NRA Introduces Improved Basics of Pistol Shooting Program

by
posted on March 22, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
ssusa-instructor-training.jpg
Effective April 4, NRA Certified Instructors will have greater versatility and improved methods for training each student, based on their needs.

By combining time-tested curriculum with modern techniques, the NRA continues to create classes that Instructors want to teach—and their students want to take.

It’s well-known that the National Rifle Association sets the standard for firearms education and training in the United States. To preserve this standard, the Education and Training Division is introducing an improved Basics of Pistol Shooting Program, engineered to meet the demands of NRA Certified Instructors and students alike.

The improved Basics of Pistol Shooting Program places NRA Certified Instructors in the driver’s seat. Based on valuable feedback from our corps of dedicated instructors and training counselors nationwide, the NRA has introduced an Instructor Led Training (ILT) edition of the program, and will continue to offer the existing Blended Learning version.

These updates, which become effective on April 4, 2017, give NRA Instructors the ability to administer both versions of the course in their entirety, as well as the freedom to choose the method best suited for each student based on their needs. This instructor-focused approach puts Certified Instructors at the forefront of the training experience for students, while maintaining the ease of access, use and learning for those seeking the benefits of our proven training courses.

NRA Instructors will evaluate each student and determine their individual aptitude and ability. They are the best representation of the NRA to our members, and their years of expertise in firearms training is one of our most valuable assets. By combining time-tested curriculum with modern techniques, the NRA is once again taking the lead—developing courses that Instructors want to teach—and that their students want to take.

The existing Blended Learning Basics of Pistol Shooting course now includes the option for Instructors to teach a single action type, and new targets have been developed that require less ink for printing. Additionally, the online registration process has been streamlined.

For more information about the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Program, as well as all of NRA’s legendary training courses and offerings and information on how to become an NRA Certified Instructor, visit www.nrainstructors.org

Latest

2026 ARC Scopemounting 6
2026 ARC Scopemounting 6

NRA America’s Rifle Challenge: Kyle Lamb’s Guide to Mounting a Scope for ARC

Kyle Lamb walks through optics mounting with practical advice on leveling, eye relief and preventing scope shift during ARC competition.

Politics, Weather and Rising Stars Mark a Turning Point: 1990 National Matches

The 1990 National Matches at Camp Perry saw funding threats, severe weather cancellations and major victories by shooters like David Tubb and Jim Meredith as a new decade began.

Review: GP Arms Patriot Rebel

The GP Arms Patriot Rebel is a mid-level 2011 built for Limited Optics, delivering 1,000-plus rounds of flawless reliability including a full USPSA Nationals.

Milan Cortina 2026: Team USA’s Masters Defends Paralympic Biathlon Title With Perfect Shooting

Oksana Masters defended her Paralympic biathlon sprint title with flawless shooting at Milan Cortina 2026, with teammate Kendall Gretsch taking silver.

MidwayUSA Foundation Sends $7.5 Million to 995 Youth Shooting Teams Across 46 States

MidwayUSA Foundation concludes its February grant cycle with more than $7.5 million paid to youth shooting teams nationwide, funded by endowments that allow teams to draw 5% annually in perpetuity.

2026 NSCA Championship Tour Opens in March With Eight Stops and Expanded Winchester Ladies Cup

The NSCA Championship Tour, Powered by Winchester returns for 2026 with eight stops, $40,000 in added Ladies Cup payouts and 120 cases of ammunition for women competitors.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Sports USA delivered to your inbox.