The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course is an excellent starting point for new handgun owners, beginning shooters, or anyone who wants to build a strong foundation in safe and responsible pistol handling.

This NRA instructor-led course is designed to teach the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for safely owning and using a pistol. Students learn about pistol parts and operation, ammunition, safe gun handling, pistol shooting fundamentals, and opportunities for continued skill development.

What You Will Learn

NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling

Pistol parts, actions, and operation

Safe loading, unloading, and handling procedures

Ammunition components, identification, storage, and common cartridge malfunctions

Fundamentals of pistol shooting

Proper two-handed grip

Benchrest shooting position

Two-handed Isosceles shooting position

Sight alignment and sight picture

Hold control and breath control

Trigger control and follow-through

Target scoring

Basic considerations when selecting a pistol

Proper pistol cleaning and maintenance

Opportunities for continued firearms training and skill development

Hands-on, performance-based training. Students are expected to demonstrate the knowledge and practical skills taught during the course rather than simply attend classroom instruction.

Live-Fire Training & Qualification

Students progress from classroom instruction and practice of the fundamentals to live-fire exercises on the range. The NRA qualification begins with the Level 1 - Red standard, requiring four five-shot groups within a four-inch circle at 10 feet. Students who successfully complete Level 1 may also have the opportunity to work toward the NRA White and Blue qualification levels.

Course Completion

To successfully complete the course, students must demonstrate the required knowledge, skills, and attitude, successfully complete the shooting qualification, and pass the NRA written examination with a minimum score of 90%.

Upon successful completion of all course requirements, students receive an NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course Completion Certificate.

Who Should Attend?

First-time pistol owners

New or inexperienced shooters

Individuals considering purchasing their first handgun

Shooters who learned informally and want formal instruction in the fundamentals

Anyone wanting to improve safe pistol handling and marksmanship fundamentals

Students interested in establishing a foundation for additional NRA firearms training

No previous shooting experience is required.

Whether you have never fired a handgun before or simply want to strengthen your fundamentals through structured instruction, NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting provides a solid foundation upon which future firearms skills can be built.

NRA - Basics of Pistol Shooting