NRA Basic Pistol Shooting

Summary

• NRA Basic 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.  The NRA allows this course to 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
  • Shooting range safety
• 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

• Classroom and Range
  

What to Bring

(This section lists gear specific to NRA Basic Pistol Shooting.  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 entangle 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.
• While you can potentially complete the class with only 40 rounds, we recommend that you bring at least 100 rounds of factory new ammunition​.
  • FOR SAFETY REASONS, WE DO NOT PERMIT USE OF RE-LOADED OR HAND-LOADED AMMUNITION.
  • STEEL AMMUNITION will damage range equipment and is NOT PERMITTED FOR USE.
• Eye protection, such as shooting glasses or ANSI-rated safety glasses that you might buy at a hardware store.  If you do not have your own protective eyewear, we have you covered: you are free to use ours at no charge!
• Electronic ear protection.  This technology protects your ears while still enabling you to hear the voices of your instructor and classmates.  If you do not have your own electronic ear protection, we have you covered: you are free to use ours at no charge!  (And yes, we do meticulously clean and sanitize our loaner ear and eye protection between users.)
• 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, so please be sure to invite your friends and neighbors!  In the event that the tipping point is not reached, we will contact you to discuss options.
• Minors who have reached the age of 14 may attend our classes as long as at least one of the following conditions has been met:
  • they are enrolled with a parent or legal guardian
  • a parent or legal guardian provides express, written consent for the minor to attend with another trusted adult at least three days prior to class so we have time to verify details
• 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.