Class Flow: MODERATE (students can expect full evening of shooting and light/weapon manipulation from a static line)
There is a good reason the saying isn’t, ‘When things go ‘bump’ in the daylight.’ Bad things happen all the time, and that includes hours of darkness or in dark places. Low Light Handgun is designed to explore, test and evaluate the various methods of using a handgun for defensive purposes in low or no-light situations. This course will introduce the student to a variety of low/no-light techniques for use in the real world.
This class is for the student who is very proficient with their handgun fundamentals and manipulation during the day and are looking to build on those skills in the hours of darkness. This class is for the intermediate to experienced shooter who understands and applies the four rules of responsible firearms handling as a way of life. Students should be absolutely competent manipulating a handgun with both hands available and have the ability to shoot with practiced marksmanship.
Law Enforcement: This course is MCOLES certified through MDFI and counts toward training credit.
In-depth Firearms Responsibility (safety) and Medical Briefing
Positive Target Identification
Utilizing the Defensive Pistol in Low-Light/No-Light
Hand-Held Light Techniques
Weapon Mounted Light Techniques
Use of Light Guidelines
Ammo / Gear / Light Choices
Handgun
Handheld Light
300 – 400 Rounds of Ammunition
3 Magazines
(You may want more if you magazine capacity is 10 or less)
Quality Holster
(See FAQ for allowed types)
2 RED Glow Sticks
(with a way to attach to your body)
Eye + Ear Protection
YOU MUST BRING YOUR CPL
(or LE CREDENTIALS or NON-CPL WAIVER) TO CLASS.
Weapon Mounted Flashlight with Proper Holster
Headlight with a Red Light Option
Appropriate Clothing for Weather
Sunscreen / Insect Repellent
Folding Canopy, Table and/or Chair
Snacks + Drink for 8 Hours of Training
YOU WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS THE MDFI FOUNDATION HANDGUN QUALIFIER AT THE BEGINNING OF THE DAY TO PARTICIPATE IN CLASS. For target qualification, click here (instructions on page 2).
MDFI Foundation Handgun or equivalent (email us for approval if a non-MDFI class)
Valid Concealed Weapon License or Law Enforcement Credentials (if you do not have either, email us for instructions).
Must have working operational knowledge of the firearm you bring to class (i.e know how to load/unload safely).
MUST KNOW, UNDERSTAND AND APPLY THE FOUR LIFE RULES OF RESPONSIBLE FIREARMS HANDLING AT ALL TIMES. See video below.
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Fantastic course! This is a must take course if you carry on a regular basis and want to push yourself! Low light situations bring a whole new set of problems you have to work through. Even if you thought you were proficient in the daylight, the darkness will bring out all your weaknesses. Gear validation is always present in classes like these, and I'm glad that my gear held up okay. Tweaks and changes are all part of the process. There was plenty of critical thinking and failure that lead me to a fantastic learning experience. The last exercise was incredibly important to me after extensive failure to bring it all together. Thanks to Trek, Derek, and all the rock solid alumni for a great night of training.
TAKE THIS COURSE. Sure you're proficient in the daylight, go to complete darkness and everything you've learned, trained and practiced goes out the window (or it did for me) Weapon manipulation, red dot acquisition, malfunctions and even simply reholestering in the pitch black darkness was very eye opening. More work to be done in this skill set for sure. The team was excellent as always! Very worthwhile course to take, you wont regret it!!
My total take of the class was eye opening on what is correct and what is not correct.
I learn a lot as to ID the bump in the night. Is it friend or foe. Style of light and how to use it for your benefit and not the bad guys. It was a great group of Alumni to work with. Thanks to Trek!
To start off, this review covers both times that I took the lower light handgun glass about 2 months apart. The first was outdoor in September and the next was indoor in November.
The first class I was very much unprepared with my inferior equipment (weapon mounted light and handheld one) but also my lack of mental prep. Engaging a firearm in very low light does interesting things to the mind. Confusing is an understatement. However, Trek and the crew did a great job of breaking down the fundamentals while encouraging us to keep our heads in the game and staying safe.
After coming down from my initial anxiousness a couple days later I started to upgrade my equipment quickly. Both the weapon mounted and handheld lights were upgraded. Then I started dryfiring in my basement with them. It felt much much better. However, I was determined to make a better go at it so I signed up for the next low light class on MDFI's schedule. I had also learned that about 80% or so of dangerous situations occur in low light conditions. Equipment upgrade was great but I needed to mentally improve on the first go around.
Now, I can't say that I was fantastic in all my results in the second class, however, the second time around didn't feel like I was playing from behind and/or drinking from a firehose. So glad I took the cues from the first class and quickly jumped back in. Thanks MDFI!
This is a must take class. You will learn a lot about using a light with a handgun both pistol mounted and handheld. If you carry a flashlight and pistol at all you will walk away from this class wanting more even though you have learned a lot. Great class and I cannot wait to take more.
4th class with MDFI this year and once again it proved to be money well invested. Unwavering stance on safety allows me to concentrate on the new skills being taught and the excitement the instructors have keeps me focused. Thanks MDFI and thank you Trek for what you give to us, my family thanks you!
Well run class with lots of good information and feedback. The MDFI guys know their stuff and do a great job of conveying information in a way that is easy to understand. The drills were challenging and fun and I didn't need anywhere near the 400 rounds of ammo I brought. Also, I really appreciate the fact that there is such an emphasis on safety. Especially being a night class, safety is huge. I've been in classes with other companies before that were absolute shit shows. MDFI takes safety very seriously and I appreciate that. I'll continue to train with MDFI as long as they'll have me.
Classes I've taken with MDFI have to be the best of any school/military courses of instruction I've ever received. The skills that are taught go well beyond the mechanics of operating your equipment, placing at least equal (if not more) emphasis on your thought processes and decision making. Many thanks to Trek, Shane, and Tim for another great experience. Now... I need to go practice some more...
Taken the Low Light class several times. Never left without regrets. Elevates your skills, validates your equiptment, all in a safe & ego free seting. Decided it's a course I'm taking every year. Trec & his cadre are top notch trainers in the realm of self defense IMHO. Thank you MDFI for allowing me to have such a positve experience. HUGH SHOUTOUT to Barracks 616 in Grand Rapids for the use of your awesome range.
another great class, a must for being a well-rounded human. A lot of information to take away and to practice.
As always this was a really great class that I benefitted from greatly. I am fortunate to have the access and the resources to such professional grade training. Thank you Trek, Allison, and the MDFI cadre!
My first MDFi class, and it was an excellent class. It's an amazing introduction to low-light shooting and skill building for doing so.
The class is very well organized starting with a detailed safety brief and introduction to the objectives of the class.
Excellent instructors and very well run and highly illuminating in terms of low and no-light handgun use. The proper use of flashlights to properly identify things that go bump in the night is taught, as well as malfunction clearance in the dark and proper decision making. Excellent curriculum and attention to detail, quality instruction, and an emphasis on learning and safety at all times. It's also a very fun class.
Since bad things often happen in the dark, getting this training is both eye-opening and truly essential for a handgun owner.
What an eye-opener it is to experience shooting in the dark!
I can see why some of the MDFI cadre says this is their favorite class - you get to experience the whole spectrum of daylight, dusk/transition, and then complete darkness (class goes from 5:00PM through 2:00AM).
For anyone concerned about shooting under low-light, many of the students shared this sentiment at the beginning of the class. What I can assure you is that like any MDFI class, the cadre takes an uncompromising approach to safety and establishing control - this is as safe an environment as you can find to train in low-light.
And not to forget, damn this class is fun!!!!