooters equipped and ready to train in low light.

Fridays or Saturdays | 1 day | LEO only

Customized training for sworn officers.

2026 1st Quarter Classes: - January 24th: Defensive Concealed Pistol - January 31st: Intro To RDS - February 14th: Fundamental Carbine - February 28th: Down But Not Out - March 7th: Dynamic Pistol/Carbine - March 14th: RDS Pistol - March 28th: CORE Pistol

Classes are posted quarterly. Can't find dates? The next batch drops in 3 months. You can also book private training sessions for custom instruction.

First Defense publishes downloadable training targets and drills:

• •Speed-Accuracy-Consistency Pistol Standards Target — 7 yards, 5" bullseye, 5 seconds from holster. Emphasizes recoil management and sight tracking.
• •Speed-Accuracy-Consistency Carbine Standards Target — 7 yards, 3" bullseye, 4 seconds from high ready. Tests your red dot tracking.
• •FAST Target — Available for download
• •1R5 Drill Target — Available for download

Download these by right-clicking and selecting "save linked file."

All courses require: - Eye and ear protection (electronic recommended) - Appropriate range attire (no open toe shoes or low-cut shirts) - Lunch and water - Pen and paper - The specific ammunition and equipment listed for each course

Owner/Lead Instructor: Mark Ackenbank

Phone: (951) 692-2979

Email: [email protected]

Course Location: Classes held in Perris, CA (8am start times, unless otherwise noted when you select your date)