Texas Firearms Training & Gun Safety Courses for Every Skill Level

Whether you're new to firearms or experienced, Dragon Firearm Training offers Texas LTC, gun safety & shooting courses for every skill level — serving South Padre Island, McAllen, Brownsville & the Rio Grande Valley.

Training Programs

Real training from experienced instructors who believe safer shooters build safer communities.

NRA Basic Pistol Shooting

The NRA Basic Pistol Shooting course is the ideal first step for anyone new to firearms. Whether you've never held a pistol or just want to build a solid safety foundation, this course gives you the knowledge and hands-on practice to handle a firearm confidently and responsibly.

This NRA-certified course covers:

Safe handling and storage of firearms
Pistol shooting fundamentals — grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control
Ammunition types and selection
Firearm selection guidance for new owners
Shooting range rules and etiquette
Live-fire qualification on the range

No firearms experience required. Gun rentals are available if you don't own a pistol yet. Upon completion you'll receive an NRA course certificate. Classes are held at Barrels and Bullets Gun Store in South Padre Island, serving students from throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Schedule This Course

Texas License to Carry (LTC)

The Texas License to Carry course is the state-required training to legally carry a handgun in Texas. Taught by a Texas DPS-approved instructor, this course satisfies all requirements to submit your LTC application with the state.

This state-approved LTC course includes:

Texas handgun carry laws and where carry is prohibited
Use of force and non-violent dispute resolution
Safe storage, handling, and transport of a handgun
Handgun proficiency — fundamentals review
Written knowledge test (required by Texas DPS)
Live-fire proficiency demonstration on the range

Upon completion you'll receive your LTC-101 certificate of training, which you submit with your Texas DPS application. The course is taught by Dr. Glenn "Doc" Young, a US Army veteran and federal law enforcement retiree with over 30 years of firearms training experience. Classes serve students from Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen, Weslaco, and all across the Rio Grande Valley.

Schedule This Course

Private Firearms Lessons

Private one-on-one lessons are the fastest way to build real skill. Every session is tailored entirely to you — your goals, your pace, and your firearm. Whether you've never shot before or you're preparing for your LTC qualification, Doc Young will design a lesson that moves you forward efficiently.

Private lessons can be customized for:

Complete beginners who want personal attention before joining a group class
LTC test preparation — written review and live-fire proficiency drills
Accuracy and technique improvement for experienced shooters
Firearm maintenance, cleaning, and safety refreshers
Women's self-defense fundamentals
Parents learning safe storage and handling in the home

Private lessons take place at Barrels and Bullets Gun Store in South Padre Island and are available by appointment. Contact us to discuss your goals and schedule a session.

Schedule Lessons

Why Texans Choose Dragon Firearm Training

Real training from experienced instructors who believe safer shooters build safer communities.

Military & Law Enforcement Background

A lifetime of experience through training from the US Military and Federal Law Enforcement.

NRA & State Certified

All courses meet NRA and Texas DPS standards for legal certification.

Beginner-Friendly

No guns? No problem! We start from the basics and offer rentals.

Serving South Padre Island, McAllen & Brownsville

Located at Barrels and Bullets Gun Store, 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 107, South Padre Island, TX 78597 — with students traveling from McAllen, Brownsville, Harlingen, Weslaco & Pharr.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to own a gun to take a class?

No. Gun rentals are available at Barrels and Bullets Gun Store where our classes are held. If you don't own a firearm yet, Doc Young can also help guide you on choosing the right pistol for your needs.

How long does the Texas LTC course take?

The Texas License to Carry course typically takes 4–6 hours, including classroom instruction, the written knowledge test, and the live-fire proficiency demonstration. Contact us for exact scheduling for upcoming sessions.

What do I need to bring to the LTC class?

You'll need a valid government-issued photo ID, your handgun (or arrange a rental), at least 50 rounds of ammunition, eye protection, and ear protection. Closed-toe shoes are required on the range. We'll provide all classroom materials.

Is the NRA Basic Pistol course good for complete beginners?

Absolutely. The NRA Basic Pistol course is designed specifically for people with little or no firearms experience. We start from the ground up — safe handling, the fundamentals, and live-fire practice — so you leave feeling confident and prepared.

Where are classes held?

All classes are held at Barrels and Bullets Gun Store, located at 5800 Padre Blvd, Suite 107, South Padre Island, TX 78597. We serve students from throughout the Rio Grande Valley, including Brownsville, Harlingen, McAllen, Weslaco, and Pharr.

How do I register for a course?

The easiest way is to use the contact form on our Contact page, or call us directly at (956) 499-6192. Let us know which course you're interested in and we'll confirm the next available date.

Ready to Train with Confidence?

Get started today — build real skills, safely and responsibly.