Course Length
8 hours
Instructor
Clinton "Cleetus" Butler
Required Equipment
  • Pen and Paper
  • Hearing and Eye protection
  • Baseball cap
  • Appropriate clothing for the weather
  • Closed-toed shoes
  • Pistol of your choice (rental is possible at additional cost)
  • 100-200 rounds of ammunition to suit your pistol
  • Bring snacks and drinks
The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course is a hands-on introduction designed to build the basic knowledge, skills, and safe habits necessary for owning and operating a handgun. Emphasizing a “learning by doing” philosophy, this course provides a welcoming, low-pressure environment for individuals of all experience levels.

Topics covered:

  • Essential Firearm Safety: The core rules for safe gun handling, storage, and home security.
  • Pistol Mechanics: Understanding how revolvers and semi-automatic pistols operate, their components, and how to safely load and unload them.
  • Shooting Fundamentals: Step-by-step guidance on proper stance, grip, sight alignment, and trigger control.
  • Live-Fire Range Session: Putting your skills to the test with structured range drills and completing a standardized shooting qualification under close instructor supervision.
  • Maintenance & Next Steps: How to properly clean your pistol and continue developing your marksmanship skills.

You will receive:

  • Official NRA Guide: Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook
  • National NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet
  • NRA Gun Safety Rules Card
  • Upon successful completion, you will be awarded an official NRA Course Completion Certificate signed by your instructor

NO LIVE AMMO IN THE CLASSROOM. Please bring your cased, unloaded semi-automatic pistol, its owner’s manual, and 100-200 rounds of matching ammunition (leave ammo in your vehicle until range time).