Basic Pistol Outline

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

  • State the course goal and any special requirements for the lessons
  • Identify the principal parts of a pistol and  the types of pistol  actions, and demonstrate how they function
  • State, explain and apply the NRA rules for safe  gun handling
  • Demonstrate how to handle a pistol in a safe manner
  • Identify the different components of a pistol cartridge
  • Explain the firing sequence of a cartridge
  • Explain how to properly identify and store ammunition
  • State the major types of cartridge malfunctions, and how to react to them
  • Explain the fundamentals of pistol shooting
  • Safely demonstrate the knowledge, skills  and attitude necessary to assume the one- Handed / two handed standing shooting position and bench rest position
  • Safely shoot a pistol from the one-handed / two handed standing shooting and bench rest position using the fundamentals of pistol shooting at a target on a range
  • Safely demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitude necessary to  conduct live fire training on a range
  • Explain the basic guidelines for selecting and purchasing a pistol
  • Identify the materials needed to clean a pistol
  • Demonstrate how to safely clean a pistol
  • Identify several ways to pursue pistol shooting after the course
  • Successfully complete the NRA basic pistol shooting course written examination

 

LESSON I: PISTOL KNOWLEDGE AND SAFE GUN HANDLING

  • Gun owner’s responsibilities
  • Reasons to own a pistol
  • Pistol action types
  • Main parts of a pistol
  • Parts of a revolver
  • Functions of a revolver
  • Parts of a semi-automatic pistol
  • Functions of a semi-automatic pistol
  • Types of semi-automatic pistol actions
  • Causes of firearm accidents
  • NRA rules for safe gun handling

 

LESSON II: AMMUNITION KNOWLEDGE AND THE FUNDAMENTALS OF PISTOL SHOOTING

  • Cartridge components
  • Rimfire and centerfire cartridges
  • Cartridge firing sequence
  • Cartride designation and identification
  • +P and +p+ cartridges
  • Ammunition storage
  • Types of cartridge
  • malfunctions
  • Dominant eye
  • Position
  • Elements of the one hand, two hand, and bench rest position

 

LESSON III: FIRING THE FIRST SHOTS

  • Range layout and limits
  • NRA rules for safe gun handling
  • NRA rules for using and storing a gun
  • General range safety rules
  • Questions/problems on the firing line
  • Hygiene  guidelines
  • Range commands
  • Adjusting the sights

 

LESSON IV: SCORING TARGETS, AND SELECTING AND MAINTAINING YOUR PISTOL

  • Scoring targets
  • Types of pistols
  • Selecting a pistol (factors & procedure)
  • Caring for the pistol
  • Gun cleaning equipment
  • Gun cleaning procedure
  • Pistol storage

LESSON V: CONTINUED OPPORTUNITIES FOR SKILL DEVELOPMENT

  • Winchester/NRA marksmanship qualification program
  • NRA training opportunities
  • Competitive shooting
  • NRA clubs
  • NRA programs
  • NRA history & goals
  • Benefits of NRA membership

LESSON VI: LIVE FIRE EXERCISE

Student must demonstrate the ability to properly operate the firearm, with little to no help.

WRITTEN TEST

Note:   Concealed Carry considerations and issues are discussed in association with this course.