Although Basics of Pistol Shooting is considered a "basic" course, we at Emmaus Shooting & Defense, add significant extra content to the full NRA program. In addition to teaching general firearms safety and range safety, we follow the NRA program and give the student hands on in the classroom with more than a dozen handguns of all types. We teach the fundamentals of pistol marksmanship in the classroom by  using laser simulators so the student can practice the fundamentals we teach before we ever go to the range. As an extra, we add real world lessons for concealed carry and defensive shooting as well as a unit on the legalities involved in defending oneself with a pistol. This makes for a very useful class for the complete novice right up to someone who wants to brush up on some rusty skills.

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By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

1. Safely handle and operate most varieties of modern handguns including modern revolvers and semi-automatics.

2. Understand how a bullet functions, different calibers, types of projectiles, and their potential uses.

3. Be proficient in the fundamentals of pistol handling, including basics of loading, unloading, safe storage, etc. 

4. Exhibit the proper fundamentals of pistol shooting, including all aspects of basic marksmanship. This includes proper stance, grip, alignment, and trigger pull. 

5. Successfully shoot the NRA qualification.

6. Score targets to determine levels of qualification.

7. Pick the proper pistol to fit its primary purpose. 

8. Feel confident in cleaning and performing light preventive maintenance on a pistol. 

9. Identify future opportunities for pistol skills development. 

10. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of different concealed carry techniques, including different holsters options, belly bands, belts, concealed carry garments, purses, etc.

11. Have a basic understanding of the legalities of firearms ownership, concealed carry, and defending yourself and your family with a firearm.

12. Complete the course review and NRA qualifying exam (all NRA examinations are open book).

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• Includes a 8-9 hour class, which includes1 hour of range time for practicing and shooting the NRA qualification, and a working lunch.  

• Student Provides their own handgun and ammo for qualification. (50 rounds)

• Student Provides 50 rounds of ammunition for that handgun. New brass cased ammunition in the original manufacturers box only. No reloaded, aluminum, or steel cased ammunition is allowed.

• Student's handgun must be a modern revolver or semi-automatic in good, safe, working condition between 22 and 45 caliber. Students must have ear and eye protection or rent it from the range.

• OR the Instructor Provides a 22 caliber target pistol, single action revolver, or a 380/9mm semi automatic pistol and ammunition needed to shoot the NRA qualification. This is an additional cost.