Course: NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting

This course meets the requirements for a NRA Certification in Basics of Pistols Shooting (I & II).  Upon completion of this course, students will demonstrate that they know proper pistol nomenclature, proper firearms safety, fundamentals of pistol marksmanship, and proper maintenance of pistols.

There is a written exam as well as a practical application where students will demonstrate competency.  There will be a live fire exercise and students will have to qualify in basic marksmanship to pass the course.

A Note on Attitude

Many in the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting are first time shooters.  To you, we welcome you into a wonderful community of law abiding firearms owners! Others are taking the course strictly for a certification to obtain out of state Carry Conceal Weapons (CCW) permits and have a lot of experience shooting.

Generally, the most important student trait required for completing this course is attitude, not aptitude.  More experienced shooters tend to enjoy sharing their firearm experiences with others, especially with new shooters.  We will have optimal time for discussion as we welcome new members to our community of lawful gun owners.

  • The pace of the training is based on the student with the least firearms experience.
  • At all times, students and staff should be professional and respectful to one another. 
  • Disruptive, disrespectful, abusive or unsafe behavior will be cause for dismissal.

About Bearing Arms has never had to exercise the dismissal clause. We find that serious  and legal gun owners have always been respectful and polite.  They are a true asset to the learning environment!

Syllabus Day 1

NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting

  • Lesson I
    • Introduction and Administration
    • Reasons for owning a pistol
    • Common Actions
    • Pistol Nomenclature
    • Revolver Pistols
    • Semi-Automatic Pistols
    • Firearms Safety and Handling
  • Lesson II
    • Ammunition
    • Misfires
    • Eye Dominance
    • Shooting positions
    • Grips
    • Marksmanship
      • Sight Alignment
      • Sight Picture
      • Sight Focus
      • Breath Control
      • Trigger Control
  • Lesson III
    • Demonstrate Shooting Positions
    • Range Rules
    • NRA Rules for gun safety
      • 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
    • Live Fire Qualifications
  • Lesson IV
    • Scoring a Target
    • Purchasing and Selecting a Pistol
    • Caring and Cleaning a Pistol
  • Lesson V
    • Continued Opportunities for Development
    • NRA Training, Competitive Shooting, and Clubs
    • NRA History and Membership

Syllabus Day 2

(Note: This section is not part of the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting)

  • Complete any uncompleted lessons from previous day
    • Questions and Answers
  • Re-qualify anyone that did not  qualify the previous day
  • Course Summary
  • Firearms accessories such as holsters, safes, and clothing
  • Upcoming Gun Shows
  • What is next after certification
  • Trip to the range!

What is included in your fees

  • NRA Basic Pistol handbook
  • NRA Course Material
  • Pens, pencils, highlighters, and name tags
  • NRA Qualifications Targets
  • UTM Ammunition for qualification
  • Use of firearms during the class for practical application
  • NRA Certifications upon passing the written exam as well as demonstrating adequate competency in pistol marksmanship