NRA Handgun Training

The National Rifle Association offers training programs for every level of experience. The focus of its training programs is on safety and ethics. The NRA aims to teach shooters to be responsible and knowledgeable. They also train individuals to compete in shooting competitions and in hunting.

  1. Handgun Safety Rules

    • According to the NRA website, basic handgun safety rules include always keeping the gun pointed in a safe direction, always keeping your finger off the trigger when not preparing to shoot and always keeping the gun unloaded until you are ready to use it. The NRA also recommends that you know your target (and what is beyond it), know how to use your gun, make sure the gun is safe to use, always use the correct ammunition, wear ear and eye protection, and never use drugs or alcohol before or while using your gun.

    Handgun Storage Safety

    • According to the NRA, handguns should always be treated as such lethal weapons, even when they are not being used. It suggests you store guns in a place that is inaccessible to unauthorized people. One way to do this is by keeping your gun in a locked safe or box to which only you have the key.

    Handgun Cleaning

    • It is necessary to clean your gun regularly to make sure it functions properly. According to the NRA, handguns should be cleaned after every use and after they have been stored for a long period of time. As always, make absolutely sure your gun is not loaded when you begin cleaning.

    Trainer Credentials

    • In order to qualify as an instructor for the NRA, you must complete an NRA instructor training course and receive the recommendation of the training counselor teaching the course. It is also necessary to have a significant amount of experience handling a variety of guns. Lastly, the NRA seeks out instructors who are natural teachers. The first six hours of NRA instructor courses consist of basic training. Once that stage is complete, instructors must undergo five to 16 additional hours of training in the specific discipline they wish to teach.

    Finding an NRA Training Course

    • The NRA website includes a database of all of its training facilities throughout the country. Basic handgun training courses are available for men, women and children. The NRA also offers summer shooting sports camps for children.