Description

F.I.R.S.T. stands for “Firearm Instruction, Responsibility, and Safety Training”, a program the NRA developed to meet the need for a firearms orientation program for new gun purchasers. This FIRST Steps program is a basic orientation course designed to provide a hands-on introduction to the safe handling and proper orientation of one specific firearm model, in this case the pistol.

Since FIRST Steps orientations are model specific, and teach only the most basic shooting skills, they are not complete "courses" in the traditional sense of the word.  They do provide a thorough introduction to firearm safety, handling and shooting skills.  These skills require regular practice.  Intially, this practice should take place under the supervision of a qualified individual -- like an NRA Certified Instructor.  For this reason, the orientation encourages participants to obtain additional training in the NRA Basic Pistol course.

Course Goal

“To provide beginning shooters with an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to own and use a specific pistol model safely.”
—NRA FIRST Steps Pistol Orientation Lesson Plans

Course Length

3 Hours (Additional time may be desireable in order for students to develop skills before moving on to the next lesson.)  

Lessons

1. Introduction to Pistol Safety, Parts, and Operation
2. Introduction to Ammunition and the Fundamentals of Pistol Shooting
3. Introduction to Pistol Shooting from the Benchrest Position
4. Introduction to Pistol Cleaning, Storage, and Training Opportunities   

Prerequisites

The are no prerequisites for taking this course, and the material is accessible to appropriately supervised mature children.

Course Cost

$75 Pre-registration is required as class size is limited. 

Course Completion

Students will receive feedback on the live-fire exercise and a course certificate upon successful completion of the lessons. Students will receive a “Basic Practical” rocker upon successful demonstration of firing a qualifying “group”.