NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting

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Summary

  • The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA-affiliation.
  • This is the NRA INSTRUCTOR-LED-ONLY (not online or hybrid) training.  The learning takes place in a traditional classroom and range environment.  This course may be completed in a single day format or over several days with smaller blocks of instruction.
  • Course topics include: gun safety rules, proper operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, ammunition knowledge and selection, pistol selection and storage, shooting fundamentals, pistol inspection and maintenance, marksmanship, and shooting range safety.  Additionally, students will complete live-fire training and a nationally standardized shooting qualification while on the range with an NRA Certified Instructor.  Students will receive the NRA Guide: Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination and receive a course completion certificate bearing the signature of the NRA Secretary and your NRA Certified Instructor.

Venue

  • We will start in a local classroom and then move to a seasonally-appropriate range for live-fire exercises.

What to Bring

(This section lists only course-specific gear. See our FAQs for other required and recommended items.)

  • Your handgun: a revolver, a modern semi-automatic—or one of each, if you like—in good working order
  • Please bring your firearm to class in a case or “gun rug”—NOT in your bare hands!
    • IF you can SAFELY verify that your gun is unloaded, please do so prior to bringing it to class.
    • If you do not know how to SAFELY clear your firearm, KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF OF THE TRIGGER and secure it in a case without any other loose objects that might press the trigger. When you arrive, I will safely inspect your gun and make sure it is unloaded.
  • At least one magazine for your semi-automatic handgun. Revolver users may bring a speed-loader if they wish.
  • At least 100 rounds of factory new ammunition​.
    • FOR SAFETY REASONS, WE DO NOT PERMIT USE OF RE-LOADED OR HAND-LOADED AMMUNITION.
    • Steel-core ammunition will damage range equipment and is not permitted for use.
  • Approximately $15 for range fees, payable directly to the range, when applicable.
  • During cold months, you will need at least three dummy rounds (aka, “snap caps”) for your firearm’s chambering.
    • DUMMY ROUNDS MUST BE READILY DISTINGUISHABLE FROM LIVE AMMUNITION.

Class Policies

  • Each class session must reach an enrollment “tipping point” in order to proceed as planned.  In the event that the tipping point is not reached, we will contact you to discuss options.
  • All adult MoD students must submit a photo of their current driver’s license or other state or federal ID prior to class.  This is used for class security and for our records.
  • For medical reasons, we do not allow pregnant women to participate in our live-fire exercises.  If you wish to sign up for this class, please do!  But kindly let us find a time outside of the term of your pregnancy to complete the range activities.  You will not be charged extra for this service.