First Shots

Youth Firearms Safety & Marksmanship

Instructor: Guy Coursey
Ages: 12–18
Course Length: 4 Hours
Maximum Class Size: 8 Students
Experience Level: Beginner / Novice
Format of the Day: Classroom Instruction + Live-Fire Range Training
Parent/Guardian Attendance: Required for the entire course

Course Overview

First Shots is a four-hour introductory firearms course specifically designed for youth ages 12–18 who have limited or no previous firearms experience.

Taught by experienced firearms instructor Guy Coursey, this course provides young shooters with a structured and safety-focused introduction to firearms, responsible gun handling, and the fundamentals of marksmanship.

The course combines classroom instruction with supervised, hands-on training and live fire on the range. Students will primarily utilize .22 caliber rifles and/or handguns, providing an approachable platform for developing safe handling habits and fundamental shooting skills. Depending on the class, student readiness, and instructor discretion, opportunities to experience a 9mm handgun may also be incorporated.

The goal of First Shots is not simply to introduce youth to shooting—it is to establish a strong foundation of safety, responsibility, confidence, and respect for firearms from the very beginning.

Students Will Learn

Throughout the course, students will learn and demonstrate:

• Sanctum 1791 range rules, procedures, and range etiquette
• The fundamental rules of firearm safety and responsible firearm handling
• Parts and operational characteristics of semi-automatic pistols
• Parts and operational characteristics of revolvers
• Parts and operational characteristics of semi-automatic rifles
• Parts and operational characteristics of manually operated rifles
• Safe loading, unloading, and reloading procedures
• Proper firearm handling both on and off the firing line
• Fundamental shooting positions and firearm manipulation
• Marksmanship fundamentals, including stance, grip, sight alignment/sight picture, trigger control, and follow-through
• Live-fire marksmanship at distances inside 25 yards
• Offhand shooting fundamentals
• Bench-supported shooting fundamentals
• Proper response to instructor and range commands
• Developing safe and responsible habits that students can continue building upon after the course

Who Should Attend?

First Shots is intended for novice youth shooters ages 12–18 with limited experience, skill, or knowledge of firearm safety, marksmanship, and gun handling.

Whether this is a student's very first experience with a firearm or they have fired a few times with family, the course is designed to provide formal instruction and establish a safe, consistent foundation from which they can continue developing their skills.

A parent or legal guardian must be present for the entire duration of the course.

What Students Should Bring

Students should arrive prepared with:

• Eye and hearing protection (PPE)
• Closed-toed shoes
• Baseball-style hat or billed cap (recommended)
• Appropriate .22 caliber rifle and/or handgun, if using a personal firearm
• Appropriate gun bag or firearm case
• 1–2 magazines per applicable firearm
• Factory-loaded or commercially factory-reloaded ammunition
• Note-taking materials
• Water
• Snacks

Don't Own a Firearm Yet?

That's okay! Students do not necessarily need to own a firearm to participate.

Firearm rentals and ammunition may be available through the Sanctum 1791 Pro Shop upon request. Please notify the instructor or Sanctum team in advance of the class if a rental firearm and/or ammunition will be needed so appropriate arrangements can be made.

A Strong Start Matters

Learning to shoot is about much more than hitting a target.

First Shots introduces young shooters to the responsibility that comes with handling firearms while giving them an opportunity to develop confidence and marksmanship skills in a controlled, professional environment.

With a maximum of only 8 students per class, students receive hands-on instruction and individual attention as they progress from classroom education to supervised live fire.

Start their shooting journey the right way with First Shots at Sanctum 1791!