Basics of Pistol Shooting

The NRA class, “Basics of Pistol Shooting”, is intended for individuals 12 and older regardless of previous shooting experience. This course teaches the knowledge, skills, and attitude required for safe gun ownership and operation. The course contains the following content:

Course topics include gun safety rules, proper operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, ammunition knowledge and selection, pistol selection, and storage.
We cover pistol inspection and maintenance, marksmanship, and shooting range safety.
The course covers loading and handling revolvers and semiautomatic firearms.
students learn shooting fundamentals, various shooting positions and aiming.
We will learn how to identify and clear common shooting problems like misfires and hang fires.
We cover selecting a pistol, cleaning your firearm, and continued skill development.
Students complete live fire training and a nationally standardized shooting qualification while on the range with me as your NRA Certified Instructor.
Students receive the NRA Guide: Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook.

Instructor-Led

This is an instructor-led course. It takes place in a class setting and at the range where you will receive direct instruction from a certified instructor from beginning to end. I recommend this method to new shooters and gun owners who have never attended a formal firearms class.

Duration

The class is about 8 hours of coursework and range time. Yes, there is that much information involved in making sure you are knowledgeable, safe, and proficient with a firearm. The class will start at 8:00 am and is scheduled to end at 4:00 pm. Under no conditions do I rush the class! If it takes longer to share for individuals to learn and demonstrate the needed skills, then we put in that extra time. We usually try to make it to the range the same day. The range may or may not be crowded following class. That portion I cannot control. If need be, we will schedule a time to go to the range at your earliest availability.

Passing the Class

To pass the class and receive your course completion certificate, students must take the Basics of Pistol Shooting Exam earning a score of 90 or better. During live fire training, students must achieve a minimum of a level 1 endorsement. After everyone has achieved at least a level 1 endorsement, students may try for higher levels if they wish. Anyone looking to become an instructor MUST obtain a Level 4 endorsement.

The requirement for each endorsement is as follows:

LEVEL 1 – At 10 ft, place five shots in a 4” target four times.
LEVEL 2 – At 15 ft, place five shots in a 4” target four times.
LEVEL 3 – At 20 ft, place five shots in a 4” target four times.
LEVEL 4 – at 45 ft, place 16 of 20 shots within a 6” target.

Cost

Class – The cost of the course is $140.00. That includes all learning materials which are yours to keep.

The Range – All qualification is done at Dead Center Gun Range in Buford. Range fees are included. Special arrangements can be made to use a different range, at which range fees will be discussed.

Payment Terms – All payments must be made before instructions begin otherwise you will be asked to leave the premises.

Refund Policy

Students are entitled to a full refund if requested before the close of the registration process. We do not provide refunds after the closing of registration. Students who are unable to make their scheduled class or are unable to complete their class for some reason can request to be moved to another class.

What to Bring:

YOU MUST HAVE A VALID ID!
A Pen and Highlighter.
Your firearm(s) that you wish to qualify with if you have one.
A cleaning kit if you have one.
Ammunition, about 100-200 rounds. More is always better than not enough.
Eye & Ear Protection – Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes & Academy Sports are good sources. Note that over-the-ear protection is the best option. It can be combined with in-ear protection.

Don’t Have a Firearm?

You will need a firearm at the range. There are 2 options

Dead Center will allow you to rent a firearm for $10. You must purchase their ammo for use in their firearms. They will allow you to try multiple firearms at no additional fee. This is a great way to gauge the feel of multiple guns. If you are using their firearms, you must purchase their ammo.
You may also certify using one of my 9mm or .22lr pistols. I can sell you ammo in 50-round lots at the current market rate. At the time of this writing, I only keep 9mm ($20.00 for 50) and .22lr ($5.00 for 50).

Don’t Have Eye or Ear Protection?

Eye and Ear Protection may be purchased at Walmart, Academy Sports, or Sports Authority.
Regular Eyeglasses or Simple safety glasses are good for eye protection.
I suggest spending a bit more on ear protection. You may wish to use earplugs with over-the-ear protection.

Covid 19 Precautions:

We are doing our part to prevent the spread of this virus. For that reason, we adhere to the following:

Class size is limited to no more than 4 people.
A mask is optional.
Hand sanitizer is readily available.