Shotguns, Rifles and Handguns, OH MY!
Firearms are tools — and like any tool, they’re safe, enjoyable, and effective in the hands of someone who knows how to use them. Whether you’ve never touched a firearm or just want to start fresh with the right foundation, our First Steps courses are designed for you.
No experience required. No judgment. No pressure. Just a small group, a patient instructor, and everything you need to feel safe and confident by the time you leave.
These courses are especially popular with parents of teens who will be around firearms, women considering firearms for personal protection, and anyone who’s ever been curious but wasn’t sure where to start.
Every First Steps course covers the same core safety foundation:
- The four fundamental rules of firearm safety — and why violating any one of them causes accidents
- How to inspect and confirm a firearm is unloaded — and why you still treat it as loaded anyway
- Why eye and ear protection are always required and how to use them
- How to identify a safe place to shoot — backstops, bullet travel, and what actually stops a round
- How to use the safety features found on modern firearms
- How to load, hold, aim, and fire
- How to handle common issues like misfires and squib rounds
- How to make your firearm safe after shooting
Complete the course with your own firearm or use one of ours. We have shotguns, small bore rifles, and handguns available at no extra charge. Ammunition is not included in the course fee due to the wide variety of calibers — however if you’re shooting .22 LR or another common caliber we may have ammunition available. Ask when you sign up.
Eye and ear protection provided — or bring your own.
The NRA First Steps Pistol Course
The perfect starting point for anyone who has never fired a handgun — or anyone who wants to start over and do it right.
Our pistol course is especially popular with women and first-time shooters, and we offer ladies-only classes upon request. We exceed the standard NRA First Steps curriculum because our students come here to actually learn — and we respect that.
Beyond the core safety foundation you’ll also cover:
- The basic operating systems of commonly available handguns — revolvers and semi-automatics
- A plain-language guide to ballistics and calibers — what matters and what doesn’t
- Loading, unloading, and firing both revolvers and semi-automatic handguns
- Recoil — what to expect, how to manage it, and how to make caliber choices that work for you
- Safe storage of your firearm at home
Maximum 4 students per class. Cost: $150 for regularly scheduled classes · $195 for semi-private or private classes on your schedule. Request a course
The NRA First Steps Rifle Course
Our most popular beginner course for teens — and a great starting point for any new rifle shooter.
No prior experience required. We provide a variety of small bore rifles at no extra charge, or you’re welcome to bring your own. Available at various locations near you.
Beyond the core safety foundation you’ll also cover:
- Rifle-specific safety rules and handling
- The basics of precise rifle shooting — sight alignment, trigger control, and follow through
- How to select the right rifle and ammunition for your purpose
Maximum 8 students per class · Maximum 4 shooters on the line at one time · Maximum 2 shooters on the line for teens under 16. Cost: $100 for regularly scheduled classes · $150 for semi-private or private classes on your schedule. Request a course
The NRA First Steps Shotgun Course
There is something genuinely fun about a shotgun — and this course leans into that.
Starting with the same safety foundation as our other First Steps courses, we’ll walk you through shotgun-specific handling, operation, and technique. You’ll learn how shotguns work, how to hold and point one correctly, and how to manage recoil. Then — just for fun — you’ll finish with a couple of clay targets. Don’t worry if you miss. Most people do the first time. Some don’t. Either way you’ll leave with a smile.
Beyond the core safety foundation you’ll also cover:
- Shotgun-specific handling and safe operation
- Point and shoot technique — shotguns are aimed differently than rifles and handguns
- Ammunition selection — shot size, chokes, and what they mean
- A taste of clay target shooting to finish the day
Maximum 6 students per class · 1 shooter on the line at a time. Cost: $75 for regularly scheduled classes · $125 for semi-private or private classes on your schedule. Request a course
Ready to take your first step? Contact us to schedule your class.