Youth Pistol Level 1

Length: 4 hours
Format: All live-fire range training
Cost: Starting at $60

Youth Pistol Level 1 builds safe firearm handling habits, confidence, and basic marksmanship through closely supervised range instruction. Students practice at a controlled pace, with safety emphasized throughout every exercise.

Course topics

Basic firearms safety and the four rules of firearm safety.
The eight fundamentals of shooting: stance, grip, sight alignment, sight picture, breathing, trigger control, follow-through, and recovery.
Trigger-finger discipline and safe muzzle control.
Proper conduct on a live-fire range, including following instructor directions and range commands.
Hot-range and cold-range procedures, including when firearms may be handled.
Safe loading, reloading, and unloading under instructor supervision.
Slow-fire shooting focused on accuracy and consistent fundamentals.
Basic marksmanship and shot placement.
A final qualification shoot assessing safe handling and basic shooting proficiency.

Required equipment

Serviceable pistol—9mm maximum caliber.
Three magazines.
Pistol case or range bag.
Eye and ear protection.
250–300 rounds of ammunition appropriate for the pistol.
Clothing appropriate for outdoor weather.
Closed-toe shoes.
Snacks and drinks.

Parent requirements

Parents are required to sign all waivers before their child participates. Parents may remain and observe from the designated spectator area. They may participate or assist only when specifically asked by the lead instructor.

Four-hour training outline

Training block	Time
Range safety briefing, four safety rules, range commands, and hot/cold-range procedures	30 minutes
Eight fundamentals, muzzle control, trigger control, and supervised slow fire	60 minutes
Supervised loading, reloading, and unloading practice	45 minutes
Marksmanship practice and individual coaching	75 minutes
Final qualification shoot and instructor feedback	30 minutes
Total	4 hours

All instruction takes place on the range. Water breaks and rest periods are incorporated as needed.

Qualification and completion

The final qualification evaluates safe muzzle direction, trigger-finger discipline, compliance with range commands, safe firearm handling, and basic accuracy. The lead instructor establishes and explains the qualification standard before the shoot. Students must demonstrate safe handling throughout the course to complete qualification.

Arrival instructions

Bring the pistol unloaded in a closed case or range bag. Keep it cased until the instructor directs otherwise.

RANGE LOCATION WILL BE PROVIDED AFTER REGISTRATION - RANGE IS LOCATED IN RATHDRUM