Basic and Recreational Handgun

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The NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course is a great starting point for new or novice shooters. The course takes about 8 hours to complete and consists of classroom work and range training. The classroom portion of the course can be competed in the comfort of your own home or other informal classroom setting.

Things you will learn in the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting course:

• Essential gun safety and handling rules
• Safe and responsible firearm ownership
• Different types of pistols and which one is best for you
• Handgun nomenclature and operation
• Ammunition nomenclature and how it works
• The fundamentals of pistol shooting and marksmanship
• Different shooting positions
• The most common shooting errors
• Handgun maintenance and cleaning
• How to maintain and enhance your skills

The course includes a written exam, live fire practice, and a live fire qualification so you can be confident in your ability to own and operate your firearm safety, responsibility, and proficiently. Upon successful completion, you will be issued an official NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting training certification. 

This course satisfies the State of Colorado’s training requirement for issuance of a concealed handgun permit.

NOTE: After July 1, 2025, this course will no longer meet the  State of Colorado's training requirement for issuance of a concealed handgun permit.

Equipment you will need for this course:

• Your handgun (can be rimfire or centerfire - .22, .38, .380, .40, .45, 9mm, etc.)
• 200 – 400 rounds of ammunition (you will require a minimum of 20 rounds to qualify)
• Eye and ear protection
• Weather appropriate attire (hat, coat, etc.)
• Range appropriate attire (closed toe shoes, no baggy or loose-fitting clothing, shorts are discouraged) 
• Pen, pencil, and notepad