Many people think that learning from a family member or friend is sufficient when it comes to shooting a firearm.

The fact is, although those closest to you may be able to provide some excellent knowledge, some students who had experienced this particular learning scenario have reported feeling self-conscious and frustrated and came away not asking enough questions and/or not feeling confident enough afterwards.

A formal course provides a neutral setting to enable you to be comfortable and confident with a firearm. Many students benefit from classes because of the low-pressure/no-pressure learning environment. Students who take classes with Vermont Firearms Training are exposed to several hours of a lecture portion, robust Q & A, and hands-on training without ammunition. Before you even fire your first round, you learn how to safely handle the firearm. You learn the different components, how it operates, how it feels in your hand, how the trigger works, what the weight is like, what different types of ammunition look like and more. You then learn how to load with “dummy” rounds to ensure proper safety.

If  you wish to learn from a family member or friend, please consider having that be just a part of your overall training. Look into local class offerings that will enable you to formalize and expand upon what you’ve learned. It is always positive to obtain new information and professional guidance.

NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course: Teaches the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude for owning and operating a pistol safely.

This course is approximately 8 hours long and includes classroom and range time learning to shoot revolvers and semi-automatic pistols. Students learn NRA’s rules for safe gun handling; pistol parts and operation; ammunition; shooting fundamentals; range rules; shooting from the bench rest position, and two handed standing positions; cleaning the pistol; and continued opportunities for skill development. Students will receive the NRA Guide to the Basics of Pistol Shooting handbook, NRA Gun Safety Rules brochure, Winchester/NRA Marksmanship Qualification booklet, take a Basics of Pistol Shooting Student Examination, and course completion certificate. (Lesson Plan 2nd edition, 2009)

You DO NOT need to own a gun to attend this class, as firearms are available for use along ammunition, eye and ear protection. Round count is 100rds minimum (both small and large caliber). Using the NRA training method of Total Participant Involvement, this 8 hour basic course provides hands-on learning opportunities in the following areas:

Safe firearm handling

• Firearm parts and operation
• Ammunition and its function
• Shooting fundamentals and an opportunity to develop them on the range
• How to select, clean and store a firearm
• Review of various activities available to help participants
• Developing shooting skills

Certificates are awarded to participants who successfully complete this basic course.

This course, and all NRA courses stress the Three Fundamentals of Safe Gun Handling:

1. ALWAYS keep the gun pointed in a safe direction.

2. ALWAYS keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

3. ALWAYS keep the gun unloaded until ready to use.

This course is approximately 8 hours, held on either a Saturday  or Sunday.

Range and classroom facilities used are varied depending on availability. Courses are co-ed unless specifically scheduled and/or arranged otherwise.

COST: $150 Range Fee Included.