In this NRA BoPs firearms safety training course, students will receive instruction on firearm safety, handling, Maryland state firearm law, handgun parts and operation, and basic maintenance of a firearm. Additionally, a basic use-of-force lecture will be included.  This 8-hour course covers time in the classroom, our simulation lab and live firing on the range.

IMPORTANT! Please be aware that PREGNANT WOMEN should discuss the use of firearms with their physician prior to taking part in this course or any firearms use. Specifically you should discuss the effects of exposure to loud sounds.  If you are pregnant and/or nursing you should not handle any chemicals, lubricants or solvents unless you have discussed doing so with your physician.

A firearm is allowed and should be available to each student during the course.  NO AMMUNITION IS ALLOWED IN THE CLASSROOM. Please read your manual and be somewhat familiar with your firearm before coming to class.  Specifically you should know if you CAN or CANNOT dry fire your particular firearm.

Curriculum:

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• State the course goal and any special requirements for the lessons
• Identify the principal parts of a pistol and  the types of pistol  actions, and demonstrate how they function
• State, explain and apply the NRA rules for safe  gun handling
• Demonstrate how to handle a pistol in a safe manner
• Identify the different components of a pistol cartridge
• Explain the firing sequence of a cartridge
• Explain how to properly identify and store ammunition
• State the major types of cartridge malfunctions, and how to react to them
• Explain the fundamentals of pistol shooting
• Safely demonstrate the knowledge, skills  and attitude necessary to assume the one- Handed / two handed standing shooting position and bench rest position
• Safely shoot a pistol from the one-handed / two handed standing shooting and bench rest position using the fundamentals of pistol shooting at a target on a range
• Safely demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to  conduct live fire training on a range
• Properly score a pistol target
• Explain the basic guidelines for selecting and purchasing a pistol
• Identify the materials needed to clean a pistol
• Demonstrate how to safely clean a pistol
• Identify several ways to pursue pistol shooting after the course
• Successfully complete the NRA basic pistol shooting course written examination

Note that all times are approximate

LESSON I: PISTOL KNOWLEDGE AND SAFE GUN HANDLING – 2 Hours

• Gun owner’s responsibilities
• Reasons to own a pistol
• Pistol action types
• Main parts of a pistol
• Parts of a revolver
• Parts of a semi-automatic pistol
• Functions of a semi-automatic pistol slide
• Types of semi-automatic pistol actions
• Causes of firearm accidents
• NRA rules for safe gun handling

LESSON II: AMMUNITION KNOWLEDGE AND THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PISTOL SHOOTING – 2 Hours

• Cartridge components
• Rimfire and center fire cartridges
• cartridge firing sequence
• Cartridge designation and identification
• +P and +p+ cartridges
• Ammunition storage
• Types of cartridge
• malfunctions
• Dominant eye
• Position
• Elements of the one hand, two hand, and bench rest position

LESSON III: FIRING THE FIRST SHOTS – 1 Hour

• Range layout and limits
• NRA rules for safe gun handling
• NRA rules for using and storing a gun
• General range safety rules
• Questions/problems on the firing line
• Hygiene  guidelines
• Range commands
• Adjusting the sights

LESSON IV: SCORING TARGETS, AND SELECTING AND MAINTAINING YOUR PISTOL – 1 Hour

• Scoring targets
• Types of pistols
• Selecting a pistol (factors & procedure)
• Caring for the pistol
• Gun cleaning equipment
• Gun cleaning procedure
• Pistol storage

LESSON V: CONTINUED OPPORTUNITIES FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT – 30 Minutes

• Winchester/NRA marksmanship qualification program
• NRA training opportunities
• Competitive shooting
• NRA clubs
• NRA programs
• NRA history & goals
• Benefits of NRA membership

** LESSON VI: LIVE FIRE EXERCISE ** – 2 Hours

• 30 Rounds minimum/ 15ft / Bench rest Position
• 10 Rounds / 7ft / Two Hand Standing
• 10 Rounds / 4ft / One hand Standing
• 20 Rounds / 3 yards
• 20 Rounds / 5 yards
• 20 Rounds / 7 yards
• 20 Rounds / 15 yards

WRITTEN TEST – 30 Minutes – NRA Portion is DONE

• 50 questions
• 25 multiple choice –  25 true / false

Duration: 8 hours

Student Requirements

• Students are STRONGLY encouraged to bring and shoot their own handgun.
• 200 rounds of ammunition ( .22 is allowed for this course of fire )

Cost: $120