Training Course Descriptions
NRA Training Courses
Whether you’re new to handguns or just need some “brushing up”, the NRA Basic Pistol Class is for you. The course is designed to show you all aspects of safe pistol usage and ownership. Main topics will include essential gun safety rules, different types of pistols, and which one is best for you and your intended use, the basics of ammunition, the fundamentals of pistol shooting, proper gun cleaning and maintenance, and how to maintain your newly developed skills
NRA Basic Pistol Course
Start your pistol training off on the right foot and learn to shoot the correct and safe way from NRA Certified Instructors. In today’s turbulent world it’s comforting to know that you are prepared to face any situation that may arise. Learning how to properly and safely shoot a pistol can be a part of that process.
Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for owning and operating a pistol safely. 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.
- Course Pre-requisites (the material is suitable to appropriately supervised mature children)
- Course Length: 8-10 hours depending upon number of students and types of handguns
Lessons
- Pistol Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling
- Ammunition Knowledge and Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting
- Firing the First Shots (includes cleaning and storage)
- Two-handed and One-handed Standing Shooting Positions
- Pistol Sports and Activities
Gun Safety Rules
NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling:
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE
It is also important to know your target and what is beyond. You are responsible for every round that leaves the gun.
Student Materials
Students Will Receive:
- NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook
- NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
- Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
- Take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination
- Course completion certificate upon successful completion of the lessons and demonstration of firing a qualifying shot group.
NRA Basic Rifle Course
Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for the safe use of a rifle in target shooting. This course is at least 14 hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot rifles. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; rifle parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest, prone, sitting, standing and kneeling positions; cleaning, and continued opportunities for skill development.
- Course Pre-requisites: None
- Course Length: 14 hours
Lessons
Lessons Include:
- Rifle Knowledge and Safe Handling
- Ammunition Knowledge and Fundamentals of Rifle Shooting
- Firing the First Shots (includes cleaning and storage)
- Standing Rifle Shooting Positions
- Prone and Kneeling Rifle Shooting Positions
- Sitting Rifle Shooting Positions
- Rifle Sports and Activities
- The material is accessible to appropriately supervised mature children. Be aware that the proper fitting of a rifle to a shooter can be time-consuming.
Gun Safety Rules
NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling:
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE
It is also important to know your target and what is beyond. You are responsible for every round that leaves the gun.
Student Materials
Students Will Receive:
- NRA Guide to the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook
- NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
- Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
- Take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination
- Receive feedback on the live-fire exercises
- Course completion certificate upon successful completion of the lessons and demonstration of firing a qualifying shot group.
NRA Basic Shotgun Course
Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for the safe and proper use of a shotgun in shooting a moving target. This course is at least ten hours long and includes classroom and range time learning how to shoot shotguns at moving targets. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; shotgun parts and operation; shotgun shell components; shotgun shell malfunctions; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting at straight away and angled targets; cleaning; and continued opportunities for skill development.
Lessons
Lessons Include:
- Shotgun Knowledge and Safe Handling
- Ammunition Knowledge and Fundamentals of Shotgun Shooting
- Firing the First Shots (includes cleaning and storage)
- Shotgun Shooting Skills Practical Exercise
- Shotgun Games and Activities
Gun Safety Rules
NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling:
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE
It is also important to know your target and what is beyond. You are responsible for every round that leaves the gun.
Student Materials
Students Will Receive:
- NRA Guide to the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook
- NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
- Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
- Take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination
- Receive feedback on the live-fire exercises
- Course completion certificate upon successful completion of the lessons.
NRA Home Firearm Safety Course
A non-shooting course that teaches students the basic knowledge, skills, and explains the attitude necessary for the safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition in the home. This is a four-hour course for safe gun handling that is conducted in the classroom only. Students are taught NRA’s three rules for safe gun handling; primary causes of firearms accidents; firearm parts; how to unload certain action types; ammunition components; cleaning; care; safe storage of firearms in the home; and the benefits of becoming an active participant in the shooting sports. This course can be taught anywhere, at home, church groups, schools, civic groups or similar suitable venues.
- Course Pre-requisites: None (suitable for children and adults of all ages)
- Course Length: 4 hours
The NRA Home Firearm Safety Course is the basic course is recommended to anyone unfamiliar with guns or who needs to learn gun terminology. Children, parents, family members and the general public.
Lessons
Lessons Include:
- Rules for Safe Gun Handling
- Identifying and Unloading Different Firearms
- Practical Exercises in Safe Gun Handling
- Types of Ammunition; Cleaning and Storage of Firearms
Gun Safety Rules
NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling:
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE
It is also important to know your target and what is beyond. You are responsible for every round that leaves the gun.
Student Materials
Students Will Receive:
- NRA Home Firearm Safety handbook
- NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
- Basic Firearm Training Program brochure
- Course completion certificate.
NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Course
Who Can Take the NRA Basic Personal Protection in the Home Course?
NRA’s Basic Personal Protection in the Home course is for law-abiding adult citizens, as defined by applicable federal, state, or local law. It is much more than just a routine shooting course. It is important that participants have sufficient maturity and life experiences to be able to assess various situations and make mature decisions.
The NRA Basic Personal Protection series is based on the building block approach, moving from the simple to the complex. The first course in the series is the NRA Basic Pistol Course, which develops the basic skills of handling, shooting, and cleaning the firearm. The second course is NRA Basic Personal Protection in the Home Course, which builds on the skills already learned in the Basic Pistol Course. Participants must be experienced shooters (shooters able to show mastery of the basic skills of safe gun handling, shooting a group, zeroing the firearm, and cleaning the firearm) to maximize what can be learned from this course.
Proof of shooting experience can be one of the following:
NRA Basic Pistol Course Certificate, NRA First Steps Course Certificate, NRA pistol competitive shooting qualification card, Military DD 214 with pistol qualification, or passing a pre-course assessment
Course Description:
This course teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to the safe and efficient use of a handgun for the protection of self and family, and provides information on the law-abiding individual’s right to self-defense. This is an eight-hour course. Students should expect to shoot approximately 100 rounds of ammunition.
Lessons
Lessons Include:
- Lesson I: Introduction to Defensive Shooting
- Lesson II: Basic Defensive Handgun Skills
- Lesson III: Firearms and the Law: Possession, Ownership, and the Use of Deadly Force
- Lesson IV: Strategies for Home Safety and Responding to a Violent Confrontation
- Lesson V: Selecting a Handgun for Self-Defense
- Lesson VI: Sport Shooting Activities and Training Opportunities
- Lesson VII: Course Review and Examination
Gun Safety Rules
NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling:
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE
It is also important to know your target and what is beyond. You are responsible for every round that leaves the gun.
Student Materials
Students Will Receive:
- The NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection In The Home Handbook
- NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
- The Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
- Course completion certificate suitable for framing upon successful completion of the lessons
NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home Course
A comprehensive and intensive in its approach to equip the defensive shooting candidate with the skills needed to survive serious adversity. The course teaches students the knowledge, skills and attitude essential for avoiding dangerous confrontations and for the safe, effective and responsible use of a concealed pistol for self-defense outside the home. Students have the opportunity to attend this course using a quality strong side hip holster that covers the trigger, or a holster purse. From a review of safe firearms handling and proper mindset to presentation from concealment and multiple shooting positions, this course contains the essential skills and techniques needed to prevail in a life-threatening situation.
The NRA Personal Protection Outside the Home is divided into two levels (basic and advanced). Level one is a nine-hour course and offers the essential knowledge and skills that must be mastered in order to carry, store, and use a firearm safely and effectively for personal protection outside the home. Upon completion of level one, students may choose to attend level two, which is an additional five hours of range training and teaches advanced shooting skills. After the classroom portion, students should expect to spend several hours on the range and shoot approximately 100 rounds of ammunition during level one. Level two involves five additional hours on the range and approximately 115 rounds of ammunition. The ammunition requirements are minimum and may be exceeded.
- Course Pre-requisites: NRA Personal Protection Inside the Home Course or Pre-Course Assessment
- Course Length: 9 hours - Level One, 5 hours - Level Two (14 hours total)
The NRA Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home is for adult individuals who are not disqualified from possessing a firearm as defined by applicable federal, state, or local law and are of good repute and possess defensive pistol skills presented in the NRA Basics of Personal Protection In The Home Course. Participants must also understand the basic legal concepts relating to the use of firearms in self-defense and must know and observe not only general gun safety rules, but also those safety principles that are specific to defensive situations. Prospective participants can demonstrate that they have the requisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes by producing an NRA Basic Personal Protection In The Home Course Certificate, or by passing the pre-course evaluation.
Gun Safety Rules
NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling:
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE
It is also important to know your target and what is beyond. You are responsible for every round that leaves the gun.
Student Materials
Students Receive:
- NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook
- NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
- The Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
- Course completion certificate suitable for framing upon successful completion of the lessons
NRA CCW (Concealed Carry Weapon)
A comprehensive and intensive in its approach to equip the defensive shooting candidate with the skills needed to survive serious adversity. The course teaches students the knowledge, skills and attitude essential for avoiding dangerous confrontations and for the safe, effective and responsible use of a concealed pistol for self-defense outside the home. Students have the opportunity to attend this course using a quality strong side hip holster that covers the trigger. From a review of safe firearms handling and proper mindset to presentation from concealment, this course contains the essential skills and techniques needed to prevail in a life-threatening situation.
The NRA CCW Course is intended for all individuals regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA affiliation. This instructor-led only course gives you direct instruction from an NRA-certified instructor from beginning to end and may be conducted in a classroom and on a shooting range with an Instructor.
This course may be completed in a single-day format or over several days with smaller blocks of instruction. Course topics include: Firearm Safety (Mandatory), Pistol Nomenclature and Selecting a Pistol for Self-Defense, Basic Defensive Pistol Skills, Drawing from Concealment, Loading and Stoppage Remediation, Mindset, Carry Modes and Pistol Concealment, Firearm Cleaning, and Sport Shooting and Training Activities. Course length is determined by the Instructor, to meet your State’s requirements for a CCW permit. Additionally, students may complete live fire training and a nationally standardized shooting qualification while on the range with an NRA Certified Instructor.
Gun Safety Rules
NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling:
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE
It is also important to know your target and what is beyond. You are responsible for every round that leaves the gun.
Student Materials
Students Will Receive:
- NRA Guide to the Basics of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook
- NRA Basic Pistol Handbook
- NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure
- The appropriate course completion certificates(s), NRA CCW
NRA Refuse to Be A Victim
Experts agree that the single most important step toward ensuring your personal safety is making the decision to refuse to be a victim. That means that you must have an overall personal safety strategy in place before you need it. Through this four-hour seminar (shorter presentations are available) called Refuse To Be A Victim®, you can learn the personal safety tips and techniques you need to avoid dangerous situations and avoid becoming a victim. Hundreds of federal, state, and local law enforcement officials across the country have implemented Refuse To Be A Victim® into their crime prevention and community policing initiatives.
- Course Date: See Calendar
- Course Pre-requisites: None
- Cost: $25
- Course Length: 4 hours
- Course Date: See Calendar
- Course Pre-requisites: None
- Cost: $25
- Course Length: 4 hours
Students will receive a student packet that consists of: Refuse To Be A Victim® Student’s Handbook, Refuse To Be A Victim® Student’s Handbook Firearm Supplement, Refuse To Be A Victim® Program Brochure, Become A Refuse To Be A Victim® Instructor Brochure and Refuse To Be A Victim® Seminar Completion Certificate.
Students Will Receive:
- Refuse To Be A Victim® Student’s Handbook
- Refuse To Be A Victim® Student’s Handbook Firearm Supplement
- Refuse To Be A Victim® Program Brochure
- Become A Refuse To Be A Victim® Instructor Brochure
- Refuse To Be A Victim® Seminar Completion Certificate.
This is a great course that can be held anywhere and is suitable for all ages, children, teenagers, college students, adults, and senior citizens. This is a non-firearm, non-shooting course.
NRA Pistol Marksman Simulator Course
This course teaches basic marksmanship fundamentals and firearm safety using a simulated pistol with a resetting trigger and laser to indicate where the shots hit. No range is needed with this simulator training course. It can be held anywhere; home, office, a meeting room in a hotel, business boardroom, or in a church hall. With very little equipment, the NRA Pistol Marksmanship Simulator Training Course teaches the fundamentals of sight alignment, trigger control, grip, and breath control.
At the completion of the course, an NRA participation certificate is awarded. Students may attend this course as a basis to decide whether or not they would like to follow up by taking the full-length Basic Pistol Course with live fire, or simply learn to improve their marksmanship skills. There are no pre-requisites for taking this course. Inquire now to schedule a course.
Lessons
Lessons Include:
- Simulator Pistol Knowledge and Safe Gun Handling
- Fundamentals of Pistol Marksmanship
- Applying the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting with a Laser Shot Indicating Simulator Pistol
- Two-handed Standing Shooting Position
Gun Safety Rules
NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling:
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN POINTED IN A SAFE DIRECTION
- ALWAYS KEEP YOUR FINGER OFF THE TRIGGER UNTIL READY TO SHOOT
- ALWAYS KEEP THE GUN UNLOADED UNTIL READY TO USE
It is also important to know your target and what is beyond. You are responsible for every round that leaves the gun.
Student Materials
Students Will Receive:
- Course completion certificate upon successful completion of the lessons
- Dry practice drills and procedures for use at home
NRA Range Safety Officer Courses
Become a Range Safety Officer
To become an NRA Range Safety Officer, you must pass the RSO course and demonstrate that you possess the knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to organizing, conducting, and supervising safe shooting activities and range operations.
The RSO course content consists of RSO’s roles and responsibilities, range standard operating procedures, range inspection and range rules, firearm stoppages and malfunctions, and Range Safety Briefings which include procedures to follow in the case of an emergency.
Become a Chief Range Safety Officer
Certified RSOs looking to become a Chief RSO must take a course put on by an NRA Training Counselor who also holds the Chief RSO certification. This 14-hour course is presented in two parts: Basic Instructor Training and NRA Chief Range Safety Officer training. Sessions include standard operating procedures, inspections, emergency procedures, firearm stoppages and malfunctions, safety briefings. Students must demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises and complete an open book exam. Once the course is completed the RSO will be upgraded to an NRA Chief Range Safety Officer.
NRA Instructor Courses
Instructor Courses
- Basic Pistol
- Basic Rifle
- Basic Shotgun
- Home Firearm Safety
- Personal Protection Outside the Home
- Metallic Cartridge Reloading
- Shotgun Shell Reloading
Become An Instructor
NRA Certified Instructors provide an invaluable service in their communities by training hundreds of thousands of individuals annually. As more Americans choose to exercise their right to own a firearm, so too grows the need for highly qualified instructors.
Knowing how to shoot is an important requirement for NRA instructors, but you will also need to know how to teach others to shoot. NRA Instructor Training Courses help you develop the additional knowledge, skills and techniques needed to organize and teach courses in the NRA Basic Firearm Training Program.
To qualify as an NRA Instructor:
Candidates must have completed the basic course in the discipline they wish to be certified to teach, e.g. NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting (Instructor Led Only), NRA Basic Rifle Shooting, etc.
Candidates must possess and demonstrate a solid background in firearm safety and shooting skills acquired through previous firearm training and/or previous shooting experience. Instructor candidates must be intimately familiar with each action type in the discipline for which they wish to be certified.
Candidates will be required to demonstrate solid and safe firearm handling skills required to be successful during an instructor training course by completing pre-course questionnaires and qualification exercises administered by the NRA Certified Training Counselor.
Candidates must satisfactorily complete an NRA Instructor Training Course in the discipline they wish to teach (e.g., NRA Basic Pistol Course), and receive the endorsement of the NRA Training Counselor conducting that training.
NRA Instructor courses are discipline-specific. During the course candidates will learn NRA policies and procedures; basic public speaking skills; training methodology; use of a training team and training aids; organizing a course, building a budget; and finally preparing to teach. In addition, candidates will be provided the appropriate lesson plans and basic course student packets. Role-playing is a major part of an instructor course; therefore, the minimum class size should be at least four candidates, with 10-12 candidates being ideal. Candidates take turns working in teams, actually conducting portions of the course to other candidates who portray basic students.
Instructor training courses are conducted by NRA Training Counselor, Walt Haley. He will evaluate candidates’ performance based on their ability to handle the firearms with confidence, use of appropriate training aids, following the lesson plans and meeting all learning objectives, while utilizing the teaching philosophies expected of NRA Certified Instructors. Candidates can also expect to learn the NRA discipline-specific instructional methods and evaluate and improve the performance of beginning shooters.
