The Basics Pistol Shooting  

The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA-affiliation. This course is at least 8-hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot revolvers and semi-automatic pistols.
Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest position, and two handed standing positions; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules, and take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination, and course completion certificate

Course Length: 8 hours
Prerequisite:  None
Location: Classroom, Range
Training Materials:

  • NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook
  • Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination
  • Course completion certificate.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • Gun Safety Rules 
  • Types of Pistols
  • Understanding a Revolver & a Semi-Automatic Pistol
  • Ammunition 
  • The Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting
  • Shooting Positions
  • Proper handling, loading, & unloading procedures (using dummy rounds in the classroom, then live fire on the range) 
  • Clearing Pistol Stoppages (hands-on using dummy rounds)
  • Pistol Shooting Errors 
  • Cleaning and Maintenance
  • Selecting Pistols, Ammunition & Accessories
  • Live fire qualification 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED:

  • Cleaned and oiled pistol at least 9mm in caliber.
  • Two magazines
  • Eye and ear protection
  • 150-250 rounds of factory ammunition