NRA FIRST Steps Pistol is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation to one specific pistol/rifle action type for classes of four or fewer students. This course is at least three hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot a specific pistol action type. Students will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; the particular pistol model parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; cleaning the pistol/rifle; and continued opportunities for skill development. Additionally, students will complete live fire training and a nationally standardized shooting qualification while on the range with an NRA Certified Instructor. Students will receive the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, FIRST Steps Course completion certificate. This satisfies the Virginia Concealed Carry Permit requirements. Total class time approximately 5 hours

NRA Basic Pistol/Rifle Shooting is designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the proper operation of revolvers and semi-automatic pistols, gun safety, ammunition knowledge and selection, pistol selection and storage, shooting fundamentals, pistol inspection and maintenance, marksmanship, and shooting range safety. Additionally, students will complete live fire training and a nationally standardized shooting qualification while on the range with an NRA Certified Instructor. Students will receive the Basics of Pistol/Rifle Shooting handbook, take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination and receive a course completion certificate. This satisfies the Virginia Concealed Carry Permit requirements. Total class time approximately 5 hours

The Basics of Pistol Shooting Course is a prerequisite to this course.  This 16-hour course teaches the knowledge, skills and attitude essential to organizing, promoting and teaching NRA’s Basic Pistol Shooting course. This course is presented in two parts: basic instructor training, and discipline specific instructor training. Students demonstrate organizational and teaching skills via participation in practical exercises during the course, and complete an instructor certification examination. Students will receive the NRA Trainer’s Guide, NRA Pistol Shooting Instructor Candidate Packet and NRA Basic Pistol Shooting course student packet.