Full Answer
If I had to guess, that is the most often taught NRA course. The NRA has came out with a relatively new course though called Defensive Pistol . This is separate from the Personal Protection In The Home and Personal Protection Outside The Home courses that have been around quite some time. The new course also has a qualification built into it. Since I am casually exploring the concept of “minimum requirement” courses of fire, I thought I would give it go and share my thoughts.
The course of fire calls for 34 rounds, which is nice these days. There are 9 strings of fire total, split between 3 yards, 5 yards, 7 yards, and 10 yards. The bulk of the work is at the 5 and 7 yard line, with only one string at 3 and two strings at 10 yards. For a minimum acceptable standard, I am okay with the qualification only going to 10 yards. Remember, this is a starting point, not an ending point. That is the purpose of any minimum acceptable performance standard. This where we begin, not end.
The target to be used for this qualification is an FBI qualification target or an NRA D-1 target. Any hits inside the bottle on the FBI target or the scoring rings on the D-1 count, and all rounds have to hit. That is right, 100% or not at all.
All strings of fire are supposed to be shot from concealment, out of a holster carried on the strong side hip. This is a bit out of touch with the prevalence of appendix carry but is not surprising. I imagine most of the people who would be shooting this in a class are likely to be carrying that way anyway.
More Details: The NRA Defensive Pistol course will focus on the techniques needed to develop a defensive mindset. The goal of the course will be to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to carry and use a concealed pistol ethically, responsibly and with confidence. As a result of participating in this course, the student will be able to explain and demonstrate the following: how to apply the NRA Rules for Safe Gun Handling when carrying a concealed firearm; basic principles of concealment; the difference between cover and concealment; drawing from the holster; levels of mental awareness; developing the proper mindset when using a pistol for personal protection; clearing common stoppages; use of pocket pistols; and more. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics Of Personal Protection Outside The Home handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure and the NRA Defensive Pistol certificate. This course is only conducted by NRA certified Advanced Pistol Instructors.
One option is the traditional , instructor-led course where you will receive direct instruction from an NRA-certified instructor from beginning to end. The other option has two components: a self-study or “eLearning module” which is completed online in your own timeframe and a hands-on practical portion conducted in a classroom and shooting range with an Instructor.
More Details: This course is at least eight hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot rifles. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; rifle parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest, prone, sitting, standing and kneeling positions; cleaning; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Rifle Shooting Student Examination, and receive a course completion certificate.
Short Description: This course teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude essential to the safe and efficient use of a muzzleloading guns.
More Details: This is a four-hour course for safe gun handling that is conducted in the classroom only. Students are taught NRA’s three rules for safe gun handling; primary causes of firearm accidents; firearm parts; how to unload certain action types; ammunition components; cleaning; care; safe storage of firearms in the home; and the benefits of becoming an active participant in the shooting sports. Students will receive the NRA Home Firearm Safety handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Basic Firearm Training Program brochure, and course completion certificate.
This course is at least three hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot a specific rifle action type. Students will learn the NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; the particular rifle model parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; cleaning the rifle; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the Basics of Rifle Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet and FIRST Steps Course completion certificate.
Short Description: Firearm Instruction, Responsibility, and Safety Training is the NRA’s response to the American public’s need for a firearm orientation program for new purchasers.