Combined Firearms Course: What Is It and Is It Worth Taking?
The history, evolution and current three-day structure of the Combined Firearms Course at BZ Academy.
The Combined Firearms Course was created to give new shooters structured experience with more than one firearm platform during a single programme. Instead of choosing a pistol or rifle course without understanding the difference, students could learn the essential handling and marksmanship principles of several systems.
The original article traced the concept from its first session in 2015 through its adoption at the European Security Academy and later development at BZ Academy. It also explained why advanced scenarios were removed from the beginner version and described the current three-day progression in detail.
This updated guide preserves that history and the full day-by-day explanation.
- The first Combined Firearms Course was organised in 2015 to introduce several platforms in one programme.
- Early versions included Glock, AR-15, AK-47, MP5, B&T APC, CQB and FX Simunition scenarios.
- The beginner course evolved toward safety, marksmanship and reliable handling rather than excessive complexity.
- The current BZ Academy Level 1 programme covers Glock pistol, AR-15 and AK-47 over three days.
- Level 2 is the natural progression for movement, malfunctions, barricades and transitions.
How the Combined Firearms Course began in 2015
In 2015 Bartosz Zukowski was working as a contracted instructor and UK representative at the European Security Academy. At that time the academy ran separate Tactical Pistol and Tactical Rifle courses. Students could develop one platform, but there was no single programme for a beginner who wanted to experience several systems before choosing a direction.
The first Combined Firearms Course was organised for Bartosz clients over three days. Participants handled the Glock pistol, AR-15, AK-47, MP5 and B&T APC. The concept proved popular because it gave new shooters a much broader practical reference point than a single-platform introduction.
CQB, stress drills and the lessons learned
A later 2015 edition expanded the programme with Close Quarters Battle using FX Simunition, shoot-or-no-shoot decision exercises and dynamic drills. The energy and variety were exciting, and the participants enjoyed the experience.
The problem was that the quantity of material could overwhelm a beginner. Exposure to advanced scenarios is not the same as building a reliable skill. The course was therefore refined so that new shooters had enough time to understand safety, manipulation and marksmanship before being asked to perform complex tasks.
Bringing the CFC into the European Security Academy schedule
After the successful private sessions, the concept was presented to ESA management. The Combined Firearms Course became a permanent part of the academy programme and developed into one of its popular offerings.
The multi-platform format was later adopted in different forms by other training organisations. Its value is straightforward: a student gains a structured introduction to several common systems and can make a better-informed decision about future training.
How the course changed at BZ Academy
When Bartosz left ESA and established BZ Academy in 2019, the Combined Firearms concept continued with a stronger emphasis on safe handling and fundamentals. Advanced CQB and force-on-force material was separated from the beginner programme.
The objective of Level 1 is confidence and competence with the basic operation of each platform. Students learn how the systems differ, but also how the core principles of stance, grip, sights, trigger control, follow-through and safe muzzle management apply across them.
Glock pistol fundamentals
The first day begins with introductions, course expectations, medical information and a detailed safety brief. Students learn how to load, unload and perform safety checks before moving into dry practice.
Live fire focuses on stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, trigger manipulation, recoil control and follow-through. Instructors provide individual corrections so that the student develops a stable foundation before the rifle days.
AR-15 rifle and pistol review
Day 2 introduces the AR-15 platform. The group covers controls, loading and unloading, sling use, ready positions, stance and basic reload procedures. Dry repetitions are completed before live fire.
The day also includes a return to the Glock. Revisiting the pistol after learning a rifle helps reinforce the previous skills and shows how body position and trigger control transfer between platforms.
AK-47 handling and intermediate drills
The final day focuses on the AK-47. Students learn the specific controls, loading process, reloads and stance adjustments required by the platform.
Once the fundamentals are safe and consistent, the course may introduce kneeling positions, use of barricades and other intermediate exercises appropriate to the group. By the end of the programme, students have practical experience with the Glock, AR-15 and AK-47 and understand the strengths and handling characteristics of each.
Is the Combined Firearms Course right for you?
Level 1 is designed for complete beginners and for people with limited experience who want to correct gaps in their fundamentals. Experienced shooters also return because the structured format gives instructors the opportunity to identify habits that are difficult to notice during unsupervised practice.
The course is particularly useful for an international student who cannot regularly access full-bore pistols and semi-automatic rifles at home. Firearms, ammunition, range equipment and the core all-inclusive logistics are arranged by BZ Academy.
Progressing to Combined Firearms Course Level 2
Level 2 was developed for graduates who already have safe, reliable fundamentals. It adds more movement, malfunctions, barricade work, alternative positions, transitions and decision-making under greater time pressure.
The progression matters. Trying to perform advanced drills without automatic safety and manipulation skills creates confusion and unnecessary risk. Level 1 builds the foundation; Level 2 develops the ability to apply it dynamically.
The Combined Firearms Course is a structured way to discover several platforms
The course is worth taking when the goal is genuine learning rather than simply firing many different guns. It provides enough time to understand the Glock, AR-15 and AK-47 and to receive individual correction.
Graduates leave with a clearer idea of which platform they want to develop and a safe foundation for future pistol, rifle or tactical courses.