NRA Basic Pistol

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to safe, competent pistol ownership and use. Students will develop a solid working knowledge of their firearm through structured classroom instruction and supervised live-fire training.

Course topics include:

• Firearm safety rules and safe gun handling
• Proper operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols
• Ammunition knowledge and selection
• Pistol selection, storage, and transportation
• Shooting fundamentals and marksmanship
• Pistol inspection, cleaning, and maintenance
• Shooting range safety and etiquette

In addition to classroom instruction, students will complete live-fire training and a nationally standardized shooting qualification on the range under the supervision of a National Rifle Association–certified instructor.

Each student will:

• Receive the NRA Guide: Basics of Pistol Shooting
• Complete the Basics of Pistol Shooting written examination
• Earn a Certificate of Completion upon meeting course standards

This certificate also satisfies the Florida non-resident concealed carry license training requirement, which is recognized by 30+ states (subject to each state’s reciprocity laws).

The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Course establishes the safety and marksmanship baseline required for responsible pistol ownership. While this course focuses on fundamentals and standardized qualification, it is not a defensive tactics course.

Students who wish to build on these fundamentals are strongly encouraged to continue into Defensive Pistol I, where training expands into:

• Drawing from a holster
• Defensive accuracy and cadence
• Reloads and malfunction management
• Movement and positional shooting
• Applied decision-making under realistic constraints

Basics builds the foundation. Defensive Pistol I teaches application.